Olivet School of Media and Communication

BACHELOR OF ARTS in JOURNALISM​

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 third 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.

Program Goals

In the context of Olivet’s mission, completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism degree program will enable students to:

  • Consistently demonstrate professional skills and practice required in the ever-changing media landscape
  • Acquire hands-on experience in the business of media and communications
  • Discuss the impact of mass communications on the domestic society and the globalized world
  • Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and biblical values in the practice of journalism
  • Apply current tools and technologies of media and communications in Christian mission

Curriculum

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (180 units)

1. Bachelor of Arts Degree Core (108 units)

The Bachelor of Arts Degree Core is divided into three main areas: (1) Bible & Theology Core; (2) General Education; and (3) General Ministry Skills. See the “Bachelor of Arts Degree Core Curriculum” section for the comprehensive course list.

  1. Bible & Theology Core (48 units)           
  2. General Education (60 units)   

The following are the required General Education courses specific for journalism major students. 

Humanities/Arts Requirements (12 units)

  • HIST200 American History 1491-1877 (4 units) or  HIST210 American History Since 1877 (4 units)
  • POSC100 U.S. Government and Policy (4 units)
  • ENGL100 English Language & Composition (4 units) or ENGL120 English Literature & Composition (4 units) 

Social/ Behavioral Science Requirements (8 units)

  • COMM100 Business Communications (4 units)
  • COMM110 Communication Theory (4 units)     
  1. General Ministry Skills (0 units)

Undergraduate students must register for PRAC011 College Chapel every quarter they are enrolled. To pass chapel, students must achieve a score of at least 70% on their chapel assignments. Undergraduate students who fail chapel four times or more are ineligible to graduate. Failing chapel may result in disciplinary action by the campus chaplaincy. Potential consequences include a warning, probation, suspension, or dismissal. Please refer to the Chapel Program Handbook for more detailed information.

Undergraduate students are required to pass six quarters of PRAC010 College Christian Service to be eligible for graduation. To pass Christian service, students must achieve a score of at least 70% on their Christian service assignments. Please refer to the Christian Service Program Handbook for more detailed information.

2. Journalism Major Courses (64 units)

Students are required to fulfill 64 units of journalism major courses, encompassing 20 units of Core courses, 20 units of Skills courses, 16 units of Emphasis electives, and 8 units dedicated to Media Practicum and Portfolio. 

The Core curriculum provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted media landscape, exploring mass communication history, journalism philosophy, media law, ethics, information technology, and media business dynamics. Students will reflect on the role of Christians in media as well as the intersection of their faith with contemporary issues, fostering critical thinking and meaningful dialogue.

In response to the industry’s shift towards convergent newsrooms, Skills courses are meticulously crafted to equip students as multimedia journalists. Whether working individually or within a team, students learn to proficiently report, shoot, and edit news stories, adapting to the demands of modern media production.

Emphasis electives, comprising upper-division courses, allow students to delve deeper into specialized areas such as investigative reporting, documentary filmmaking, media design, motion graphics, or podcasting. These courses enable students to cultivate expertise in their chosen fields.

The Media Practicum stands as a cornerstone of the program, serving as a vital bridge between classroom learning and real-world application. During this immersive experience, students engage in hands-on learning, actively contributing to media projects and initiatives across various settings. Whether in a newsroom, production studio, or digital media agency, students gain invaluable insights into the inner workings of the media industry. With the ultimate objective of assembling a professional portfolio that highlights their expertise, students emerge from the Practicum with enhanced employability and professional prospects.

(1) Journalism Core (20 units)

  • COMM101 History of Mass Communication (4)
  • JOUR100 News Writing (4)
  • JOUR101 Fundamentals of Journalism (4)
  • JOUR130 Media Law (4)
  • JOUR380 Content Strategy and Distribution (4)

(2)    Journalism Skills (20 units)

  • JOUR121 Digital Photography Workshop (2)
  • JOUR122 Videography Workshop (2)
  • JOUR230 Photographic Communication (4)
  • JOUR240 Video Field Production (4)
  • JOUR250 Visual Editing for Multimedia (4)
  • JOUR350 Multimedia Storytelling (4)

(3)   Emphasis Electives (16 units)

Students are required to select a total of 16 units from the list of upper-division courses, which delve into advanced skills in the diverse field of media and journalism. Emphasis courses should be selected in consultation with academic adviser. The selection should supplement and support the career goals of the student.

  • JOUR300 Advanced Reporting (4)
  • JOUR310 News Editing (4) 
  • JOUR320 Feature Writing (4)
  • JOUR330 Lighting and Illustration for Photographers (4)
  • JOUR340 Studio Production (4)
  • JOUR360 Design Basics for Media Presentation (4)
  • JOUR370 Motion Graphics for Digital Media (4)
  • JOUR390 Audio and Podcast Production (4)
  • JOUR400 Investigative Journalism (4)
  • JOUR410 Tradition and Analysis of Film (4)
  • JOUR411 Non-Fiction Short Film (4) 

(4)    Media Practicum & Portfolio (8 units)

Journalism majors are required to participate in practicum experiences related to the field of media and communication. These opportunities are designed to provide students with practical experience in the real-world working environment while also integrating faith and biblical principles with their professional calling. Students are expected to develop a portfolio of publishable work through the Media Practicum courses. As part of the graduation requirements, students must complete 7 quarter hours of Media Practicum and successfully pass the 1-unit Media Portfolio course.

  • MCPT201-402 Media Practicum I – VII (1 unit each)
  • JOUR499 Media Portfolio (1)

3. Open Electives (8 units)

Students are required to take an additional 8 units of open electives. These electives can be chosen from any courses from Olivet University’s undergraduate degree programs.