COURSE CURRICULUM

The B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Multi-Platform Journalism and Media is a 121-credit program designed to prepare students for professional careers in journalism, broadcasting, digital media production, and multimedia storytelling by combining communication fundamentals with intensive training in news reporting, editorial writing, and cross-platform content creation. The curriculum includes a 40-credit University Core Curriculum that emphasizes broad academic competencies such as global and intercultural awareness, creative arts perspectives, multimedia communication, and foundational university-level inquiry through courses like The UNCommon Course and Multimedia Communication. The major component consists of 30 credits of required communication and journalism coursework that builds progressively from foundational media studies to advanced professional practice. Students begin with core courses such as Understanding Media and Technology, Writing for the Media, and Fundamentals of Production I and II, which establish essential skills in media literacy, writing, and production techniques. These are followed by specialized courses including News Writing and Reporting, Advanced News Writing and Reporting, and Telling Digital Stories, which strengthen journalistic writing and digital storytelling abilities. Legal and ethical understanding is developed through Communication and the Law, while hands-on professional experience is gained through practica such as the Charger Bulletin News Practicum and Multi-Platform Journalism Practicum. Students further deepen their expertise by completing television and video production courses, including Television Production I and additional electives in broadcasting, advanced production, broadcast management, or related special topics, which develop technical proficiency in studio and field production environments. Additional journalism coursework focuses on media ethics, editorial processes, and communication campaigns, ensuring students understand both the creative and societal responsibilities of journalism. The program outcomes emphasize the ability to design and execute complex multimedia journalism projects, effectively use industry-standard software and equipment, and produce cohesive, professional news content across multiple platforms. Graduates are prepared for careers in journalism, broadcast news, digital media production, editorial work, content creation, and media communication roles, with strong applied skills in storytelling, production, and multi-platform distribution that reflect the demands of modern converged media industries.