COURSE CURRICULUM

The Political Science-Journalism program is an interdisciplinary major designed to integrate the study of government, politics, and public policy with the principles and practice of journalism. The program offers students a strong foundation in political science, covering core concepts such as public policy development, state and local government, constitutional law, international politics, and specialized topics such as campaigns, elections, interest groups, and the presidency. These courses provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the structure and function of political systems, the processes of governance, and the dynamics of political behavior in both domestic and global contexts. Complementing this political science foundation, the journalism component emphasizes practical reporting skills, media literacy, and ethical communication. Courses in news writing, news reporting, public affairs reporting, war and media, and journalism law and ethics equip students with the ability to research, analyze, and convey complex political information accurately and responsibly to a broad audience.The program requires completion of 51 units, including lower and upper division coursework, along with elective courses that allow students to tailor their studies according to personal interests and professional goals. Internships play a crucial role in experiential learning, offering students hands-on opportunities to work in government offices, media organizations, or other political and journalistic settings. These internships help students gain practical skills, develop professional networks, and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world contexts. The curriculum also encourages students to explore interdisciplinary electives, often integrating courses from both political science and journalism to provide a more holistic understanding of the interaction between media and politics.Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in political reporting, investigative journalism, government communications, media analysis, public affairs, policy research, and advocacy. The combination of rigorous political science training and applied journalism skills ensures that students are capable of critically examining political events, producing informed and ethical journalism, and contributing meaningfully to public discourse. This interdisciplinary approach fosters analytical thinking, ethical reasoning, and professional competence, equipping students to navigate the complex relationship between politics, media, and society in the modern world.