Uncover truths and tell important stories. As a Journalism major, you'll learn to cover breaking news, highlight underrepresented communities and create public relations campaigns.
Why Study Journalism?
In a world full of misinformation, good journalists help separate fact from fiction. As a Journalism major, you will learn to tell well-researched stories in creative ways. You will also gain the skills you need to share important news and report on local and national events.
With a degree in journalism, you will be ready to build a rewarding career in the modern era. You can work in print and online media, broadcast news or public relations firms. Learn to be a creative, analytical and ethical practitioner whose words and actions might change the world.
Why Study Journalism at CSUN?
Journalism that Matters
CSUN's Journalism program stands out for its focus on diversity and inclusion. Through your courses, you will learn to highlight local and underserved groups. You'll gain experience through working in student-run media outlets in English and Spanish. You can also join faculty-led projects or find professional internships at media outlets. See why our program is locally and nationally known for our dedicated journalists.
Multiple Options
At CSUN, you can choose a journalism option that fits your passion. The journalism option will prepare you for print, digital and mobile news operations. The broadcast option will prepare you for a career in radio, television and emerging technologies. The public relations option will teach you the skills you need to enter this creative media field.
Student Media
There are a variety of ways to grow your skills as a journalism student at CSUN. The Department of Journalism supports seven award-winning, student-led digital news media operations that publish and produce news in English and Spanish. It also supports a student-operated public relations firm. You will be able to actively use and grow your skills as well as find the field that best fits you.
What You'll Learn
As a Journalism major, you'll take a variety of classes from reporting to law and ethics to news literacy. You'll learn to write for diverse audiences and craft well-researched and engaging stories.
You will hone skills such as cultivating sources, interviewing and researching. You'll learn to make ethical decisions to write fair and inclusive stories. Finally, you will learn the tools and technology needed for the contemporary news media profession.
In your core classes you will learn:
- News reporting and writing skills
- Media law and news ethics
- Online and multimedia storytelling, including digital and social media
- Visual communication techniques
You will also take practicum classes in which you will participate in our student-run news organizations or public relations agency.
Additional coursework will depend on the option you choose.
In this option, you will learn practical journalism skills and combine them with experiential learning. You will be prepared for a variety of communication positions, including print and online news publications.
As part of the journalism option, you will choose from these classes:
- Feature writing
- Photojournalism
- Investigative reporting
- Spanish-language media writing
You will also be able to choose from a variety of journalism electives, such as sports journalism or podcasting, to round out your major courses.
In this option, you will learn the skills you need to succeed in broadcast news and digital media organizations. You'll learn to write, report, produce and anchor in both your classes and our campus-based news operations.
For the broadcast option, you will take courses on:
- Broadcast reporting
- Television news and public affairs reporting
- Spanish-language media writing
You will also be able to choose from a variety of journalism electives, such social media for journalists or Spanish-language television, to round out your major courses.
In this option, you will learn the theory of public relations. You will learn how corporations, governments and other entities share information with the public. You will learn about crisis and strategic communications, marketing strategies and audience analysis.
In your public relations classes, you will learn:
- How to plan, implement and analyze public relations campaigns
- How to manage relationships with clients, constituents and journalists
You will also be able to choose from a variety of journalism electives, such as digital media entrepreneurship or entertainment public relations, to round out your major.
Careers & Outcomes
Upon graduating, you will be qualified to find a career in a variety of media and communication roles. You can become a reporter for print, broadcast or digital outlets or join a public relations firm.
Employers of recent alumni include:
- The Associated Press
- Los Angeles Times
- The Signal in Santa Clarita
- KNBC-4
- KCRA
- KRON
- KLAS
- KMEX 34 Univision
- KVEA Telemundo 52
- BuzzFeed News
- ABC's Good Morning America
- NBC News
- CBS
- CNN
- PBS NewsHour
- U.S. Congressional representatives
- Porter Novelli
- Rogers and Cowan PMK
- Kalungi
- MFUG Union Bank
- Boutique public relations agencies
Common career paths for graduates include:
- Reporter
- Copy editor
- Editor
- Photojournalist
- Editorial assistant
- News director
- Foreign correspondent
- Production assistant
- Account coordinator
- Communications coordinator
- Content strategist
- Marketing assistant
Real news happens on campus.
Be a part of the action by joining the Daily Sundial. Gain practical experience by reporting on local politics, sports, arts, campus initiatives and more. Build your resume while keeping the CSUN community informed on a variety of storytelling platforms.
Accreditation and Membership
The Department of Journalism is accredited by the National Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications. It is also a member of the Association of Schools of Journalism and Mass Communication.