In a changing news media landscape, this much remains true: People still want to know what is going on in the world and local community around them.

The basic skills of reporting and writing remain unchanged.  What has changed are the expectations for journalists.

SCSU's Journalism Department recognizes that the new news media requires more than a journalist who specializes in one medium such as newspaper, television, or magazines. The new news media requires a multimedia journalist capable of producing a full package of news via text, video, audio, still photos, and graphics. The Journalism Department's curriculum is geared toward providing students with a full range of the knowledge, tools, and skills they will need to be successful in the field in this new news media landscape.

Students who major in journalism at Southern have the option of studying for the B.A. or the B.S. degree. Both major programs offer the broad liberal arts background necessary for careers in the media and in allied fields, such as business and public service, and for further study in law or graduate school.

The B.A. degree program consists of 34 credits in journalism and emphasizes writing and reporting, technical, and web-centric skills, and related studies in the liberal arts. The B.S. degree program consists of 40 credits in journalism and, in addition to writing, reporting, technical and web-centric skills, includes videography, photography, and internships. Both programs include a 1-credit capstone course that requires a project and portfolio.

Students may apply to the Journalism Department for acceptance as majors as freshmen or at any point throughout their academic career. Those who apply after beginning their classes at Southern must have a 2.0 minimum GPA. 
 
Participation in a student activity involving the media, such as the student newspaper or the campus radio or television station, is recommended beginning in the freshman year. This experience provides practical applications for academic studies and helps prepare students for internships.
 
All journalism majors are required to successfully complete JRN 101-- The Media: Freedom and Power -- to satisfy the University Requirement in Oral Communication. COM 205 does not meet this requirement for journalism majors.