BA or BS in Journalism

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Oregon

Program Overview

The University of Oregon’s Journalism bachelor’s degree prepares students to report, investigate and tell accurate, compelling stories across digital, audio, video, visual and emerging media. It is a strong choice for students who want a modern journalism education with hands-on production, ethical reporting, global experiences and opportunities to build a professional portfolio before graduation.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:

Students begin with the shared SOJC foundation through courses such as JCOM 101 Media Professions, JCOM 102 Story Craft Audio, and JCOM 103 Story Craft Visual, developing an understanding of media careers alongside practical audio, visual and production skills. They also study JCOM 201 Making Sense of Media, JCOM 202 How Stories Work, and JCOM 203 Writing as Practice to strengthen media literacy, storytelling and professional writing.

Year 2:

Students move into journalism-specific study with JCOM 330 Journalism and Democracy and JCOM 331 Fundamentals of Reporting and Interviewing, building the research, interviewing, analysis and writing skills needed for professional reporting. Depending on their chosen track, they begin developing additional expertise in reporting and writing, broadcast and digital journalism, or photojournalism.

Year 3:

Students deepen their journalism practice through courses such as JCOM 332 Public Affairs Journalism, JCOM 333 Audiences, and JCOM 341 Audio Journalism I. They can also explore JCOM 342 Video Journalism I, JCOM 431 Data Journalism, or JCOM 432 Solutions Journalism, gaining experience with audience insights, audio/video production, data and evidence-based reporting.

Year 4:

In the final stage, students can take advanced courses such as JCOM 434 Investigative Journalism, JCOM 435 Profiles and Narrative, or JCOM 343 Video Reporting II: Live Broadcast. These experiences emphasize in-depth reporting, compelling narrative construction, live production and professional-quality journalism that can contribute directly to a student's portfolio.

Focus Areas:

Reporting and writing, broadcast and digital journalism, photojournalism, multimedia storytelling, investigative journalism, data journalism, solutions journalism, audio journalism, video journalism, public affairs journalism, audience engagement, visual storytelling

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop professional reporting, interviewing, research, writing, visual and multimedia storytelling skills; learn to apply journalism ethics and media law; analyze audiences and information; use professional media technologies; evaluate information for accuracy and fairness; and produce journalism that serves communities and the public interest.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Journalism undergraduate major is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC). The program's learning outcomes align with professional competencies including freedom of expression, ethical practice, accurate reporting, critical thinking, research and effective use of media technologies.

Reputation (Employability & Recognition):

The SOJC has a long-standing journalism tradition dating back to 1916 and currently reports 595+ journalism students, 15 Pulitzer Prizes won by faculty and alumni, and 8+ student publications and media outlets. Its graduates have also built notable careers in journalism, media and related fields, including Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Rebecca Woolington and sports and business leaders such as Heather Davis and Sarah Mensah.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The University of Oregon places strong emphasis on learning journalism by doing, with students producing published work, reporting in the field, working in student newsrooms and gaining professional experience through internships. Students have access to state-of-the-art broadcast, photo and podcast studios, social and immersive media labs, professional cameras, audio equipment and editing technologies, giving them opportunities to build a substantial journalism portfolio while studying.

• Daily Emerald — Students can work as reporters, editors, designers, photographers and web developers in an independent, student-run newsroom producing a weekly newspaper and 24/7 digital news website.

• Duck TV — Students work as anchors, reporters, videographers, producers and technical crew members through a repeatable broadcast practicum focused on modern broadcast and digital storytelling.

• Flux Magazine — This award-winning SOJC publication gives students opportunities to work as editors, feature writers, designers, photographers and videographers while producing multimedia stories in the field.

• OR Magazine — Students collaborate as writers, photographers, designers and videographers to produce an interactive digital magazine featuring stories about Oregon's people and culture.

• JCOM 343 Video Reporting II: Live Broadcast — Students work as a team on a live weekly newscast, taking roles such as anchor, reporter, producer and videographer.

• JCOM 434 Investigative Journalism — Students undertake rigorous investigative work using in-depth interviews and public records and publish their vetted reporting by the end of the term.

• Experience Hub — Students experiment with emerging technologies and professional multimedia tools while developing advanced content-creation skills.

• Allen Hall J-Cage and Gear Closet — Students have access to media-making equipment and resources for hands-on journalism production.

• Audio, Broadcast and Photo Studios — Journalism students use state-of-the-art facilities for podcasting, photography, video and broadcast production.

• Global Reporting Trips — Faculty-led journalism trips have taken students to locations including New York City, Sri Lanka, Ghana and Vietnam, allowing them to report stories and build professional contacts internationally. Recent student work has also included reporting trips to Lisbon and New Zealand.

• Charles Snowden Program for Excellence in Journalism — Competitive 10-week paid summer internships place students at local Oregon media outlets for professional, ethical journalism training; more than 8 in 10 Snowden interns land media jobs after graduation.

• Handshake — Students can search for full-time jobs, part-time positions, internships and seasonal opportunities, while also accessing résumé and cover-letter resources.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Journalism graduates leave UO with real published work, practical reporting experience, professional connections and transferable skills that can lead into traditional newsrooms as well as digital media, documentary production, content strategy and communication careers. The SOJC reports that 98% of its undergraduate students have jobs or are in graduate school one year after graduation, while 79% participate in hands-on learning and 50% hold at least one internship.

Typical job roles: Multimedia Journalist, News Reporter, Investigative Journalist, Digital Content Producer

Students can strengthen their transition from university to employment through the SOJC's dedicated career resources and industry opportunities:

• SOJC Career Services — Career specialists provide workshops and one-on-one consultations covering career research, cover letters, interview preparation, salary negotiation and other career-development needs.

• SOJC Career Network and Handshake — Students can access employer-posted jobs, internships, work-study positions and field-specific career resources through Handshake and the SOJC Career Network on LinkedIn.

• Employment Outcomes — The SOJC reports 98% of undergraduate students employed or in graduate school one year after graduation, providing a strong overall indicator of post-graduation progression.

• Internship Outcomes — More than 80% of Charles Snowden journalism interns land media jobs after graduation, making the program's paid internship pathway particularly valuable for students targeting professional journalism careers.

• Industry and Client Connections — Students gain experience with real media and professional environments through organizations such as Daily Emerald, Duck TV, KWVA, as well as real-world reporting projects and collaborations with external organizations.

• Long-Term Professional Value — ACEJMC accreditation provides a recognized professional framework for journalism education, emphasizing ethical practice, freedom of expression, critical thinking, research and effective use of communication technologies.

• Alumni Network — UO journalism alumni have progressed into influential careers across journalism, business, sports and communications, including Pulitzer Prize-winning journalism and senior leadership roles at organizations such as Nike and the Portland Timbers.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into advanced study in areas such as Journalism, Multimedia Storytelling, Media Studies and Strategic Communication at the University of Oregon or pursue related graduate programs at other universities. The SOJC also offers master's and doctoral pathways for students interested in advanced professional practice, research, teaching, media innovation or communication leadership.