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2026-2027 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog [In Progress]

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Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Journalism, Broadcasting, and Digital Media

For additional information about opportunities your college offers, please refer to the School of Communications website.

Website: gvsu.edu/soc

The Journalism, Broadcasting, and Digital Media program offers majors a broadly-based education in which the study of media is grounded in the liberal arts. The emphasis on critical thinking and historical perspective embraces the fundamental principle that a free press and an informed citizenry are essential for the success of a representative democracy.

The program explores the complex changes in both traditional media and evolving Internet-based, multi-platform delivery of news and information. It offers a range of instruction in journalism and broadcast theory, practice, history, and criticism. Students are guided to develop a thorough background in reporting and production skills.

The program prepares majors to enter the job market as professional journalists and/or broadcasters. It offers students the opportunity to develop gateway skills of reporting, writing and production in print, television, radio and online-based media. As news outlets become increasingly diversified, our graduates require a broad exposure in order to be competitive with the demands of a changing marketplace.

Students have the opportunity to develop depth through courses offered in related majors such as communication studies and photography. Journalism, Broadcasting, and Digital Media majors may also earn a minor in related fields such as digital studies or advertising and public relations. In addition, majors are encouraged to develop depth in related fields including the arts, computer science, economics, political science, and sociology.

Internships

Journalism, Broadcasting, and Digital Media majors are required to take one internship in a professional media setting and are encouraged to do additional internships as well. Most local media have a need for interns to help with a variety of formats including print, broadcast and online, such that students can find a variety of opportunities. Students may apply up to 15 internship credits toward graduation. Students are urged to work closely with departmental advisors to identify internships that best suit their interest and career ambitions.

Program Requirements

School of Communications Core (9 credits)

All students majoring in the School of Communications must complete the following core courses, for a total of nine credits:

Select one of two:

All students majoring in Journalism, Broadcasting and Digital Media must take JBM 495 during their senior year. This Capstone course offers a synthesis of ideas and theories about one or more current critical issues in journalism and broadcasting.

B.A. and B.S. Degree Requirements

All undergraduate programs in the School of Communications offer both the B.A. degree and the B.S. degree. All students selecting majors in the School of Communications must choose either the B.A. degree requirements or the B.S. degree requirements for a particular undergraduate program.

B.A. Degree Requirements (9 credits)

The B.A. degree requires a third-semester proficiency in a foreign language of the student's choice.

B.S. Degree Requirements (9 credits)

Journalism, Broadcasting & Digital Media Requirements (28 to 33 credits)

Electives (12 credits)

Students choose twelve credits from any of the following courses. Note that departmental advising will play an important role, as many students are likely to take additional credits in pursuit of skills and interests in line with their specific professional goals.

Print and Web-based Journalism

Suggested Order of Coursework

This option assumes students will complete the required skills, general education, and cognate courses.

Year One

Year Two

Year Three

Year Four

Click here for the program description.


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