Major / Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Journalism

Journalism majors learn how to make better media. They write. They record audio and video. They take photographs. They edit. Along the way, they develop deep critical-thinking skills as well as abilities to gather, organize and understand information about their communities. And then – continuing this communication process through its full cycle – they share what they have learned clearly and responsibly across multiple media platforms, including social media.

Our program is professional in its orientation, and students are encouraged to work for campus media such as Ka Leo O Hawaiʻi (the campus newspaper) or KTUH-FM (the campus radio station) and to participate in an extensive program of professional internships, including at prominent media organizations based on Oʻahu, such as The Star-Advertiser, Hawaii News Now, and Civil Beat.

Learn more about the Journalism program.

Contact Us

jour@hawaii.edu

(808) 956-8881

JOUR Courses

Descriptions Availability

Additional Details

Admission to the major is open to all students admitted to UH Mānoa. Download and complete the Declaration of Major form (or Double Major form). Email a scan/photo of your completed form to jour@hawaii.edu, and we’ll take it from there.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in journalism requires the completion of 30 credit hours, including:

1. Journalism Required Courses (21 credits)

  • JOUR 150: Journalism and Society (3) DS
  • JOUR 200: Intro to Multimedia Journalism (3)
  • JOUR 250: Media Writing (3) WI
  • JOUR 300: Reporting (3) WI
  • JOUR 330: Video Journalism (3) OC
  • JOUR 460: Media Ethics (3) ETH, WI
  • JOUR 481: Innovation and Entrepreneurship (3) WI

2. Journalism Electives (9 credits)

For electives, students must take at least nine credits from the following list or any other qualifying upper-division JOUR class:

  • JOUR 307: Photojournalism (3)
  • JOUR 316: Advanced Editing (3)
  • JOUR 320: Visual Journalism: Multimedia (3)
  • JOUR 325: Magazine Writing (3) WI
  • JOUR 327: Interpretive Journalism (3)
  • JOUR 360: Journalism History and Trends (3) DS, WI
  • JOUR 385: Practicum (1) (repeatable up to three credits)
  • JOUR 390: Journalism/Communications Workshops (V)
  • JOUR 407: Advanced Photojournalism (3)
  • JOUR 425: Publication Layout and Design (3)
  • JOUR 459: Special Topics (3)
  • JOUR 470: Journalism Projects (3) OC, WI
  • JOUR 471: Advanced Multimedia Journalism (3) WI
  • JOUR 475: Global Communication (3) DS
  • JOUR 480: Media and Community (3) OC, WI
  • JOUR 485: Fieldwork (3)
  • JOUR 499: Directed Research (V)

General Education Designations

  • DS – Diversification-Social Science

Focus Designations

  • ETH – Contemporary Ethical Issues
  • OC – Oral Communication
  • WI – Writing Intensive

See the UH Catalog for more information.

Program Sheet / Plan Template

To help conceptualize the Journalism (BA) and its requirements, download the associated Program Sheet/Plan Template (under College of Social Sciences).

Students should see a faculty adviser when considering journalism as a major, or soon after declaring the major, to ensure we create the most efficient and fulfilling path for each individual. We recommend a one-on-one advising session every semester as a way to stay on track and complete the degree in a timely manner. To schedule this advising, please contact jour@hawaii.edu.

When students are within a year of graduating, they should complete a Journalism Major Requirement Verification form. Students should also meet with a College of Social Sciences adviser (Dean Hall, Room 2) to verify they have all the credits needed to complete their degree. The multi-step graduation process is explained on CSS Academic Advising » Graduation.

Students earning a BA in Journalism will be able to:

  1. Gather, analyze, and organize information, and to communicate it clearly, effectively, and responsibly using multiple media platforms.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the social, cultural, and historical contexts of reporting on social institutions as well as on individuals and groups.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of a free, vigorous, and responsible press to the maintenance of an informed citizenry to exercise the rights of self-governance in a democracy.
  4. Contribute to lifelong learning through reports that enlighten and enliven audiences, whether in print, broadcast, online, or other new media formats.