Olivet School of Media and Communication
The Bachelor of Arts in Journalism is a four-year undergraduate degree program preparing students to contribute to a world revolutionized through Christian mission as professional journalists.
The program combines core curricular studies in Bible, general education, and journalism with the aim of cultivating a biblical worldview and a professional perspective in students consistent with the mission of Olivet University.
Washington D.C. Program
Undergraduate students pursuing the Journalism major have the option to take the entire range of journalism major courses at Olivet University’s Washington D.C. campus starting from the second year of study. Eligible students must have taken general education, theological and biblical studies core courses at the main campus in Riverside, CA and have maintained a good academic standing.
Please refer to the Washington D.C. Academic Catalog for details.
In the context of Olivet’s mission, completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism degree program will enable students to:
The Bachelor of Arts Degree Core is divided into two main areas: (1) B.A. Core Requirement; (2) B.A. Core Distribution; (3) General Ministry Skills.
See Olivet University’s undergraduate catalog “Bachelor of Arts Degree Core Curriculum” section for the comprehensive course list.
(1) B.A. Core Requirement (60 units)
(2) B.A. Core Distribution (48 units)
(3) General Ministry Skills (0 units)
Students must complete 52 units of journalism major courses, including 20 units required core courses, 12 units in one of the three concentrations, 8 units of journalism electives, and 12 units of ministry internship courses.
(1) Journalism Major Core
Students are required to take the following courses of 20 quarter hours in total.
(2) Journalism Major Concentrations
Students declare one of the three concentrations within the Journalism Major. Each consists of 12 units. Choices are i) Reporting/Writing, ii) Multimedia, iii) Strategic Communication.
i) Reporting/Writing
This specialization prepares students to become professional journalists, equipping them with the abilities to report in depth and to write clearly in various styles.
ii) Multimedia
This specialization will enable students to be proficient in the use of multimedia tools for innovative storytelling.
iii) Strategic Communication
This specialization prepares students to pursue opportunities in public relations and other related fields, equipping them with the skills to create strategic messages for the public.
(3) Journalism Major Electives
To complete studies in the journalism major, students need to take 8 units from the course list below.
(4) Ministry Internship
Ministry internship is required of journalism majors. It is designed to give students practical experience in the real working environment as well as receive additional training and networking that will help students compete in the marketplace.
Students must complete 12 quarter hours of internship in total upon graduation.
Students are required to take an additional 20 units of open electives. These electives can be chosen from any courses from Olivet University’s undergraduate degree programs.
Journalism (Minor)
A Journalism Minor teaches the core elements in journalism. Theory and practice of gathering, processing, and delivering news is emphasized, preparing individuals to bring their theological training to bear as writers and editors.
Program Goals
In the context of Olivet’s mission, completion of the Minor in Journalism program will enable students to:
Students must complete 28 units of journalism courses, including 12 units core courses, and 16 units elective courses.
Students are required to take the following courses of 12 quarter hours in total.
*Note: Ministry Internships are available to students who complete all core courses. Students are also required to meet a minimum GPA of 3.0.