Journalism, Major

Liberal Arts (Code 560-206)

University Requirements

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR BACCALAUREATE DEGREE
Credit Requirements
Minimum total for graduation 1120
Upper division credits (courses numbered 300 and higher)39
Liberal Education Core36
Academic Concentrations
Grade Point Requirements 2
Total2.00 average
Resident2.00 average
Major2.00 average
Minor2.00 average
Certificate2.00 average
University Residency Requirements
Minimum total30
Senior year23
Major, Standard, upper division in residence12
Major, Comprehensive, upper division in residence21
Certificate25 percent of credits
Procedures Required for Graduation
Obtain admission to the degree program and/or the College offering it.
Apply for graduation on CampS.
1

Certain programs exceed this minimum.

2

See special requirements in each College.

Applicability of Credits Toward Graduation

Junior College or Two-Year College Credits. A maximum of 72 semester credits earned in a junior college or two-year college will be accepted as degree credits at UW-Eau Claire.

Extension Credits. Credits earned in credit outreach courses offered by UW-Eau Claire are treated as resident credits. Credits earned in extension courses offered by other units of the University of Wisconsin System are treated as transfer credits. All other (non-UW) extension and correspondence credits are normally limited to one-fourth of the total required for graduation from any curriculum.

WTCS Credits. A maximum of 72 semester credits earned in college parallel programs at Madison Area Technical College, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Nicolet Area Technical College, or Chippewa Valley Technical College may be accepted as degree credits at UW-Eau Claire. A set number of general education courses will be accepted from other technical schools. Occupational and technical courses may also be considered for transfer if the quality and content of the course work from the technical college is judged to be comparable to course work at UW-Eau Claire. Refer to the Transfer Credit Wizard or contact the UW-Eau Claire Admissions Office for information about the current transfer policy.

USAFI Credit. UW-Eau Claire will accept up to 32 semester credits for work done through the United States Armed Forces Institute, under the provision for non-UW correspondence credit (see Extension Credits above).

Activity Credit (band, chorus, drama, KINS 100-184 courses) Students may count toward graduation no more than one credit of KINS 110-184 courses. Students may count toward graduation no more than four credits earned in any single activity course and no more than 12 credits resulting from any combination of activity courses (excluding KINS 110-184 courses). 

Other Restricted Credits. For other University restrictions, see the following: Cooperative Education; Credit by Examination; Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Registration; Transfer of Credits. College or departmental restrictions may also be placed on Independent Study (399-499 courses), Directed Study (395-495), and other types of credits.

APPLICABILITY OF CREDITS TOWARD GRADUATIONCredit Restrictions
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Total degree creditmaximum 12
Major, Standardmaximum 1 course
Major, Comprehensivemaximum 2 courses
Minormaximum 1 course
Credit by Examination
Total degree creditmaximum ¼ of total
Major or minormaximum ½ of total
Two-Year College Credits
Total degree creditmaximum 72 credits
Activity credit (band, chorus, drama, KINS 100-184)
Total KINS 100-184maximum 1 credit
Total Band, chorus, dramamaximum 12 credits
Single course band, chorus, dramamaximum 4 credits
Extension credits
UW-Systemno maximum
Other extension/correspondencemaximum ¼ of total
USAFI
USAFImaximum 32 credits

Liberal Education Core

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire measures learning outcomes to ensure that its graduates have achieved a liberal education and prepared themselves to contribute to a complex society. Upon graduation, each undergraduate will have met the five learning goals of our liberal education core and the 12 learning outcomes they comprise. 

LIBERAL EDUCATION CORE REQUIREMENTSa minimum of 36 credits
Knowledge Goal
Knowledge Outcome 1 (K1): Natural SciencesTwo (2) learning experiences
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2.
Knowledge Outcome 2 (K2): Social SciencesTwo (2) learning experiences
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2.
Knowledge Outcome 3 (K3): HumanitiesTwo (2) learning experiences
Knowledge Outcome 4 (K4): Fine ArtsOne (1) learning experience
Skills Goal
Skills Outcome 1 (S1): Written and Oral CommunicationTwo (2) learning experiences
Skills Outcome 2 (S2): MathematicsOne (1) learning experience
Skills Outcome 3 (S3): CreativityOne (1) learning experience
Responsibility Goal
Responsibility Outcome 1 (R1): Equity, Diversity, and InclusivityTwo (2) learning experiences
Responsibility Outcome 2 (R2): Global PerspectivesOne (1) learning experience
Responsibility Outcome 3 (R3): Civic and Environmental IssuesOne (1) learning experience
Integration Goal
Integration Outcome 1 (I1): IntegrationTwo (2) learning experiences
Service-Learning Goal
Service-Learning30 hours

College Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree (B.A./B.S.)

University Graduation Requirements. All candidates for degrees must fulfill the requirements for credits, curriculum, GPA, and University residency as specified in the section of this catalog titled University Graduation Requirements.

College Graduation Requirements: Grade Point Averages. All candidates for degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences must earn minimum resident and total GPAs of 2.00 in the major, the minor, and the certificate. The resident and total GPAs for the major are computed using all attempted credits applicable to the major including those offered by departments other than the major department. The resident and total GPAs for the minor and the certificate are computed similarly.

Major-Minor and Major-Certificate Requirements. A standard major (a minimum of 36 credits) must be supplemented by a minor (a minimum of 24 credits) or by a certificate (12 to 18 credits) to meet graduation requirements for completing a first and second degree program. No minor or certificate is required with a Comprehensive Major (60 or more credits) or with two majors of 36 or more credits each.

Certain degree programs, which include Comprehensive Majors, may require more than the minimum of 120 credits for graduation.

Acceptable academic program combinations are determined at the college level. A major and a minor or a major and certificate or two majors (if available) may not be elected in the same department or program, except in the approved combinations listed here.

College Credits. Earn at least 90 credits in courses offered by the College of Arts and Sciences.

Bachelor of Arts Degree in the College of Arts and Sciences (B.A.)

Fulfillment of all University Graduation Requirements (which includes the Liberal Education Core); all College-level degree requirements (major and minor/certificate emphases, GPAs, earning at least 90 credits in Arts and Sciences course work); foreign language competency at the 102 level.  Foreign language competency may be met in one of two ways:  (1) Achieve a score on the foreign language placement test that qualifies the student to enter the 201-level course in a foreign language.  (2) Earn a grade of at least C (not C-) or a mark of S in a 102-level foreign language course (or AIS 112 or AIS 122 / LANG 122 or CSD 103).

Bachelor of Science Degree in the College of Arts and Sciences (B.S.)

Fulfillment of all University Graduation Requirements (which includes the Liberal Education Core); all College-level degree requirements (major and minor/certificate emphases, GPAs, earning at least 90 credits in Arts and Sciences course work); mathematics competency at the MATH 111, MATH 112 or MATH 113 level.  Mathematics competency can be met in one of three ways:  (1) Achieve a score on the mathematics placement test that qualifies the student to enter MATH 114.  (2) Earn a grade of at least C (not C-) or a mark of S in MATH 111, MATH 112, or MATH 113.  (3) Achieve a satisfactory score on the MATH 112 competency test.  This test may be attempted no more than two times.

Major Requirements

Liberal Arts (Code 560-206)

Understanding the role of journalism in a democratic society is the goal of this major. This major prepares students to inform citizens and enhance democracy by gathering, writing, editing and delivering news across multiple platforms.

Journalism majors must complete 36 credits hours that include:
CJ 184Multimedia Communication3
CJ 202Fundamentals of Speech3
or CJ 203 Fundamentals of Human Communication
CJ 222Beginning Journalism3
CJ 300Research Methods3
CJ 321Intermediate Journalism3
CJ 413Media Law and Ethics3
CJ 427Advanced Reporting and Editing3
CJ 429Digital Newsroom (capstone)3
Select one of the following courses:3
Audio and Video Production Process
Introduction to Photography
Visual Communication Design
Select one of the following courses:3
Intercultural Communication
Diversity & Communication: Organizational & Media Contexts
Advertising in Contemporary Society
CJ electives: six credits (neither CJ 202 nor CJ 203 may be used as elective credits)6
Total Credits36

Note:  No major or minor credit may be earned under the S/U option.  

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be expected to meet the following learning outcomes:

  • Understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press for the country in which the institution that invites ACEJMC is located, as well as receive instruction in and understand the range of systems of freedom of expression around the world, including the right to dissent, to monitor and criticize power, and to assemble and petition for redress of grievances.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of gender, race ethnicity, sexual orientation and, as appropriate, other forms of diversity in domestic society in relation to mass communications.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of peoples and cultures and of the significance and impact of mass communications in a global society.
  • Understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity.
  • Think critically, creatively and independently.
  • Conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work.
  • Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve.
  • Critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness.
  • Apply basic numerical and statistical concepts.
  • Apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work.

(Outcomes from Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication)

Sample Degree Plan

 Journalism, Major, B.A. 

The following is a sample degree plan, based on the 2023-2024 catalog. It is based on the 120-credit graduation requirement and assumes no transferred credits, no requirements waived by placement tests, no courses taken in the summer or winter, no repeated courses, and no remedial courses that may be required. This sample degree plan is intended for first-year students entering UW-Eau Claire in the fall semester. Your own degree plan may differ depending on the course of study selected (second major, minor, etc.). UW-Eau Claire cannot guarantee all courses will be offered as shown, but will provide a range of courses that may enable prepared students to fulfill their requirements in a timely period. This sample degree plan is just a guide. Please consult your advisor, your degree audit, and the catalog to create your own degree plan. Note: In order to earn the required minimum of 120 credits for the degree in four years, you should plan to take 15 credits each semester or 30 credits each year.

To earn a degree, students must fulfill all University Graduation Requirements, including the Liberal Education (LE) Core.  LE Core course work in the following sample degree plan uses abbreviations such as LE-K1, LE-S2, LE-R3, and LE-I1 to represent the learning outcomes students will meet via completion of their liberal education course work.  Please click here for a description of the Liberal Education Core outcomes and requirements.  Note that the LE Core may be completed through both course and non-course experiences.

Students in this major have the option to pursue either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree.  The degrees are distinguished by foreign language competency for the B.A. and a higher level of mathematics competency for the B.S.

FIRST YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
WRIT 114Intensive Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1)5
OR
Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1)
CJ 184Multimedia Communication (LE-S3)3
SECOND SEMESTER
CJ 222Beginning Journalism3
SOME TIME IN THE FIRST YEAR
CJ 202Fundamentals of Speech (LE-S1)3
OR
Fundamentals of Human Communication (LE-S1)
LE Option: Responsibility 1 (LE-R1) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity3
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities3
LE Option: Integration (LE-I1)3
LE Option: Knowledge 1 (LE-K1) Natural Sciences3
LE Option: Skills 2 (LE-S2) Mathematics - Choose MATH 104, 106 or 1084
TOTAL FIRST YEAR30
SECOND YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
101-level language - BA Requirement, LE-S14
SECOND SEMESTER
102-level language - BA Requirement4
CJ 300Research Methods3
SOME TIME IN THE SECOND YEAR
CJ 241Audio and Video Production Process3
OR
Introduction to Photography
OR
Visual Communication Design
Course in second program/minor3
LE Option: Knowledge 2 (LE-K2) Social Sciences3
LE Option: Responsibility 2 (LE-R2) Global Perspectives3
LE Option: Knowledge 2 (LE-K2) Social Sciences3
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities3
TOTAL SECOND YEAR29
THIRD YEAR
SECOND SEMESTER
CJ 321Intermediate Journalism3
SOME TIME IN THE THIRD YEAR
CJ 301Intercultural Communication3
OR
Diversity & Communication: Organizational & Media Contexts (WGSS 317)
OR
Advertising in Contemporary Society
LE Option: Knowledge 1 (LE-K1L) Natural Sciences with Lab4
Course in second program/minor3
LE Option: Knowledge 4 (LE-K4) Fine Arts3
CJ 413Media Law and Ethics (LE-R3)3
CJ Elective - choice of any course with CJ prefix not already included in major program.3
LE Option: Responsibility 1 (LE-R1, DDIV) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity with Design for Diversity3
Course in second program/minor3
Course in second program/minor3
TOTAL THIRD YEAR31
FOURTH YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
CJ 427Advanced Reporting and Editing3
SECOND SEMESTER
CJ 429Digital Newsroom (LE-I1)3
SOME TIME IN THE FOURTH YEAR
CJ Elective - choice of any course with CJ prefix not already included in major program3
Course in second program/minor3
Course in second program/minor3
Elective - Any 3-credit course3
Course in second program/minor3
Course in second program/minor3
Elective - Any 3-credit course3
Elective - Any 3-credit course3
TOTAL FOURTH YEAR30

Minimum total for the baccalaureate degree = 120 credits

Notes

  • Students must complete 39 credits in courses above the 300 level in order to complete their degree. Those credits may be accumulated in major courses, minor courses, liberal education electives or general elective credits. Levels of major elective, minor elective, liberal education and general elective credits are not indicated on this guide. The student and advisor will monitor progress toward that requirement.
  • If a student selects a certificate rather than a minor, there will be fewer required credits in the second program than are reflected on this guide.
  • Depending on selection of electives and second program courses, some liberal education requirements may be satisfied by a major or second program course. The student and advisor will monitor those opportunities.
  • Students interested in pursuing study abroad opportunities during the regular semester should plan carefully with their advisor. Some courses are not offered every semester and graduation could be delayed if you do not plan accordingly.
  • Some suggested electives related to journalism include CJ 311 Mass Media History and CJ 322 Immersion Reporting. Note, Immersion Reporting currently is offered every other year.
  • Students must complete 120 credits in order to complete their degree. The low range of credits on this guide does not total 120.
  • All students must complete the 30-hour Service-Learning Requirement via a non-credit or credit option (see University Graduation Requirements).

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HIGH IMPACT PRACTICES (HIPs)
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire encourages all students to participate in High Impact Practices.  The following information identifies any specific recommendations that faculty in this major have concerning which HIPs might be most beneficial to students, and any recommendations about when those HIPs best fit into the degree plan. Students should also consult their faculty advisor for information on HIPs. There are many additional high impact opportunities available. Talk to your academic advisor for more information about incorporating HIPs like Study AbroadIntercultural ImmersionInternship, and/or  Student/Faculty Collaborative Research into your time at UW-Eau Claire. 

Liberal Education (LE) Core Guidance

Liberal Education Core (LE Core) 

The LE Core comprises 17 learning experiences across 11 learning outcomes. Students must complete a minimum of 36 credits in courses approved for the LE Core. 

  • K1 – Natural Sciences; two experiences (one lab science experience is required in K1 or K2). 

  • K2 – Social Sciences; two experiences (one lab science experience is required in K1 or K2). 

  • K3 – Humanities; two experiences. 

  • K4 – Fine Arts; one experience. 

  • S1 – Written and Oral Communication; two experiences (one experience must satisfy the University writing requirement). 

  • S2 – Mathematics; one experience (must satisfy the University math competency requirement). 

  • S3 – Creativity; one experience (can be fulfilled in a student’s major). 

  • R1 – Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity; two experiences (one experience must meet the UW System Design for Diversity (DD) requirement). 

  • R2 – Global Perspectives; one experience. 

  • R3 – Civic and Environmental Issues; one experience. 

  • I1 – Integration; two experiences (one experience can be fulfilled in a student’s major). 

  • SL—Service Learning; 30 hours 

Additional LE Core Information 

  • Most LE Core learning experiences are course based, and many courses meet more than one learning outcome (e.g., K3 and R2 or K1 and R3). 

  • Some learning experiences can also be met outside of a traditional course (e.g., undergraduate research (S3), study abroad (I1)). 

  • S1 – An English placement score that fulfills the University writing requirement fulfills one S1 experience. 

  • S1 – A foreign Language placement score that qualifies the student to enter the 102 level satisfies one S1 experience. 

  • S1, R2 – A foreign language placement score that qualifies the student to enter the 202 level satisfies one experience in S1 and the R2 experience. 

  • S2 – A math placement score that qualifies the student to enter Math 111, 112, 113 or 114 fulfills the S2 experience. 

  • S3 – Completion of two credits from any approved music ensemble fulfills the S3 experience. 

  • I1 – Any semester long study abroad program can fulfill one I1 experience.