Journalism is a challenging and fast-paced career. Given the flood of information that surrounds us, the public looks to skilled journalists to provide news and commentary that informs civic dialogue, and to report the latest trends and events in politics, government, culture, entertainment, sports, technology, and much more. The Journalism major trains students to be strong writers, a skill that can be applied to jobs in many other fields as well.
The 120-credit Bachelor of Fine Arts in Journalism provides you with an understanding of the increasingly complex task of reporting, writing, editing and delivering the news in a multimedia environment. Our program develops practical knowledge and conceptual foundations for work in the varied forms of print, broadcast and online journalism as well as for graduate study in journalism and related fields. Journalism students are strongly encouraged to select a minor in another field, such as a science, social science or business to better prepare them to report in a specific content area with deeper understanding.
Students in other majors with an interest in writing may want to consider a minor in journalism, specialty reporting or communications. These 15 credit minors offer students an opportunity to develop their writing and reporting skills. Having these skills also opens up career paths in a variety of fields.
Journalism majors study in small classes with professors who have extensive professional experience. They sharpen their skills with reporting for The Pioneer, the award-winning LIUPost student newspaper; PTV, the campus television station, WCWP, the campus radio station; and The Bottom Line, the student magazine. Students also gain real world experience at internships at some of the nation’s top newsrooms, including Newsday, MTV Networks, ABC-TV, NBC-TV, WFAN Radio, News 12 Long Island and The Associated Press. Campus resources for journalism majors include state-of-the-art television and radio studios, a journalism lab and newsroom, HD video cameras and digital editing suites with professional-level computers and software.
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
| ORC 1 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| CMA 2 | Mass Media in American Society | 3 |
| CMA 4 | Media Literacy: Behind the Message | 3 |
| CMA 10 | Media Law and Ethics | 3 |
| CIN 24 | Intro to Documentary Production | 3 |
| BDST 11 | Digital Tools: Audio | 3 |
| BDST 12 | Digital Tools: Video | 3 |
| Required Journalism Courses (42 Credits) | ||
| JOU 3 | Basic Reporting | 3 |
| JOU 4 | Beat Reporting | 3 |
| JOU 20 | Photojournalism | 3 |
| JOU 5 | Writing for Electronic Journalism | 3 |
| JOU 52 | Interviewing for Media (Fall only) | 3 |
| JOU 41 | Newspaper Laboratory* | 3 |
| JOU 56 | Electronic Newscast | 3 |
| PR 38 | Social Media Tools | 3 |
| BDST 25 | Video Field Production | 3 |
| BDST 46 | Web Video Production | 3 |
| JOU 91 | Senior Research (Fall of Senior Year) | 4 |
| JOU 92 | Senior Thesis & Portfolio (Spring of Senior Year) | 4 |
| JOU 89 | Independent Study - special interest reporting | 3 |
| Elective Journalism Courses (courses that are not being used to satisfy major or core requirements. Student must take 5 (15 credits) of JOU electives. |
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| BDST 63 | Applied Radio 63 | 3 |
| JOU 12 | Investigative Journalism | 3 |
| JOU 40 | Topics in Journalism | 3 |
| JOU 6 | Feature Writing | 3 |
| CIN 5 | History of Documentary Film | 3 |
| BDST 34 | Audio - Podcasts | 3 |
| JOU 87 | Internship | 3 |
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Institutional Learning Outcome (ILO) |
Courses |
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ILO 1: Creative and Reflective Capacities (3 credits) Openness to new ideas, integrative and reflective thinking, investigation, and synthesis of existing knowledge as a way of creating, appreciating, and reflecting on original, innovative work grounded in scientific, humanistic, historical, and/or aesthetic disciplinary knowledge. |
ART 101: Introduction to Art ART 105: Introduction to Beginning Drawing ART 106: 3D Visualization and Production ART 131: Pottery and Ceramic Sculpture I CIN/FIL 109: Screenwriting II CIN 111: History of World Cinema CMA 109: Media Arts and Technology DNC 108: History of Dance ENG 167: Creativity and Nature ENG 182: Introduction to Creative Writing ENG 183: Creative Non-Fiction JOU 110: Journalism, Media and You MA 109: Media Arts and Technology MUS 101: Introduction to Musical Concepts MUS 102: Music Fundamentals MUS 110: Introduction to World Music PHI 172: Philosophy and the Mind SPE/ORC 105: Public Speaking THE 100: Introduction to Drama THE 111: The Art of Theatre THE 143: Shakespeare in Performance THE 193: Theatre Research/Performance |
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ILO 2: Historical and Intercultural Awareness (6 credits) Recognition of oneself as a member of a global community consisting of diverse cultures with unique histories and geographies. |
History HIS 100: American Civilization to 1877 HIS 101: Perspectives on Premodern World History HIS 102: Perspectives on Modern World History HIS 108: American Civilization since 1877 Intercultural Awareness ANT #: Any Anthropology Course ART 104: Introduction to Visual Arts CIN 105: The Art of Documentary ENG 115: Global Literatures ENG 132: Shakespeare ENG 158: American Literature FRE 111: Introduction to French I FRE 112: Introduction to French II GGR 102: Geography and the Global Citizen HIS 144: Topics in Asian History HIS 157: Topics in Latin American History ITL 111: Introduction to Italian I ITL 112: Introduction to Italian II MUS 103: Music in Western Civilization MUS 146: History of Hip Hop MUS 147: History of Rock Music MUS 159: History of Country Music PHI 170: Philosophies of Love and Sex POL 150: International Relations POL 161: Introduction to Comparative Politics SPA 111: Introduction to Spanish I SPA 112: Introduction to Spanish II SOC 103: Gender and Sexual Diversity SOC 135: Global Cultures SOC 165: Culture and Society SOC 103: Gender and Sexual Diversity SOC 165: Culture and Society SPE 100: Oral Communication THE 142: Modern Theatre History |
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ILO 3: Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning (7-8 credits) Competence in interpreting numerical and scientific data in order to draw conclusions, construct meaningful arguments, solve problems, and gain a better understanding of complex issues within a discipline or in everyday contexts. |
Scientific Reasoning AST 109/109A: Introductory Astronomy I AST 110/110A: Introductory Astronomy II BIO 120/120L: General Biology I BIO 124/124L: Foundations of Biology I BIO 125/125L: The Science of Sustainability BIO 126/126L: DNA and Human Life BIO 137/137L: Human Anatomy and Physiology I CHM 101/101L: Chemistry for Health Science I CHM 103/103L: Principles of Chemistry I ERS 101/101L: Weather and Climate ERS 102/102L: Planet Earth ERS 103/103L: Oceanography ERS 125/125L: Environmental Sustainability Science FSC 100/100L: Introduction to Forensic Chemistry PHY 103: University Physics I PHY 104: University Physics II PHY 120/120L: The Physical Universe PHY 127/127L: Physics for Pharmacy PHY 131/131L: General Physics I PHY 131/131L: College Physics I PHY 132/132L: General Physic II PHY 132/132L: College Physics II Quantitative Reasoning MTH #: Any Mathematics Course |
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ILO 4: Oral and Written Communication (6 credits) Knowledge and skill in exchanging informed and well-reasoned ideas in effective and meaningful ways through a range of media to promote full understanding for various purposes, among different audiences and in a variety of contexts and disciplines. |
Written Communication ENG 110: Writing I – Composition and Analysis ENG 111: Writing II – Research and Argumentation |
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ILO 5: Information and Technological Literacies (3 credits) Ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and effectively and responsibly use and share that information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills. |
CGPH 126: Web Design for Everyone EDI 100: Contemporary Issues in Education ENG 148: Ideas and Themes n Literature ENG 173: Writing in the Community ENG 175: Writing in the Professions ENG 178: Writing in the Sciences HIS 107: Engaging the Past HIS 190: Research Problems in History POL 100: Research Problems in Political Science SOC 102: Social Problems SOC 148: Medical Sociology SOC 148: Sociology of Health and Illness |
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ILO 6: Critical Inquiry and Analysis (3 credits) Reflective assessment and critique of evidence, applying theory, and practicing discernment in the analysis of existing ideas and in the production of new knowledge across a broad array of fields or disciplines. |
ENG 103: Grammar and the Structure of English ENG 112: World Literatures I ENG 113: World Literatures II ENG 140: Introduction to Literature ENG 180: Literary Genres FRE 100: French Cinema GGR 101: The Geography of Sustainable Development HIS 104: Topics in American History HIS 120: Topics in Medieval History HIS 164: History of Gender and Sexuality HIS 167: History of Science and Technology PHI 100: Beginning Philosophy PHI 163: Philosophy of Art PHI 179: Social and Political Philosophy POL 147: Political Psychology POL 156: Diplomacy and Negotiation PSY 103: General Psychology PSY 111: Psychological Perspectives on Teaching and Learning SOC 100: Introduction to Sociology SOC 112: Gender, Race and Ethnicity SOC 126: Sociology of Gender SOC 161: Sociology of Sport |
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ILO 7: Ethical Reasoning and Civic Engagement (3 credits) Evaluation of ethical issues in conduct and thinking, development of ethical self-awareness, consideration of various perspectives, and responsible and humane engagement in local and global communities. |
ART 177: High Impact Art CIN/FIL 103: Major Forces in the Cinema ECO 101: Microeconomics ECO 102: Macroeconomics ENG 150: Empathy and Literature HIS 116: History of Race and Society HIS 158: History of Politics and Power PHI 105: Bioethics PHI 113: Philosophy and Film PHY 178: Ethics and Society POL 101: Introduction to Political Science POL 102: Introduction to American Politics POL 123: Political Parties and Public Opinion SOC 108: Sociology of Youth SOC 109: Social Movements and Change SOC 110: Human Rights and Social Justice SOC 119: Sociology of the Family SOC 122: American Social Problems/Global Context SPA 105: The Hispanic World |
BDST 11 Production Essentials: Audio
This course introduces the student to the basics of digital audio production. Students complete studio assignments in order to master the basics of audio production,including an introduction to principles of sound, audio formats, analog vs. digital recording, editing,use of various microphone types.Remote equipment use, studio production and production for the web will also be introduced.
Credits: 3.00
BDST 12 Production Essentials Video
This course introduces the student to basic skills in video and web production. Specifically, it includes the three camera switched shoot, three camera set up, blocking, microphones, soundboard operation, setting levels and creating a show rundown. It will also introduce single camera production ,including shot composition, camera movement, as well as preproduction, postproduction, storyboarding and scripting.
Credits: 3
BDST 25 Intermediate Television: Field Production
Students explore more advanced television field production techniques for news, documentary and narrative projects. Students learn how to produce interviews and dramatic short pieces with emphasis on pre-production,proper field production practices, post-production and critical analysis of finished work.Prepares student for upper level projects in field production.
Credits: 3.00
BDST 34 Advanced Digital Audio Production
This advanced-level course is designed to provide students with exposure to complex digital audio editing techniques through the process of creating more sophisticated radio productions and podcasts. Students develop imaging for various radio formats. affording the student the opportunity to improve audio production skills and develop a critical ear. Students will create sweepers, jingles, promos ,underwriting announcements , documentaries and more complex productions for air on university radio station WCWP.
Credits: 3.00
BDST 46 Web Video Production
Students develop skills required to merge video production and web design . Students will learn how to design, edit , export and display video for the web. They will create and produce several short videos and post them to a website they have created. Each video will be part of a continuous narrative , bringing the user back to the site to view the new video. Students will master the skills needed to create a website and produce video content especially for the web.
Credits: 3.00
BDST 63 Applied Radio: Newsroom
This course is a practicum for students with radio experience who wish to refine their skills in news writing and anchoring for a news broadcast. Students produce news programming for WCWP-Web radio. Advanced work is broadcast on the University radio Station, WCWP-FM.
Credits: 3.00
CIN 5 The Art of the Documentary Film
This course is an analysis of the major contributors to the film documentary from the Lumière and Edison one-shot films through the contemporary documentary. This course fulfills the Perspectives on World Cultures thematic cluster requirement in the core curriculum.
Credits: 3.00
CIN 24 Video Documentary Workshop II
Students learn the basics of producing a short documentary film, including research, interviewing, budgeting, shooting styles and organizing footage for editing.
Credits: 3.00
CMA 2 Mass Media in American Society
This course will introduce the student to ways of thinking critically about media and gaining a historical perspective on the media that surround us. It will stress ways of understanding the relationships among media, society and the individual through the 20th century and to the present. This class will examine a number of examples drawn from various media and time periods , focusing on how our society has adapted media from radio to Twitter to its needs and desires, and how Media have changed our society in major ways over the course of modern history.
Credits: 3.00
CMA 4 Media Literacy: Behind the Message
Becoming media literate means developing an understanding of how diverse media formulate, deliver and finance their messages. This course gives the student the critical and analytical skills needed to interpret media messages and understand their effects on audiences. It also serves an introduction to the concepts and terms involved in analysis of media messages as a foundation for further study in this field. The student will use modern media theories and see illustrations of their application in current media coverage, with special attention to the impact of new social media. This course fulfills the Creativity, Media, and the Arts thematic cluster requirement in the core curriculum. This class is cross-listed with COMM 1
Credits: 3.00
CMA 10 Media, Law and Ethics
This course examines the legal and ethical responsibilities of media professionals in broadcasting, journalism, public relations, and other fields. Students are introduced to the legal framework that supports freedom of speech and freedom of the press and examine the current laws of libel, invasion of privacy, copyright and newsgathering, as well as FCC and other telecommunications regulations. Students also examine ethical codes that guide media professionals and study conflicts that arise when legal and ethical principles conflict with real-world dilemmas. Recommended to be taken in sophomore year for all Department of Communications and Film majors. This course fulfills the Ethics, Self, and Society thematic cluster requirement in the core curriculum.
Credits: 3.00
JOU 3 Basic Reporting
The course is an introduction to the reporting and writing of news stories. Emphasis is on the fundamentals of journalism ¿ accuracy, newsworthiness, balance, fairness and the importance of deadlines; basic news writing skills ¿ spelling, grammar, AP style, use of quotes and attribution, and compelling news leads; and basic reporting techniques ¿ good interviewing skills and the use of social media, sources, databases and the internet to background stories and to find news. Recommended to be taken during freshman year, or sophomore year at the latest for JOU majors. Open to students of all majors who want to hone strong writing skills.
Credits: 3.00
JOU 4 Beat Reporting
The beat reporting class is for students who have taken Basic Reporting (JOU 3)and are ready to expand into a more in depth class about the process of reporting and writing the news, including the beat system of reporting. The class is designed to hone student journalists¿ ability to research and report deeply, to be able to develop fresh ideas, test them with the strength of their reporting and research and then present them in story form. Students cover beats for professional news organizations.
Credits: 3.00
JOU 5 Writing for Radio, TV and Web
This course focuses on reporting, newswriting, and editing for radio, television and online media. Students gain experience in radio and television newscasts, podcasting, video and audio slideshows, and using social media for reporting. Students create an online portfolio.
Credits: 3.00
JOU 6 Feature Writing
This course emphasizes long-form, narrative journalism, with emphasis on writing features for magazines and websites. It focuses on reporting and writing investigative features, trend stories, profiles and day-in-the-life stories. The culminating goal of the course is for each student to produce a 2,000 word story for publication. Students will also learn how to write query letters and market their stories.
Credits: 3.00
JOU 12 Investigative Reporting
This course covers the fundamentals of investigative reporting, including developing story ideas, finding documents and data to support the reporting, including the nature of public information and the use of Freedom of Information and open meetings laws, ethical sourcing, interviewing techniques, and writing long form narrative.
Credits: 3.00
JOU 20 Photojournalism
Photography is a powerful storytelling tool. This is a hands on course in which students will learn how to craft compelling visual narratives. The course will emphasize conceptualizing ideas and mastering the tools needed to produce high-quality stories. The class will analyze professional work in the media to discover what holds public attention.
Credits: 3.00
JOU 40 Topics in Journalism
Advanced special topics in journalism, chosen on occasion, focusing on contemporary developments in the field. Subjects vary by semester.
Credits: 3.00
JOU 41 Newspaper Laboratory
Students earn 3 credits for making a significant weekly contribution to the student newspaper. Students are required to attend weekly staff meetings, and meet regularly with the editors and faculty adviser. Course stresses newsgathering, writing, revising, and teamwork. At the end of the course, students have a portfolio of published work. Course is open to students of all years and majors who would like to work on the newspaper staff as reporters, photographers, artists, editors, layout staff, or in other capacities. Course may be taken multiple times for credit.
Credits: 3.00
JOU 52 Interviewing Skills for Media
This course teaches communications skills essential for any media career. Students receive practical training in interview techniques, including the one-on-one interview, the news interview, panels, and oral history interviews. Students record video or audio of interviews to assess their performance, and gain instructor feedback and peer critiques. Cross-listed as BDST 52.
Credits: 3.00
JOU 56 Electronic Newsgathering
This is a hands-on television news gathering course in which journalism and broadcasting students learn to investigate timely and newsworthy stories, both on and off campus, and then collaborate to create news programs for television.
Students work in teams, rotating roles, as they learn to plan, investigate, report, write, shoot and edit news packages and produce a newscast in the television studio setting. Cross listed with BDST 54
Credits: 3.00
JOU 87 Journalism Internship
This course is an opportunity to carry classroom experience into on-the-job situations. The student will work for 120 hours at a news or media organization that makes significant use of the student's journalistic training. Hours are arranged by the student and the on-site supervisor. Regular meetings with the faculty mentor, evaluation reports, weekly logs and a final evaluation are required. Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors. Students must have a B average in order to be eligible for an internship. May be taken twice for credit.
Credits: 3.00
JOU 89 Journalism Internship II
This course is an opportunity to carry classroom experience into on-the-job situations. The student will work for 120 hours at a news or media organization that makes significant use of the student's journalistic training. Hours are arranged by the student and the on-site supervisor. Regular meetings with the faculty mentor, evaluation reports, weekly logs and a final evaluation are required. Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors. Students must have successfully completed a first internship (JOU 87) and have a B average in order to be eligible for a second internship.
Credits: 3.00
JOU 91 Journalism: Senior Research
In this course, seniors carry out research in preparation for a major investigative journalistic piece, research paper, essay in media analysis and criticism or a journalistic media project. Independent work is guided in regular meetings with a faculty mentor. An annotated bibliography and an outline must be produced by the end of the semester. This course is followed by JOU 92 in the following semester.
Credits: 3.00
JOU 92 JOU: Senior Thesis & Portfolio
After successful completion of JOU 91, the student writes a substantial investigative journalistic piece or research paper, or creates a media-based journalistic project, that is based on the research conducted in JOU 91 and serves to advance the student's interests and skills. Independent work is guided through regular conferences with a faculty mentor. JOU 91 and 92 should be taken in the senior year and may not be taken in the same semester. At the end of JOU 92, the student submits the completed senior thesis project as well as a portfolio that features a current resume and at least 10 samples of professional multimedia work, including writing, audio and video work.
Credits: 4.00
PR 38 Social Media Tools
Social networks like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram have become platforms for brands and organizations to connect and communicate directly with their audiences and are now integral parts of well-rounded public relations campaigns. Students will learn about the various networks and apps available, how to leverage them effectively using best practices, and strategically integrate these platforms into an overall communications plan with appropriate listening and measurement metrics.
Credits: 3.00
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