Journalism: Bachelor of Journalism (also: Honours)
Description
The Journalism program prepares graduates for such positions as multi-media reporters, photojournalists, editors, researchers, and freelance writers. It also gives students valuable transferable skills that can be put to use in many fields of endeavour, including working in a deadline-driven environment, learning how to use social media and journalistic research skills in professional settings, and understanding the many facets of the collection and dissemination of information via the media.
The program is based on academic studies and practical training through seminars, labs and off-campus work experiences. The program features industry-standard software to produce journalism that draws on the full range of multimedia storytelling possibilities, including animation, interactivity, audio and video. Communication Studies courses are also an important part of the program, including exploration of such issues as media law and ethics, media and diversity and media and social change.
Faculty members include award-winning journalists with career experience and academic credentials. Many faculty members continue to work as journalists.
Journalism courses include such subject areas as:
- multimedia storytelling
- photojournalism
- news reporting
- citizen journalism
- narrative nonfiction
- communication and rights
- visual literacy
- media and diversity
During the course of their studies, students will:
- Develop a broad knowledge of multi-media journalism
- Develop critical thinking skills through course work that covers areas such as popular culture, communication theory, and media law and ethics
- Train in specific skill areas, such as photojournalism, multimedia storytelling, news reporting and literary journalism
- Develop appropriate attitudes through exposure to the legal, ethical and societal constraints under which they will be expected to function as journalists or professionals utilizing journalistic skills in other fields
- Develop sound work habits, such as effective time management, teamwork, and setting and meeting objectives
Career Opportunities
The Journalism program prepares graduates to:
- Work as multi-media writers, reporters, editors and photojournalists in online and print journalism and related fields
- Work as freelance multi-media writers and/or photojournalists
- Work in media-relations positions in private industry and government
KPU's Journalism program celebrates a high rate of employment for its graduates.
Program Admission Requirements
In addition to KPU's General university admission requirements, including the undergraduate-level English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply:
Year One Admission:
- English 12 with a 'B' (or equivalent)
- Mathematics:
- Minimum grade of 'C' in Pre-Calculus 11, Principles of Mathematics 11, or Applications of Mathematics 12 (or equivalent); or
- Minimum grade of 'C+' in Foundations of Mathematics 11 (or equivalent); or
- Minimum grade of 'C-' in Pre-Calculus 12 or Foundations of Mathematics 12 (or equivalent)
Year Three Admission:
- 60 credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 (including all 1100- and 2000-level major/minor program requirements).
- Grade of 'C' in all required 1000-and 2000-level courses, including the English writing requirement (ENGL 1100 and one of either ENGL 1202 or 1204, or equivalent).
- Two Quantitative courses (total of six or more credits).
- 12 credits of breadth courses
- Mathematics:
- Minimum grade of 'C' in Pre-Calculus 11, Principles of Mathematics 11, or Applications of Mathematics 12 (or equivalent); or
- Minimum grade of 'C+' in Foundations of Mathematics 11 (or equivalent); or
- Minimum grade of 'C-' in Pre-Calculus 12 or Foundations of Mathematics 12 (or equivalent); or
- Minimum grade of 'C+' in the above Two Quantitative courses (three credits of which must be from the Faculty of Science & Horticulture)
- Second language at the Grade 11 level or 6 credits of post-secondary language courses in the same language. Note: Students need only achieve a passing grade to fulfill this requirement. Beginner's or Introductory Language 11 courses are ineligible to meet this requirement. Students who can demonstrate competency in a second language may request an assessment to have this requirement waived.
Honours Admission:
High academic standing is required. Interested students should contact the department.
Qualifying Year
Students who do not qualify upon initial application to KPU may be eligible for entry to the Qualifying Year. Students who possess at least a 'C' in English 12 (or equivalent) and a passing grade in either Pre-Calculus 11, Principles of Math 11, Foundations of Mathematics 11, Applications of Math 12 (or equivalents) will be able to apply for entry to the BA Qualifying Year. Students will be admitted to the BA program in the second year provided they have successfully completed appropriate qualifying courses. Other applicants who do not qualify are encouraged to consult an Educational Advisor for the appropriate qualifying courses that satisfy the application criteria.
Program Continuance Requirements
Current BA students must meet the following requirements to continue into their 3rd year of study. Registration access to third or fourth year courses is first awarded to students who have completed the following:
- 60 credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 (including all 1100- and 2000-level major/minor program requirements).
- Grade of 'C' in all required 1000-and 2000-level courses, including the English writing requirement (ENGL 1100 and one of either ENGL 1202 or 1204, or equivalent).
- Two Quantitative courses (total of six or more credits).
- 12 credits of breadth courses
- Second language at the Grade 11 level or 6 credits of post-secondary language courses in the same language. Note: Students need only achieve a passing grade to fulfill this requirement. Beginner's or Introductory Language 11 courses are ineligible to meet this requirement. Students who can demonstrate competency in a second language may request an assessment to have this requirement waived.
Program Requirements
Students must complete all requirements in the Bachelor of Arts framework in addition to Journalism- and Communication-Studies course requirements.Journalism Honours
Students who have achieved high academic standing may choose to complete an Honours degree, which includes an Honours Seminar, Directed Study and Thesis. Students will work with a faculty advisor on an intensive research and writing project.
In addition to the 120 credits required by the Bachelor of Journalism degree program, honours students will need to complete the following additional 9 credits of course work: |
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| JRNL 4190 | Directed Study Honours 1 – Research | 3 credits | |
| JRNL 4290 | Honours Thesis | 3 credits | |
| JRNL 4295 | Journalism Honours Seminar | 3 credits | |
To qualify for the Journalism Honours degree, students must have been admitted to the Honours program prior to earning the Journalism degree. Students may receive either the Journalism degree or the Journalism Honours degree, but not both.
Note: The Honours degree may not be offered each year.
Journalism Major
Lower Level Requirements
Students must complete the following required courses for the Journalism Major. |
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| 1000 Level | |||
| JRNL 1160 | Intro to Journalism | 3 credits | |
| JRNL 1220 | Citizen Journalism | 3 credits | |
| 2000 Level | |||
| JRNL 2120 | Storytelling 1 | 3 credits | |
| JRNL 2230 | Multimedia Storytelling | 3 credits | |
Students must complete a total of 12 credits from the following two areas by selecting two courses from each area: |
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| 1. Journalism Electives (choose two) | |||
| JRNL 2140 | Introduction to News: How We Inform Ourselves | 3 credits | |
| JRNL 2240 | Beyond the News | 3 credits | |
| JRNL 2250 | Public Affairs Journalism 1 | 3 credits | |
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2. Communication Studies Electives (choose two) |
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| COMM 1100 | Foundations of Communication Studies | 3 credits | |
| COMM 1110 | TV and Social Change | 3 credits | |
| COMM 1200 | Visual Literacy | 3 credits | |
| COMM 2100 | Media Ethics and Law | 3 credits | |
| COMM 2210 | Media, Audiences and Popular Culture | 3 credits | |
| COMM 2220 | Communications Rights & Freedoms | 3 credits | |
Upper Level Requirements
Students must complete the following required courses for the Journalism Major: |
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| 3000 Level | |||
| JRNL 3155 | Storytelling 2: Reporting | 3 credits | |
| JRNL 3160 | Photojournalism | 3 credits | |
| 4000 Level | |||
| JRNL 4270 | Advanced Storytelling | 3 credits | |
Students must complete a total of 21 credits from the following three areas by selecting at least two courses from each area: |
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| 1. Journalism Electives (choose at least two) | |||
| JRNL 3170 | Storytelling 3: Narrative Nonfiction | 3 credits | |
| JRNL 3260 | Media Economics and Entrepreneurial Journalism | 3 credits | |
| JRNL 4165 | Data Journalism | 3 credits | |
| JRNL 4250 | Public Affairs Journalism 2 | 3 credits | |
| 2. Journalism Electives (choose at least two) | |||
| JRNL 3270 | Advanced Photojournalism | 3 credits | |
| JRNL 4141 | Work Experience | 3 credits | |
| JRNL 4240 | Social Issues Journalism | 3 credits | |
| JRNL 4260 | Computer Programming for Journalists | 3 credits | |
| 3. Communication Studies Electives (choose at least two) | |||
| COMM 3100 | Media and Diversity | 3 credits | |
| COMM 3110 | News Media and Influence | 3 credits | |
| COMM 4210 | History of Canadian Journalism | 3 credits | |
Credential Awarded
Upon successful completion of the honours program, students are eligible to receive a Bachelor of Journalism (Honours).
Upon successful completion of the major program, students are eligible to receive a Bachelor of Journalism.
