Journalism, BA

BA in Journalism Degree and Course Requirements | Financing | Info for Prospective StudentsSignificant Change to a Program: BA in Journalism Print American University has been turning out high-profile journalists since 1929. Our Journalism Division puts a strong focus on Public Affairs and investigative journalism. Students regularly hit the Hill, the embassies, or K Street, home to DC's many lobbyists, law firms and think tanks. Juniors and seniors routinely take on internships at major national outlets including The Washington Post and USA Today, gaining valuable experience and often earning bylines and clips while building impressive portfolios. Our Journalism Division has former and current correspondents and editors from the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, AOL, Fox News, and U.S. News and World Report -- all media organizations where our alumni are working. Broadcast The School of Communication has offered courses in Broadcast Journalism for over 30 years. What better place to report news than the nation's capitol, where news is made every minute of every day? Writing for Mass Communication, one of two core foundation courses, challenges students to master writing techniques for different media--print, broadcast and online. Next, the SOC experience begins to mirror professional experience as students write, shoot, edit and add sound bytes to news stories, all on deadline. Our Broadcast Division boasts its own media production center, featuring AVID editing systems and the finest in video, audio and film equipment. Students can explore new media, like podcasting, video messaging and social media. The School of Communication promotes a strong background in writing, communication theory and professional ethics, which leads to a rich, hands-on experience. Students graduate ready for a career in broadcasting with an impressive portfolio and a finished audition tape. Admission to the Program Students apply to American University, upon admission, they may choose any major offered by AU. For current students, formal admission to the major requires a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 (on a 4.00 scale). Students should declare their major by the end of the sophomore year. Students who are unable to achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 and declare a major in communication are not allowed to take courses in the school after they have completed 60 hours of undergraduate credit. For more information, contact: jill@american.edu