Journalism and Media Studies Requirements

SC&I offers an undergraduate major in Journalism and Media Studies (JMS). The program consists of 33 credits for the major plus an interdisciplinary requirement for all SC&I majors:

• One SC&I interdisciplinary course (3 credits)
• One foundation course (3 credits)
• Two core courses (6 credits)
• Two Practice Courses (6 credits)
• Two Concept Courses (6 credits)
• Twelve major-elective credits, including one 3 credit course from a list of Diversity, Difference, and Social Justice courses  

We seek dynamic, engaged students who want to know how to write and share news and information. To be considered for acceptance, you must complete:

• 01:355:101 College Writing or an equivalent course or placement, with a grade of C or better.
• A minimum of 15 credits, either at Rutgers or transfer credits to Rutgers, with at least a 2.0 grade point average.
• The course 04:189:102 Introduction to Media, with a grade of C or better.

Students who are accepted into the JMS major complete the above set of requirements and earn a grade of C or better in all SC&I courses. You can access complete course descriptions for these and all SC&I undergraduate courses online.

SC&I Interdisciplinary Requirement (must be taken before senior year):

• 04:189:101 Introduction to Communication and Information Processes
  OR
• 04:189:103 Information Technology and Informatics

Core Courses:

• 04:567:200 Writing for Media
• 04:567:201 Media Ethics and Law

Foundation Courses
One foundation course from the following list:  

• 04:567:205 Digital News Writing and Reporting
• 04:567:206 Broadcast News Writing and Reporting
• 04:567:207 Design and Digital Editing 
• 04:567:210 Media Management and Strategy
• 04:567:211 Exploring New Media
• 04:567:212 Digital Media Production
• 04:567:215 Gender, Race, and Class in the Media 
• 04:567:216 Digital Media and Society
• 04:567:217 Foundations of Media Analysis 

Practice Courses: 
Two courses 

Concept Courses: 
Two courses (one must be at the 400-level) 

Elective Courses:
You must select twelve credits of major coursework from the course listing for the JMS major. You may take any course in the major as an elective, including foundation courses.

Diversity, Difference, and Social Justice Courses:
The Department of Journalism and Media Studies is committed to addressing issues of diversity, difference and social justice. As a result, you must take at least one of the following courses to complete the major:

• 04:567:215 Gender, Race, and Class in the Media 
• 04:567:216 Digital Media and Society
• 04:567:274 Consumer Media Culture
• 04:567:333 Media and Popular Culture
• 04:567:365 Mediating the Middle East
• 04:567:380 Media and Social Change
• 04:567:385 Irish Media, Politics, and Cultural Survival
• 04:567:420 Global News
• 04:567:457 Journalism and Civil Rights
• 04:567:475 International Media

The department offers two specializations: Global Media and Sports Journalism.

If you have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or better, consider applying to the JMS Honors Program. Students should contact Steven Miller for more information about the program.

We highly recommend you pursue an internship—read about how.

Want to earn a JMS bachelor’s degree and a Master of Communication and Media (MCM) degree? Check out our dual degree option. If you have questions or need assistance, please see the Student Services advisors, SC&I Room 214.