Journalism, BA
Build a modern media career in Arizona State University's Bachelor of Arts in journalism degree program. Learn how to report, tell compelling stories and connect with communities through firsthand experiences at one of the world's leading mass communication schools.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in ...
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
This program's name has changed effective Fall 2026. The previous name was Journalism and Mass Communication.
Degree description
This Bachelor of Arts in journalism at the nation's premier media school delivers hands-on learning that prepares you for careers in reporting, producing and audience engagement.
You report, produce, publish and analyze stories for real audiences, building the portfolio and professional confidence employers expect.
You develop in-demand skills across media, including techniques in investigation and interviewing; TV reporting and producing; video, audio and photo; audience engagement and multiplatform writing. Along the way, you learn to work with emerging approaches --- including AI-driven reporting and extended reality content --- so you are prepared not just for today's jobs, but for the news roles still taking shape.
The immersive learning experiences are more than simulations. With opportunities to produce live evening newscasts that reach more than 1 million households, and leading impactful investigations and managing multiplatform coverage, you graduate with the practical experience, clips and industry connections that accelerate modern journalism. The school's "teaching hospital" model places you in professional newsrooms where you work with advanced technology and build a strong portfolio of published work. You also benefit from mentoring by award-winning reporters, producers and editors who bring real-world experience into the classroom.
You may apply to the school's accelerated master's degree program, which allows for the completion of both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as four years. You can also become part of ASU's Barrett, The Honors College.
Why study journalism at ASU?
At the Cronkite School, you learn by doing. The "teaching hospital" model places you in professional newsrooms where you work with advanced technology, produce live evening newscasts that reach more than 1 million households, and lead investigations that build a strong portfolio of published work.
You'll learn emerging approaches, such as AI-driven reporting and extended reality content, and you'll receive mentoring from award-winning reporters, producers and editors who bring professional experience into the classroom.
The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication is repeatedly ranked among the world's leading journalism schools. Students have reported from the White House, produced photo essays in Rwanda and spent semesters at CNN International in Dublin. The alumni network known as #CronkiteNation connects you to internships, jobs and mentorship.
You can apply to the school's accelerated master's degree program, in which you complete both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as four years. You can also apply to Barrett, The Honors College.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| MCO 101 Grammar for Mass Communication |
| MCO 120 Media and Society |
| MCO 125 Developing Media Content |
| JMC 201 Media Writing |
| MCO 205 Information Gathering |
| MCO 225 Digital Media Foundations |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Apply the values, principles, ethics and legal standards of journalism in media work.
- Create journalism for mass audiences using professional tools, technology, and techniques.
- Critically evaluate information, content, and research in professional contexts.
- Produce clear, accurate, and engaging written content that meets professional standards.
Apply the values, principles, ethics and legal standards of journalism in media work.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
English proficiency requirements for international student admission:
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
As the world grows more connected, an understanding of other cultures and places is imperative. Study abroad programs expose students to diverse opinions, new and challenging situations, and opportunities to explore a new country. Journalism students can advance their skills in highly specialized programs that provide real media experiences in global settings, including covering the Olympics, photojournalism excursions, or spending an entire semester abroad.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Editor | -1.1% | $77,920 | Learn more |
| Executive Producer | 4.0% | $90,360 | Learn more |
| Film Editor | 3.7% | $75,420 | Learn more |
| Marketing Associate | -3.7% | $133,660 | Learn more |
| Marketing Manager | 6.9% | $166,790 | Learn more |
| News Anchor | -7.6% | $47,340 | Learn more |
| News Reporter | -5.9% | $62,200 | Learn more |
| Photographer | -0.7% | $44,660 | Learn more |
| Production Assistant | 3.9% | $73,620 | Learn more |
| Public Relations Specialist | 1.8% | $74,750 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
A journalism degree from ASU gives you the skills, portfolio and credibility to navigate today's fast-paced, information-rich media environment. You'll be prepared for roles in news, media and beyond. Graduates pursue careers as reporters, editors, producers, data journalists, investigative reporters, anchors and multimedia storytellers.
The program also prepares you for careers in politics, brand storytelling, corporate or public communication and policy work. Many graduates continue to law school or advanced research programs. You'll graduate with a strong foundation in writing, interviewing, critical thinking and media law --- skills valued across industries.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Comm
|
CRONK 222
attendcronkite@asu.edu
602-496-5055
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
