COURSE CURRICULUM

The Journalism curriculum at California State University, Sacramento requires a total of 40 units and is structured to provide students with a strong foundation in news writing, reporting, media analysis, and professional journalism practices. The program begins with pre-major courses, followed by lower division and upper division coursework, along with elective options that allow students to develop specialized skills in different areas of journalism and media production. Students majoring in journalism must complete all major courses with a minimum grade of C- or better.The required pre-major courses total 13 units and introduce students to the fundamental principles of journalism and media communication. These courses include JOUR 20 Style for Media Writers, which teaches the basic writing style used in journalism and media communication. JOUR 30 News Writing focuses on the fundamentals of news story structure and reporting techniques. Students also complete either JOUR/COMS 55 Media Communication and Society or JOUR 50 Media Literacy and Critical Thinking, both of which explore how media influences society and public discourse. Additional pre-major courses include JOUR 130A News Reporting I and JOUR 130B News Reporting II, which develop reporting skills such as interviewing, information gathering, and writing news stories.The required lower division courses total 7 units and reinforce the foundational skills needed for journalism practice. These include JOUR 20 Style for Media Writers, JOUR 30 News Writing, and JOUR/COMS 55 Media Communication and Society or JOUR 50 Media Literacy and Critical Thinking. These courses strengthen students’ abilities in media writing, critical thinking, and understanding the role of media institutions.The upper division coursework consists of 21 units and focuses on advanced journalism practices and professional skills. Students study editing and newsroom practices in JOUR 128 News Editing. Reporting skills are further developed through JOUR 130A News Reporting I and JOUR 130B News Reporting II. Modern journalism skills are emphasized in JOUR 131 Data Journalism, where students learn to analyze and present data-driven stories. Public policy reporting is explored in JOUR 135 Public Affairs Reporting. Students also study legal and ethical issues in journalism through JOUR/COMS 153 Journalism Law and Ethics. In addition, students must choose either JOUR 195 Internship in Journalism, which provides professional work experience, or JOUR 197A The State Hornet–Introduction, which allows students to participate in the university’s student-run newspaper.Students must also complete 12 units of electives that allow them to specialize in areas such as multimedia storytelling, public relations writing, media history, digital magazine production, data visualization, media business, or social issues in media. Through this combination of core coursework, practical training, and specialized electives, the journalism program prepares students for careers in reporting, editing, digital media production, public relations, and other communication-related professions.