University Studies - BA, Journalism Studies Concentration

University Studies - Journalism represents an interdisciplinary approach to journalism education, with an emphasis on writing-intensive courses that support the critical thinking skills required of journalists in the 21st century. In addition to the concentration in journalism through the University Studies degree, students in the program are required to complete two minors, substantially broadening the interdisciplinary aspects of journalism education.  Students who choose a minor in Communication, for example, may also choose to complete a certificate in one of six areas: Global Media, Social Media, Strategic Communication, Health Communication, Leadership and Conflict Management or Diversity and Social Justice.

Students with a degree in University Studies - Journalism will be prepared for a successful life and career in several ways. The coursework emphasizes critical thinking skills—a necessary component in the changing world of journalism that relies on writing for different types of media with frequent updates and differing audiences. They are exposed to experiential learning through classes that require students to report and write on deadline and by the requirement for an internship in the field. They develop and enhance strong writing skills by taking up to four writing-intensive courses. The very nature of journalism—constantly reporting and evaluating new information while examining new topics—prepares them to be thoughtful consumers of information and encourages them to engage in learning throughout their lifetimes.

Each student completes a substantial internship in settings ranging from local publications to Aggie Athletics to state and national media outlets.  These internships may be completed in traditional media, digital media, broadcast and in multimedia journalism.  Students also may have the opportunity to write for the campus newspaper, The Battalion.

Students in University Studies - Journalism may work in political journalism, arts and entertainment journalism, sport journalism, magazine journalism, literary nonfiction or multimedia journalism, to name a few.