Want to see what your path might look like as a journalism major? Here’s a sample schedule to give you an idea what classes you’ll be taking, plus term-by-term tips for keeping your education on track. Keep our academic requirements in mind—for a bachelor of arts degree (BA), you’ll need to take two years of a foreign language, and for a bachelor of science (BS), you’ll need to take at least one year of math.
The tables below show a general breakdown of courses for prospective students. Current SOJC students: Please meet with an advisor to discuss your specific schedule.
Fall Term - First Year
| Foreign Language 101 (BA) or MATH/CS (BS) |
4 |
| J201 Media & Society |
4 |
| WR 121 College Composition I |
4 |
| Arts & Letters Course >1* |
4 |
Winter Term - First Year
| Foreign Language 102 or MATH/CS (BS) |
4 |
| J100 Media Professions |
2 |
| WR 122 College Composition II |
4 |
| Science Course >3* |
4 |
Spring Term - First Year
| Foreign Language 103 (BA) or MATH/CS (BS) |
4 |
| J101 Grammar |
2 |
| Arts & Letters Course >1* |
4 |
| Non-SOJC Minor Course |
4 |
First-Year Benchmarks
- Complete pre-major core courses.
- Join a student group.
- Attend a major info session.
- Begin career exploration.
- Meet with your academic advisor.
- Explore study-abroad options.
Fall Term - Second Year
| Foreign Language 201 (BA) or Math/CS (BS) |
4 |
| J211 Gateway to Media |
8 |
Winter Term - Second Year
| Foreign Language 201 (BA) or Math/CS (BS) |
4 |
| J212 Writing for Communicators |
4 |
| Arts & Letters Course >1* |
4 |
| Non-SOJC Minor Course |
4 |
Spring Term - Second Year
| Foreign Language 203 (BA) or Math/CS (BS) |
4 |
| J213 Fact or Fiction |
4 |
| Arts & Letters Course >1* |
4 |
| Non-SOJC Minor Course |
4 |
Second-Year Benchmarks
- Consider starting a minor.
- Do informational interviews.
- Begin creating a portfolio.
- Craft a resumé and cover letter.
- Meet with your faculty advisor.
Fall Term - Third Year
| J361 Reporting I |
4 |
| J320 Gender, Media, and Diversity (J Core Context A) |
4 |
| Social Science Course >2* |
4 |
| Non-SOJC Minor Course |
4 |
Winter Term - Third Year
| J462 Reporting II |
4 |
| J385 Communication Law (J Core Context A) |
4 |
| Science Course >3* |
4 |
| Non-SOJC Minor Courses |
4 |
Spring Term - Third Year
| J463 Specialized Reporting |
4 |
| J397 Media Ethics (J Core Context A) |
4 |
| Social Science Course >2* |
4 |
| Non-SOJC Minor Course |
4 |
Third-Year Benchmarks
- Create a graduation plan with an advisor.
- Continue adding to your portfolio.
- Do an internship.
- Gain leadership experience.
- Start actively networking.
Fall Term - Fourth Year
| J Concentration (Writing/Visual) |
4 |
| J387 Media History or J396 International Communication (J Core Context A) |
4 |
| Social Science Course >2* |
4 |
| Multicultural |
4 |
Winter Term - Fourth Year
| J Concentration Course (Writing or Visual) |
4 |
| J Core Context Course |
4 |
| Science Course >3* |
4 |
| Elective |
1 |
Spring Term - Fourth Year
| J Additional Sequence Course |
4 |
| J Elective Course |
4 |
| Science Course >3* |
4 |
Fourth-Year Benchmarks
- Continue honing your portfolio.
- Do another internship.
- Gain more leadership experience.
- Continue networking.
- Apply for your first post-college jobs.
- Apply for your degree and the SOJC Commencement Ceremony!
* Notations designate core ed courses associated with the following subject areas: >1 Arts & Letters; >2 Social Science; >3, >4, >5 Science
Academic Support and Career Advising
Need some guidance? Our academic advisors are here for you. The SOJC Student Services Center is your one-stop shop for undergrad academic advice and career-building tips. All undergraduate SOJC students are welcome—even if you haven’t enrolled yet. Drop in to Student Services on the ground floor of Allen Hall or make an appointment and get on track to meet your goals.
