Bachelor of Arts in Journalism

The biggest advantage of studying journalism at American University is the opportunity to learn in the nation’s capital, where students can report on Capitol Hill, government agencies, local communities, national policy, and major events while building work that can become part of a professional portfolio. AU combines newsroom-style coursework with professional facilities, digital production technology, field reporting, student media, and internships with major media organizations:

• Media Innovation Lab — Students work with advanced video, audio, and film technology, including AVID editing systems, giving them hands-on experience with professional media production.

• Media Production Center — The center includes a high-definition television studio, supporting broadcast journalism, video production, and on-camera reporting experience.

• Journalism Lab — Journalism courses such as Reporting, Quantitative Methods for Journalists, and Digital Skills use dedicated journalism laboratory spaces for practical coursework.

• COMM-305 Digital Skills — Students work with multimedia tools to produce words, images, audio, video, and interactive stories, including creating a real-world story from the Washington, D.C. region.

• COMM-320 Reporting — Students conduct interviews, research local issues, attend community events and neighborhood commissions, and produce stories for platforms such as The Wash, The Eagle, and other AU publications.

• COMM-385 Digital Audio Production — Students create radio newscasts and podcasts while rotating through production roles and developing an online portfolio of audio and web stories.

• COMM-425 Advanced Reporting — Students develop advanced reporting, interviewing, writing, producing, and distributing skills through assignments focused on Washington, D.C.

• COMM-432 Backpack Video Journalism — Students learn to shoot, edit, and produce video stories using digital cameras, microphones, lights, tripods, field-shooting techniques, and nonlinear editing.

• COMM-417 Fundamentals of News Design — Students explore publication design, photography, video, mapping, typography, and information graphics while working with Adobe Creative Suite and open-source tools.

• COMM-462 Journalism Capstone — Students complete an individual in-depth journalism project, professional portfolio, and professional-development work that brings their undergraduate training together.

• Dean’s Internships — Selected School of Communication students can earn bylines, production credits, and professional recognition through opportunities connected with organizations such as The Washington Post, Bloomberg BNA, Discovery Communications, National Geographic, and NPR.

• Washington, D.C. Reporting Environment — Students can gain direct exposure to national political, governmental, and public-policy reporting because the university is located in Washington, D.C.

• Professional Media Network — Journalism students learn from faculty with professional backgrounds at organizations including The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, NPR, Bloomberg, CBS, and other major media outlets.

• Student Publications & Platforms — Students can publish work through AU journalism platforms and student media, creating tangible reporting samples for future employers and internships.

Facilities and experiential-learning resources: American University School of Communication facilities and experiential-learning resources

The B.A. in Journalism is designed to move students from classroom reporting to professional media work, with internships, portfolio development, Washington, D.C. field experience, and career advising integrated into the student experience. Graduates can pursue roles across digital, broadcast, print, audio, investigative, multimedia, and emerging journalism, while the School of Communication's professional network provides opportunities to connect with major media organizations.

Possible career paths: Investigative Reporter, Podcast Producer, Multimedia Journalist, News Editor

Career progression is supported through:

• Two Full-Time Career Advisors — The School of Communication provides dedicated career advisors who help students pursue internships and plan their professional careers.

• Alumni Mentoring Program — AU's active alumni mentoring network helps students bridge the gap between academic study and professional journalism.

• Dean’s Internships — Select students can work with major organizations and potentially continue with their host organization during the summer or after graduation.

• Major Media Connections — AU identifies internship and professional connections with organizations including The Washington Post, USA Today, Politico, NBC4, NPR, Bloomberg, Bloomberg BNA, Discovery Communications, and National Geographic.

• Strong Internship Participation — 88% of recent School of Communication graduates completed at least one internship, giving students significant exposure to professional environments.

• School of Communication Outcomes — 86% of recent SOC graduates were working, in graduate school, or both within six months of graduation.

• Salary Outcome — AU reports an average salary of $62,512 for its Classes of 2023 and 2024 in its undergraduate outcomes reporting; this is an AU undergraduate figure rather than a Journalism-specific salary.

• Professional Accreditation — ACEJMC accreditation provides a recognized external quality benchmark for the journalism program and signals that the curriculum has been reviewed by academic and industry professionals.

• Portfolio Development — The Journalism Capstone requires students to produce an in-depth journalism project and polished professional portfolio, giving graduates concrete work to demonstrate to employers.

• Washington, D.C. Advantage — Students can build professional connections and reporting experience in a major national media and political center while completing their degree.

Further Academic Progression: Students can continue into graduate study at American University through the School of Communication’s combined bachelor’s/master’s pathway. Eligible students may apply during the second semester of their junior year after completing 75 credits and before completing 90 credits, with up to six bachelor’s credits counting toward the master’s degree. Relevant options include the M.A. in Journalism & Public Affairs and M.A. in Journalism & Digital Storytelling, alongside other communication and media graduate programs.