Studying journalism at California Baptist University provides students with practical experience in this constantly changing field. Students can choose to concentrate their studies in photo communications, public relations, global journalism or print and convergent journalism. The field of journalism is changing but the research, interviewing and writing skills, along with design and public relation skills, that students master through this program prepare them to work in journalism, public relations and related fields.
Journalism Major
This major seeks to develop students' skills in professional-level journalistic writing, including investigation, interviewing and reporting, explanatory and analytical writing, editing, layout and design, and media law and ethics, in accordance with nationally accepted journalism standards. Journalism majors can choose a focus area to study including print and convergent media, photo communications, global journalism and public relations. Social media and the world of freelance journalism are discussed in various courses including Applied Journalism which is a course that introduces students to new freelance opportunities that they can pursue while they study journalism.
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Public Relations Major
Public Relations major gains an understanding of the contribution and responsibility of public relations/communication departments in organizations in both the private and public sectors. The importance of ethics, branding and social media are also stressed. An outstanding feature of this program is the opportunity for students to gain practical experience and networking connections through internships. Students can take several different internships at advertising and public relations firms as well as at the profit and nonprofit organizations. Public Relations major is encouraged to join the CBU chapter of the PRSSA club which also provides networking opportunities.
Journalism Minor
CBU students can also choose to make journalism their minor, developing their skills in design, writing, photography and copyediting. This minor is an asset to many majors as the ability to write, edit and graphically package content is a highly marketable skill.
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Public Relations Minor
CBU students can choose to minor in Public Relations, developing their oral and written communication skills as they learn to work on campaigns, branding and internal and external communications. This course provides marketable skills as students learn to create public relations materials including a press kit with brochures, flyers and web communications including including social media.
Internship Opportunities
CBU journalism students also have the opportunity to apply to Washington Journalism Center, Associated Press, local newspapers, magazines and public relations firms. The WJC Internship provides an advanced, experimental semester on Capitol Hill that cultivates professional news skills and encourages students to think through the implications of being a Christian working in the news media. The center introduces students to internship opportunities at major newspapers, news service providers, associations and other entities that give them "real world" working experience and more powerful resume.
Journalism Program Student Outcomes
TRADITIONAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Journalism Major (39 units) BA
Lower Division Requirements
COM 113 Oral Communication
GDM 120 Fundamental Typography
JRN 170 Introduction to Journalism
JRN 253 News Editing and Design
Lower Division Publication Requirement
JRN 212 Yearbook Production
JRN 215 Newspaper Production
Upper Division Requirements
COM 403 Communication Theory
JRN 450 Internship (Capstone required during senior year)
Upper Division Publication Requirements:
JRN 412 Advanced Yearbook Production
JRN 415 Advanced Newspaper Production
Concentrations (12 units)
Global Journalism
ICS 105 Introduction to Global Studies
PHI 353 Comparative Religions
JRN 371 Applied Journalism Production
ICS 430 Intercultural Communications OR POL 350 International Relations Theory
Photo Journalism
ART 210 Beginning Photography
JRN 310 Photojournalism
JRN 320 Ethics in Public Relations & Journalism
JRN 410 Advanced Photo Journalism
Public Relations
COM 300 Public Relations
JRN 320 Ethics in Public Relations & Journalism
JRN 349 Copy Editing for Newspapers & Magazines
JRN 371 Applied Journalism Production
Print and Convergent Journalism
JRN 220 Podcast & Broadcast Principles
JRN 350 Magazine Writing
JRN 371 Applied Journalism Production
JRN 310 Photojournalism
This page was updated on March 7, 2011.