Why study Journalism?

Journalism is both an interdisciplinary field and a distinct knowledge base for the critical study of media and related issues, and the development of writing, editing and observational skills in a liberal arts curriculum. An intellectual review of traditional disciplines and their biases is intrinsic to journalism studies. As such, journalism teaches critical thinking on two different levels: by questioning the view from the center (theories, methods and practices) in any given field or endeavor, and by evaluating and clearly and publicly expressing these views and concerns to either specific or mass public audiences.

Admission Requirements

Freshmen applicants, please visit the Admission Requirements page for more information

Successful journalists are curious about people, cultures and science, about how political and economic systems work and why they fail. They are critical thinkers who know how to observe, listen and ask questions. They are skilled writers, editors and visual communicators. The foundation for a successful career in journalism is a strong liberal arts education.

Graduates with a BA in journalism from the UC College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) are prepared for many different career options:

  • Writer
  • Reporter
  • Analyst
  • Correspondent
  • Editor for magazines, newspapers and the electronic media
  • Corporate writers
  • Public relations

There is no minor in journalism; a certificate is offered in its place. The certificate in journalism is designed for students who wish to pursue careers in reporting, news writing, magazine writing, copy editing or publishing, and for those students who wish to apply skills learned in journalism to work in other fields, such as public relations and corporate communications.

In addition to the writing seminar or photojournalism workshop and internship, which should be taken during the senior year, there are required journalism courses for the journalism writing certificate. Details on the seminar and courses, along with a recommended schedule for when they should be taken, are available on the English department website (artsci.uc.edu/english/).

Students in the UC College of Arts and Sciences enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, Tristate location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

A unique characteristic of the journalism program is the university’s urban environment. The city and neighborhoods become the classroom. The judicial, legislative and executive branches of government are available for real-life reporting experiences. Student journalists can readily cover business, industry, education, medicine, college/professional athletics and the arts in a metropolitan area. UC journalism majors are in a top media market where internships are readily available and from where a pool of qualified journalists and editors serve as adjuncts and guest faculty.

To graduate from the UC College of Arts and Sciences, students must:

  • Earn at least 120 credits. This can include transfer credit, AP credit and free electives, but does not include preparatory coursework. Students who have met all other degree requirements must continue earning credit until the total number of their earned hours comes to at least 120.
  • Attain a 2.0 grade point average for all courses taken at the University of Cincinnati.
  • Be in good academic standing, that is, not on either academic probation or disciplinary probation or suspension.
  • Complete the residency requirement by earning at least 30 credits after matriculating into the college.
  • Complete all of the requirements of at least one major (see major requirements above).
  • Complete the College Core Requirements.
  • Submit an application for graduation to the registrar's office by their posted deadline.

Admission to A&S is generally available for any off-campus student who was admissible directly from high school and has 2.0 GPA cumulative and a 2.0 in the most recent institution.

Students who were not admissible directly from high school must have:

  • 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
  • at least a 2.0 GPA cumulative

For more information, Pathways Advising and Student Success

Transfer students should apply using our transfer student online application

Admission to A&S is generally available for any on-campus student who was admissible directly from high school and has 2.0 GPA cumulative.

Students who were not admissible directly from high school must have:

  • 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
  • at least a 2.0 GPA cumulative

Application Deadlines

While midyear admission is possible, fall semester is generally the best time to enter the college, since many course sequences begin in that semester. Applicants to the UC College of Arts and Sciences who are enrolled or who were previously enrolled as degree-seeking students in A&S or in other UC colleges should apply for admission directly to A&S (in French West, 2nd Floor). All other applicants who wish to earn an undergraduate degree from A&S should apply through the Office of Admissions (3rd Floor, University Pavilion).

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Contact Information

Sean Hughes, MA
13A Arts & Sciences Hall
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0174
(513) 556-1311
sean.hughes@uc.edu

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Program Code: 15BAC-JOUR-BA