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Journalism

Facilities

All skills classes are taught in a computer lab that is outfitted with 25 iMacs and state-of-the-industry software. Because the lab has only 25 computers, all writing and design classes that use it are held to 25 students or fewer. Beyond that, the J&PR’s national accreditation requires that skills classes have 20 students or fewer.

Internships

Journalism & Public Relations (J&PR) heavily emphasizes internships, which are a critical transition between school and work. All students are required to participate in a supervised internship as the capstone for both the news and PR options. In addition, students generate professional portfolio work in all skills classes. J&PR also provides students with academic credit while pursuing on-the-job experiences. Internship opportunities are available throughout California, the U.S., and around the world.

Hands-on Learning

J&PR is home to two award-winning programs, The Orion and Tehama Group Communication. The Orion is a student-run news organization that has print, online, and online video editions. TGC is a competitively selected, student-managed public relations agency that takes on up to seven paying clients each semester.

Career Outlook

With a BA in Journalism, News Option graduates work for multiplatform news organizations and magazines. Public Relations Option graduates work in agency, corporate, travel, entertainment, government, and non-profit settings. Skills emphasized in both options are in high demand from employers, who have a growing need for tech-savvy employees who can research, interview, write, edit and post professional work online with minimal supervision. J&PR operates under the assumption that students are being trained for jobs that may not yet exist. The program is dynamic, expanding, and energized by the continual and rapid development of digital media technologies.

Students learn a core skills set that emphasizes:

  • Information gathering
  • Interviewing
  • Writing
  • Visual storytelling
  • Strategy, critical thinking and curiosity
  • Editing, accuracy and fairness

J&PR also emphasizes the core values of ethics, diversity and inclusion, professionalism, and freedom of speech.

Catalog Cycle:15