Join a new generation of journalists committed to uncovering and sharing the information a democratic society needs to thrive. Gain hands-on experience in a rapidly evolving industry under the guidance of award-winning professional journalists and internationally renowned scholars.
Journalism at the SOJC
We’re teaching innovative approaches to the field—like solutions journalism, engaged journalism, data journalism, and more—that prepare students to work with communities, find answers for society’s problems, and inspire action. One thing that never changes, however, is our commitment to the ethics that define us as journalists. You’ll develop the skills to tell an ethical, accurate, and compelling story in any medium while exploring new communication forms.
What You Can Do with a Journalism Degree
The way we share information is changing, but the need for ethical and accurate reporting is stronger than ever. As technology transforms the field of journalism, exciting new careers continue to emerge. Many of our graduates work in digital and multimedia fields, from documentary filmmaking to visual storytelling. With a journalism degree, you can join them—or blaze your own path. Check out what three of our graduates are up to now:
Real-World Experience
We believe the learning process isn’t complete until you practice your skills out in the world. As an SOJC journalism student, you'll get the chance to:
- Travel overseas to uncover history’s forgotten stories in places like Ho Chi Minh City or experience the sounds and colors of Sri Lankan village life.
- Work for an award-winning student publication like FLUX magazine or OR Magazine.
- Build a job-landing reel while gaining broadcast experience on DuckTV.
- Land a summer internship at a media outlet in Ghana.
- Cover world-class athletic events such as the World Track and Field Championships for the SOJC’s Sports Bureau.
"The SOJC provided a strong foundation for me to learn the basics and principles of journalism, media ethics, media law, interviewing, and reporting.... The opportunities I had in school definitely helped me get to where I am today."
—Beth Maiman '15, Sports Digital Producer, Emmy Award Winner
Attention, SOJC journalism students! Now you can earn a master’s degree within a year of completing your bachelor’s degree in journalism at the SOJC! With our one-year accelerated Multimedia Journalism Master’s program based at SOJC Portland, you’ll learn all the storytelling and technical skills you need to stand out in the field, from immersive media and virtual reality to podcasting, explanatory storytelling, drone journalism, and 360 video.
Where Our Alumni Are Now
First he helped expose Russia’s athletic doping program. Then he got a seat at the Academy Awards. Now with an Oscar under his belt, documentary filmmaker Jake Swantko ’11, the SOJC’s 2021 Eric Allen Outstanding Young Alum, is contemplating what risk to take next—all because an SOJC instructor put a camera in his hands.
“When you pick up a camera, the lens and light speak adjectives and verbs for you. You start to become a more visual storyteller. The camera started to speak for me. If not for the school, I don’t know exactly what I would be doing.”
—Jake Swantko ’11, director of photography, Icarus, winner of 2018 Oscar for Best Documentary