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 some annual benchmarks for keeping your education on track. The journalism major offers a bachelor of arts degree (BA) or a bachelor of science degree (BS). For a BA, you’ll need to take up to two years of a second language, and for a BS, you’ll need to take up to a year of math.

The sample schedule below reflects a typical four-year path for a student with a single SOJC major and a non-SOJC minor, and it’s based on our most current active curriculum. But one of the best things about the SOJC is the freedom to customize your academic experience.  This is just one possible path of many! 

To get the best idea of what a schedule would look like for you, drop in to the SOJC’s Undergraduate Student Success Center in Suite 134 in Allen Hall or schedule an appointment to meet with a career and academic advisor. All undergraduate SOJC students are welcome—even if you haven’t enrolled yet!

Current SOJC students: Consult Ducks on Track in DuckWeb and your SOJC advisor about your specific schedule. The requirements below may be different under your specific curriculum.

First Year

During your first year as a Duck, you'll get started on your core education requirements for the university and SOJC Platform courses. You'll also start exploring your interests and opportunities related to those interests, like study-abroad trips and student clubs and organizations. This is a great time to create a LinkedIn profile. By the end of your first year, you should have taken a balance of major and core education classes, explored some minor options, and completed at least 45 credits.

Second Year

During your second year, you'll focus on finishing the SOJC Platform classes and starting classes specific to the journalism major, such as Journalism and Democracy. You'll also begin exploring more media theory concepts in your SOJC Core Context classes. This is a great time to think about study-abroad or internship options! By the end of Year 2, you should have completed your BA or BS classes, started a minor, and logged at least 90 credits.

Third Year

In Year 3, you'll focus on developing skills within the field of journalism and digging deeper into your media theory Core Context classes. You'll also continue your minor, finish your core education requirements, and start building a portfolio. This is a great time to meet with an SOJC advisor to create a graduation plan to make sure you are on track to graduate. By the end of the third year, you should have an idea of what area of journalism you want to focus on, start taking related specialized classes, and begin building relationships with faculty and professionals within that area. You should have completed at least 135 credits by the end of the year.

Fourth Year

During your senior year, you'll focus on building a mastery of journalism skills and finishing any remaining major, minor, and core education requirements, including your final Journalism Capstone course in the area of journalism you want to specialize in. You'll also have the opportunity to take some elective classes to explore new areas or dig deeper into topics of interest. This is a great time to make a career appointment with the SOJC’s Undergraduate Student Success Center and discuss next steps for your career after graduation. Before graduation, you will have completed at least 180 credits.

Academic Support and Career Advising

Need some guidance? Our academic advisors are here for you. The SOJC’s Undergraduate Student Success Center is your one-stop shop for undergraduate academic advice and career-building tips. All undergraduate SOJC students are welcome—even if you haven’t enrolled or declared an SOJC major yet. Drop in to Room 134 on the ground floor of Allen Hall or make an appointment to get on track to meet your goals.