Journalism is an ideal career for those interested in gathering, reporting and analyzing information — and putting that information into an entertaining, easily understood format. It is a competitive field that has changed dramatically over the last few years and is expected to continue changing as new technology is introduced.
Journalists play a vital role in how the public perceives local, national and international events. Careers in journalism require people who are independent, flexible, creative and highly innovative. Successful journalists are exceptional writers who are highly motivated and detail oriented.
You can prepare for these exciting opportunities by earning your Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from St. John’s University. Offered by the Collins College of Professional Studies, the program prepares students for careers in all facets of Journalism, including print, broadcast and the Internet.
Competition for jobs is fierce in large metropolitan and national newspapers, broadcast stations, networks, and magazines. Talented writers who can handle highly specialized scientific or technical subjects will have an advantage and St. John’s can provide you with that advantage.
- Degree Type
- BS
- Area of Interest
- Communications, Marketing & Media
- Associated Colleges or Schools
- Program Location
- Queens Campus
- Required Credit Hours
- 120
Program Contact
We are here to answer any questions you may have about the Journalism program and admission process.
Admission
For more information about admission to this program, please visit Undergraduate Admission online or contact us directly at:
Admission Office - Queens Campus
718-990-2000
[email protected]
Degree Requirements
The B.S. in Journalism requires all students to complete 120 credits. In addition to the liberal arts core, courses are organized to allow students to tailor their degree to fit their academic and professional goals. The specific requirements for this B.S. degree are:
- Common Core requirements (42 credits)
- Other liberal arts requirements (18 credits)
- Free electives (15 credits)
- Journalism major requirements (24 Credits)
- Journalism specialized track requirements (6 Credits)
- Journalism business area requirement (3 credits)
- Journalism elective courses requirements (12 Credits)
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| COM 1001 | Introduction to Mass Communications |
| COM 1002 | Multimedia Communication |
| COM 2500 | Visual Aesthetics |
| JOU 1000 | Introduction to Journalism |
| JOU 1402 | Ethics and Law in Journalism |
| JOU 2307 | The Craft of Interviewing |
| JOU 3300 | Feature Reporting and Writing |
| JOU 4703 | Applying Journalism Principles and Skills |
Print Track
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| JOU 2300 | Writing and Reporting for Print and Online |
| JOU 3301 | Copy Editing |
Broadcast Track
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| JOU 2312 | Writing and Reporting for TV and Radio |
| JOU 3312 | Advanced News Reporting and Writing for TV and Radio |
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| MGT 1001 | Principles of Management I |
| ENT 1000 | Creativity, Innovation & Entrepreneurship |
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| JOU 1400 | Introduction to Magazine Publishing |
| JOU 1500 | The History of Journalism |
| JOU 1501 | The Press and Government |
| JOU 1502 | The Press and Cinema |
| JOU 1504 | Religious Journalism |
| JOU 2201 | Introduction to Broadcasting |
| JOU 2204 | Sports Broadcasting |
| JOU 2313 | Podcasting and Innovative Journalism Trends |
| JOU 3302 | Magazine Journalism |
| JOU 3303 | Business Journalism |
| JOU 3304 | Sports Writing |
| JOU 3309 | Writing Music, TV and Film Reviews |
| JOU 3310 | Investigative and In-Depth Reporting |
| JOU 3311 | Crime Reporting |
| JOU 4301 | International Reporting |
| JOU 4302 | Opinion Writing |
| JOU 4600 | Independent Study |
| JOU 5001 | Journalism Internship I |
| JOU 5002 | Journalism Internship II |
| JOU 5003 | Journalism Internship III |
| JOU 5004 | Journalism Internship IV |
36 Credits from the following courses:
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| DNY 1000C | Discover New York |
| FYW 1000C | First Year Writing |
| ENG 1100C | Literature in a Global Context |
| HIS 1000C | Emergence of a Global Society |
| PHI 1000C | Philosophy of the Human Person |
| PHI 1024 | Media Ethics |
| PHI 3000C | Metaphysics |
| SCI 1000C | Scientific Inquiry |
| SPE 1000C | Public Speaking for the College Student |
| THE 1000C | Perspectives on Christianity |
| THE 1040 Series | Theology |
| THE | Any Theology Elective |
And SIX Credits in Modern Foreign Language/Cultural Studies from any second language
Other Liberal Arts Requirements
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| HIS 1017 | Contemporary United States |
Choose from one of these two courses:
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| MTH 1009 | Calculus I |
| MTH 1021 | Introduction to Statistics |
SIX Credits in ENG 1007-1072 but not ENG 1040
SIX Credits in Social Science from these choices below:
| Course | Course Area |
|---|---|
| ANT | Anthropology |
| ECO | Economics |
| GOV | Government |
| HIS | History |
| PSC | Political Science |
| PSY | Psychology |
| SOC | Sociology |
Career Outcomes
The Bachelor of Science Degree Program in Journalism prepares students for success in this exciting field by helping them to meet these critical objectives:
- Gaining hands-on experience through internships at professional newspapers, magazines, public relations firms, advertising agencies, wire services, television or radio stations, broadcast networks or Internet news sites.
- Acquiring a comprehensive knowledge of and skill in the established writing formats for all journalistic media.
- Developing skills in researching and reporting news stories and gathering pertinent information.
- Gaining preparation for graduate work in journalism and related fields
Why Study Journalism at St. John's?
- Knowledge to complete written, visual, and oral examples of news stories that are factually accurate, unbiased and engaging for audiences.
- Ability to analyze stories and actions by journalists that relate to news reporting and ethics.
- Understanding to explain ethical issues in journalism, review situations applying to ethical behavior and propose appropriate ethical actions.
- Skill to evaluate local, national and international events and how they are covered by different journalism entities.
- Learn to appraise and contrast journalistic practices in the past, present and developing for the future.
- Examine the changing techniques of journalists.
- Explain the role of the news media in American society and the impact of American society on the news media.
- Analyze news content in multiple media for distinctive styles and writing techniques.
- Employ modern research methods to develop news stories, verify content and engage with news consumers.
- Conceive ideas for news stories.
- Apply writing skills to suggested and assigned stories.
- Conduct and practice interview skills to develop content for news stories.
- Produce original news stories on a weekly basis in multimedia formats using all facets of journalism writing, announcing and technical skills.
- Apply all facets of journalism in internship with professional news organization.
Journalism students also gain an academic and professional edge by joining any of St. John's more than 180 student clubs and organizations. Clubs that may be of special interest to Journalism majors include these:
- The Torch: Weekly student newspaper (Queens campus)
- St. John's University Television Club (WRED)
- WSJU-Radio
Journalism majors also may apply to a variety of honor societies, including the Collins College of Professional Studies Honor Society, which recognizes undergraduates for academic excellence and demonstrable involvement in their churches and communities.
Facilities include high-tech classrooms, up-to-date computer and science laboratories including the Simulation Lab and professional grade broadcast news gear.
Students can also take advantage of St. John’s location in dynamic New York City. Our faculty and Career Center have strong ties to employers and other professional and educational resources throughout the New York area.
The Journalism Program also has a Pathways to the Master’s Program in International Communication. To get more information on our Pathways program, please visit our CCPS Pathways page.
Alumni Success Story
Alumna Charts a Pioneering Path in Retail Communications Sector
Raquel Ringgold ’20CCPS, ’21MBA never imagined herself as a pioneer, but an examination of her career growth demonstrates that reality. Believed to be among the youngest candidates ever hired to a managerial position at Saks Fifth Avenue, the former St. John’s University graduate assistant is among a group of emerging executives breathing fresh life into the 100-year-old retailer.
Highlight
Ms. Ringgold’s full-time job search began in earnest after she earned her M.B.A. in August 2021. Saks quickly made her an offer; in her job as communications manager she is responsible for messaging across 39 stores, managing the brand’s LinkedIn presence, creating branded events, and more.
Success at St. John's
Shooting for the Stars: from Intern to Webby Award Winner at Oprah Daily
Like many first-year students, Annastacia Gladston ’17CPS was unsure of where she fit in when she first arrived at the Queens, NY, campus of St. John’s University. That feeling of uncertainty was short-lived, as the University’s welcoming atmosphere provided her with the support she needed to find her true self and set the stage for a promising future.
Highlight
“I was drawn to St. John’s by the location and programs offered,” the native of Queens, NY, explained. “My entire family lives in New York, so I wanted to be close to my support system as I entered this new phase of my life.”
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