Journalism (BA)
Main Campus, Tucson, United States
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
University of Arizona
Journalism
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism at the University of Arizona
The B.A. in Journalism at the University of Arizona, housed within the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, prepares you to craft compelling news reports for print, broadcast, and online platforms. Accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) since 1964, the program combines professional training with a strong liberal arts foundation.
Through a hands-on approach, you will engage in practical exercises that hone your skills in information gathering, interviewing techniques, content analysis, and ethical reporting practices. The program also offers specialization tracks in broadcast journalism, digital journalism, and global reporting, allowing you to tailor your studies to your career goals.
A distinctive feature of this program is its interdisciplinary requirement: all journalism majors must pursue a second major or a minor in a complementary field such as political science, religion, or Middle Eastern studies. This approach enriches your understanding of complex issues and strengthens your ability to report on diverse topics with depth and nuance.
Key Program Highlights
- ACEJMC-accredited program with over 70 years of history, established in 1951
- Hands-on reporting through Arizona Sonoran News, the official student newswire
- Specialization tracks in broadcast journalism, digital journalism, and sports journalism
- Accelerated Master's Program (AMP) option to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees in five years
Curriculum and Modules
The B.A. in Journalism curriculum blends core journalism fundamentals with elective specializations across media platforms. Students build progressively from foundational courses in news values and writing to advanced reporting, multimedia production, and capstone field experience.
Introduction to Journalism (JOUR 105)
3 CreditsA survey course providing an overview of news journalism, its history, future, and role in a democratic society, covering journalism values, principles, law, ethics, writing, and reporting.
News Reporting and Writing (JOUR 205)
3 CreditsFocuses on gathering, evaluating, and writing news. Completion with a grade of C or better satisfies the Mid-Career Writing Assessment requirement.
Photojournalism
3 CreditsCovers reporting news through images and graphics, with an introduction to all aspects of photojournalism including law, ethics, history, and critical decision-making.
Communications Law
3 CreditsExamines basic legal concepts for print, broadcast, online, and photojournalism, including access to courts, public records, libel, privacy, source confidentiality, and intellectual property.
Public Affairs Reporting
3 CreditsStudy and practice of newsgathering on executive, legislative, and judicial levels in city, county, state, and federal governments, with emphasis on deadline writing and in-depth stories.
Ethics and Diversity in the News Media
3 CreditsAnalysis of ethical theory and how it relates to journalists' roles and responsibilities in a democratic society, examining issues of diversity, fairness, and accountability in reporting.
Elective Specializations
Admission Requirements
Admission to the B.A. in Journalism at the University of Arizona is open to motivated students who demonstrate strong writing and critical thinking skills. All applications and inquiries are handled through Uni4Edu, your single point of contact for a streamlined admissions process.
Academic Requirements
- High School DiplomaCompletion of an accredited high school program or equivalent qualification
- Minimum GPACumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher required to declare the journalism major
- English CompositionMust pass university English Composition Foundations requirements before enrolling in JOUR 205
- Minor or Second MajorStudents are required to pursue a minor or double major alongside journalism
- Standardized TestsTest-optional admissions policy; SAT/ACT scores are not required but may be submitted
Language Requirements
- TOEFLMinimum score of 70 iBT for undergraduate admission (international students)
- IELTSMinimum overall band score of 6.0
- Duolingo English TestContact Uni4Edu for current accepted minimum score
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
The University of Arizona School of Journalism offers a variety of scholarships made possible through the generosity of donors, investors, and alumni. Additional university-wide financial aid opportunities are also available. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on funding options.
Jane Swicegood Student Exploration Grant
USD 1,000Available to any full-time undergraduate journalism major to fund compelling journalistic projects such as investigative reports, longform narratives, podcasts, photo projects, or documentaries. Funding can be applied to equipment, travel, and research.
Shirley D. Curson Education Plus International Travel Scholarship
VariesFunded by Shirley D. Curson to enhance education through travel. Preference is given to students traveling globally for journalism projects. A significant grant is typically awarded to one student rather than distributed among several recipients.
D.C. 'Darn Cat' Scholarship
VariesNamed for UA graduates Mildred and Gordon Gordon, this scholarship is awarded to deserving journalism majors in any phase of media. Multiple awards may be given and the scholarship is not necessarily based on grades.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the University of Arizona's Journalism program are equipped with versatile storytelling, research, and communication skills valued across multiple industries. The School's alumni have gone on to work for major news organizations and have won prestigious awards including the Pulitzer Prize and the National Magazine Award.
Potential Career Paths
Where Graduates Work
Rankings and Recognition
The University of Arizona is a highly ranked public research university recognized by multiple global ranking bodies for its academic excellence, research output, and innovation. The School of Journalism has been ACEJMC-accredited since 1964, placing it among the most established journalism programs in the United States.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies | QS World Subject Rankings | Top 200 |
| Social Sciences | U.S. News & World Report | Top 100 |
| Arts and Humanities | Times Higher Education | Top 200 |
| Most Innovative Schools | U.S. News & World Report | #48 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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