Bachelor of Arts in Journalism

The Oakwood University Journalism curriculum is designed to create a challenging learning environment that encourages students to tell complex stories, unearth narratives that are often underreported, approach data to enhance reporting and to confront authority through the written word. The program will place special focus on local news reporting at a time when the industry is in dire need of trained reporters to tackle this specific type of storytelling. It also encourages looking at journalism through a spiritual lens, doing the work of storytelling like the master teacher, Jesus. As the industry evolves, the program will adapt to respond to new technologies and advancements. Students who complete the Bachelor of Science in Journalism (BSJ) or the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (BAJ) will be proficient in the following student learning outcomes. They have been adapted from accreditation principles from the Accrediting Council of Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC).

1. Analyze biblical principles of integrity and transformation using journalism practices.

2. Understand and apply the principles and laws of press freedom and speech, including the right to dissent, to monitor and criticize power, and to assemble and petition for redress of grievances.

3. Demonstrate culturally proficient and ethical communication principles through reporting, in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity.

4. Write, produce and/or present carefully researched stories for consumption by different audiences, including those traditionally disenfranchised by society.

5. Integrate principles of statistics and data synthesis to strengthen reporting.

6. Develop professional practice experience through internships, practicums, student media productions and other publications.

7. Understand the role and function of the government in a healthy democracy, and how it impacts the work of journalism.

8. Demonstrate best practice for use of appropriate newsroom technology (hardware and software).

Admission and Academic Policies for the BSJ and BAJ programs

• Admission to Oakwood University does not guarantee admission to the Bachelor of Science in Journalism (BSJ) or the Bachelor of Arts (BAJ) in Journalism program in the Department of Communication.

• Students who are interested in the BSJ or BAJ programs must pass JR 101: Principles of American Journalism with a C+ before being eligible to become students of the programs. Failure to pass this course will delay graduation.

• Students must complete an interview as part of admission requirements for the BSJ or BAJ programs. This interview is meant to assess journalism interests and to provide guidance on the program that suits the student best. Students will be admitted based on the interview panel’s recommendation.

• To be admitted as a major in the BSJ or BAJ program, students must have completed at least 32 hours of coursework, including EN 112 Freshman Composition, JR 101 Principles of American Journalism, CO 221 Introduction to Mass Communication and FT146: Fundamentals of Audio/Video Production; and have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5.

• Students must receive no less than a C+ in BSJ core, track and cognate courses and a C+ in BAJ core and track courses. Students who fall below a 2.5 GPA are automatically placed on academic probation and will require an academic recovery plan with the Center for Student Success (CSS) to continue matriculating through the program. Continued poor performance will result in further action, which may include suspension or dismissal.

• Students must declare a track during the summer before their junior year begins. There are four tracks to choose from. They include: 1) Broadcast & Online Storytelling, 2) Audio Storytelling, 3) Written Storytelling and 4) Photojournalism.

• Students in the BSJ program must declare a cognate during the summer before their junior year begins.

• Students in the BAJ program must declare a minor during the summer before their junior year begins.

• Students who register for a class without taking the required prerequisites will be administratively removed from the course. There are no Co-requisites in the BSJ or BAJ programs.

• JR 100 and JR 200 courses, and classes in each Journalism track should be taken in sequence. This will ensure that the student graduates on time, providing the student passes each class.

• If a student fails a course within a track, they must wait until the class is offered again. This will delay graduation.

• Students across both programs are required to take an examination in their senior year to be eligible for graduation. The student will have two attempts to pass. If a student fails a second time, they will be able to retake the examination the following Fall semester. The examination is not offered in the Spring.

• An internship is required to meet graduation requirements in the BSJ and BAJ programs. Any internship to be used for academic credit must be approved in writing by the Internship facilitator and Journalism Program Director one (1) month before the internship begins.

• Each student is required to submit a Capstone Project in their final semester to be eligible for graduation. They will need a 74% and above to pass.

  • Students in the Broadcast Storytelling track must complete this project in the News Magazine Production class [JR 420].

  • Students in the Audio Storytelling track must complete this project in the Audio Documentary class [JR 440].

  • Students in the Written Storytelling track must complete this project in the Capstone class [JR 430].

  • Students in the Photojournalism track must complete this project in the Capstone: Editorial Photography class [JR 410].

The Department of Communication and the Journalism program reserves the right to revise its policies and procedures within an academic year as considered appropriate and necessary. Changes take effect immediately, or as voted by the faculty. All changes will be promptly communicated to faculty and students, on the date made, or as soon as possible after, and will be published or made accessible in writing to those affected by the policy or procedure.