This 46-credit cohort-based program is designed to be completed in one year, although some students may take longer to complete their terminal projects. The sample schedule below shows when we offer required courses and select electives. Each term is 10 weeks long.

Summer Preparatory Experience

• JCOM 508 Reporting and Information Gathering 4 credits
• JCOM 508 Visual Journalism 4 credits

Fall Term

• JCOM 611 Media and Society 4 credits
• JCOM 653 Public Affairs Journalism 4 credits
• Elective 4 credits
• JCOM 609 Terminal Project 2 credits*

Winter Term

• JCOM 510 Law and Business for Documentary and Journalism 4 credits
• Elective 4 credits
• Elective 4 credits
• JCOM 609 Terminal Project 2 credits*

Spring Term

• JCOM 654 Rights and Responsibilities 4 credits
• Elective 4 credits
• JCOM 609 Terminal Project 2 credits*

Summer or Fall Term (if needed)

• JCOM 609 Terminal Project or JCOM 604 Internship (if not yet completed)

*If you are completing an internship instead of a terminal project, you may decide when to take the six credits of JCOM 604 Internship that are needed to graduate.

Academic Checklist

In addition to your required courses, you’ll need to complete the following tasks between enrollment and graduation. Complete these steps in order, with guidance from your faculty advisor. 

1. Make contact with your program director. The program director, Will Yurman,will be your first point of contact for questions about the program once you’re enrolled, so make sure to introduce yourself.
2. Decide if you are completing an internship or a terminal project. If you are completing a terminal project, you should secure approval of your terminal project plan from your committee before winter term. Your committee will be made up of your advisor and at least one other faculty member or industry professional. If you are completing an internship, you can decide when you complete the six credits of JCOM 604 Internship.
3. Enroll for at least 3 credits during your graduating term. If you have not completed your terminal project or internship by the time you complete your coursework, you can register again in summer or fall term.
4. Apply for graduation. In the second week of the term in which you plan to graduate, fill out the graduation form on GradWeb.
5. Complete your oral defense if you completed a terminal project. This should happen at least one week before the end of your final term.
6. Submit an electronic copy of your final terminal project or internship portfolio to the SOJC Graduate Programs Office.

Questions?

Need some guidance? Here are a few options:

1. Download our graduate handbook for more details about program requirements and resources.
2. Contact our graduate recruiter with questions about the program, the application process, and admission.