COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in Journalism at CSUSB equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the evolving fields of journalism, media, and communication. The program requires a total of 31 units of major coursework and balances foundational theory, practical experience, and advanced electives. Core journalism courses provide students with essential competencies in newswriting, reporting, multimedia journalism, and media ethics, ensuring that graduates develop both the technical and ethical understanding necessary for professional practice. Students gain hands-on experience through journalism practica, where they can participate in student-run media such as the Coyote Chronicle, television production projects like Local Matters, digital audio and radio, and internship opportunities in communication. The practicum component allows students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, fostering professional skills, teamwork, and editorial judgment.In addition to practica, students complete journalism electives totaling nine units. These courses allow students to specialize in areas such as television studio production, digital audio and radio production, data journalism, AI in journalism and media, community and investigative journalism, and advanced journalism topics. This elective flexibility enables students to develop expertise in specific media formats and emerging technologies, preparing them to respond to industry trends. Beyond the core and elective journalism courses, students also choose six units of communication and media electives, which include courses in media analysis, film, digital video production, screenwriting, publication design, risk communication, strategic communication campaigns, social media management, media effects, and global communication. These courses provide interdisciplinary perspectives and additional technical competencies, reinforcing the integration of critical thinking, cultural awareness, and digital literacy into journalistic practice.Through this combination of theory, applied learning, and electives, the program ensures that graduates are versatile and prepared for a wide range of careers, including reporting, multimedia production, investigative journalism, public relations, and media management. Students leave the program with strong research, writing, ethical, and digital media skills, ready to navigate the challenges of modern journalism while contributing responsibly and creatively to public discourse in local, national, and global contexts.