About this Program
- College: Journalism and Communications
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Journalism
- Specialization: Sports and Media
- Credits for Degree: 120
- Contact: Email | 352.392.0500 | 2070 Weimer Hall
- More Info
To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college, and major requirements.
Department Information
Graduates of the Department of Journalism work in traditional forms of media, emerging platforms, and in corporate roles. Ultimately, the department offers transferrable skills that creates outstanding leaders with successful achievements across all fields.
Website
CONTACT
Email | 352.392.0466
2070 WEIMER HALL
GAINESVILLE FL 32611
Map
Curriculum
- Combination Degrees
- Creative Advertising Certificate
- International Communication Certificate
- Journalism
- Journalism | Sports and Media UF Online
- Mass Communication Studies Minor
- Mass Communication Studies Minor UF Online
- Media Sales Certificate
- Political Communication Certificate
- Spanish Language News Media Certificate
The courses enable students to develop their storytelling talent - in words, visuals, or data - and prepare them for careers in all kinds of media professions, including as reporters, writers, photographers, editors, designers, multimedia storytellers, broadcast journalists, and more. The flexible curriculum allows students to work in all kinds of traditional and new media platforms. Excellent writing skills are essential. Graduates of the program work with major journalism and media companies, as well as other industries, and have won prolific honors, including the Pulitzer Prize.
Required Core Coursework | 27 Credits
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| JOU 2100 | Broadcast Writing Bootcamp 1 | 1 |
| JOU 3015 | Principles of Journalism 1 | 3 |
| JOU 3101 | Reporting 1 | 3 |
| JOU 3110 | Applied Fact Finding 1 | 3 |
| JOU 3220C | Visual Journalism 1 | 3 |
| JOU 3346L | Multimedia Reporting 1 | 3 |
| MMC 1009 | Introduction to Media and Communications 1 | 1 |
| MMC 2450 | Data Literacy for Communicators 1 | 1 |
| MMC 2604 | Media, Cultures, and Identity 1 | 3 |
| MMC 3203 | Ethics and Problems in Mass Communications 1 | 3 |
| or JOU 4700 | Problems and Ethics of Journalism in Society | |
| MMC 4200 | Law of Mass Communication 1 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 27 | |
- 1
Minimum grades of C are required in all journalism courses.
Specialization Areas | 12 Credits
Students take a minimum of four courses in a specialization, one of which must be an advanced-level course. Some specializations have a required course. Students must take appropriate prereqs. Students can take courses in other specializations which will count as electives in the major and may work with an advisor and the department chair to customize a plan.
Broadcast
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required course | 3 | |
| Audio News and Reporting 1 | ||
| Advanced course | 3 | |
| In-Depth Broadcast Reporting 1 | ||
or RTV 4684 | Advanced Broadcast News Producing | |
| Select 6 or more credits | 6 | |
| News Center Practicum 1 | ||
| Advanced News Center Practicum 1 | ||
| Noticias 1 | ||
| Advanced Audio Storytelling 1 | ||
| Broadcast News Producing 1 | ||
| TV News Reporting 1 | ||
| Advanced TV News Reporting 1 | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
Minimum grades of C are required in all journalism courses.
Visual
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required course | 3 | |
| Photographic Journalism | ||
| Advanced course | 3 | |
| Advanced Photographic Journalism 2 1 | ||
or JOU 4214 | Advanced Design | |
| Select 6 or more credits | 6 | |
| Design 1 | ||
| Video Storytelling 1 | ||
| Specialized Journalistic Photography 1 | ||
| Advanced Photographic Journalism 1 1 | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
Minimum grades of C are required in all journalism courses.
Topical Reporting
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required course | 3 | |
| Editing and Coaching 1 | ||
| Advanced course (select one): | 3 | |
| Fresh Take Florida 1 | ||
| Investigative Reporting 1 | ||
| Narrative Nonfiction Writing 1 | ||
| Select 6 or more credits | 6 | |
| Advanced Reporting 1 | ||
| Science Journalism 1 | ||
| Magazine and Feature Writing 1 | ||
| Sports Reporting 1 | ||
| Environmental Journalism 1 | ||
| Applied Journalism 1 | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
Minimum grades of C are required in all journalism courses.
Data/Coding
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 12 or more credits | 12 | |
| Data Journalism 1 | ||
| DataViz and Mapping 1 | ||
| Introduction to Web Apps for Communicators 1 | ||
| Artificial Intelligence in Media and Society 1 | ||
| Advanced Data Journalism 1 | ||
| Sports Data Journalism 1 | ||
| Advanced Web Apps for Communicators 1 | ||
| Applied Journalism 1 | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
Minimum grades of C are required in all journalism courses.
Editing/Producing
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required course | 3 | |
| Broadcast News Producing 1 | ||
or JOU 3XXX | Editing and Coaching 1 | |
| Advanced course (select one): | 3 | |
| Applied Magazines 1 | ||
| Applied Journalism 1 | ||
| Advanced Broadcast News Producing 1 | ||
| Select 6 or more credits | 6 | |
| Social Media for Journalists 1 | ||
| Audience Engagement 1 | ||
| News Center Practicum 1 | ||
| Advanced News Center Practicum 1 | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
Minimum grades of C are required in all journalism courses.
Customized
Students may customize courses to career goals by using 12 credits of different specializations with the approval of the department chair.
Professional Electives | 14 credits
Students may take any other 3000-level or above courses in the College of Journalism and Communications to count as electives (JOU, RTV, PUR, ADV), including other courses in the JOU specializations. Students are encouraged to work with faculty members to construct electives that best meet career goals.
Up to six credits of professional Journalism Internship (JOU 4940) and up to 3 credits of Electronic Media Practicum (RTV 3945) will count as Professional Elective credit. Internship courses in Public Relations, Advertising, and Telecommunication will not count as Professional Elective credit. Minimum grade of C required in College of Journalism and Communications upper division courses.
EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENT
Students are required to have a laptop computer which is capable of running the Adobe Creative Cloud suite software. Other courses require Microsoft Office software or equivalent, including spreadsheets and statistics software (e.g., Excel, SPSS) and presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint or Keynote).
Some software is available for free or at a steep student discount through UF Apps. Please inquire with UF Apps before making software purchases.
More Info
Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for entry to each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.
Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.
Semester 1
- Complete 1 of 10 critical-tracking courses: MMC 1009, ENC 1102, MMC 2604, STA 2023, ECO 2013, JOU 3101, MMC 2450, JOU 3015, MMC 3203 or JOU 4700, MMC 4200
- 2.0 GPA on all work at all institutions
Semester 2
- Complete an additional 2 of 10 critical-tracking courses
- 2.0 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
- 2.0 GPA on all work at all institutions
Semester 3
- Complete 2 additional critical-tracking courses
- 2.0 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
- 2.0 GPA on all work at all institutions
Semester 4
- Complete 1 critical-tracking course
- 2.0 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
- 2.0 GPA on all work at all institutions
SEMESTER 5
- Complete 1 critical-tracking course
- 2.0 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
- 2.0 GPA on all work at all institutions
SEMESTER 6
- Complete 1 critical-tracking course
- 2.0 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
- 2.0 GPA on all work at all institutions
SEMESTER 7
- Complete 1 critical-tracking course
- 2.0 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
- 2.0 GPA on all work at all institutions
SEMESTER 8
- 2.0 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
- 2.0 GPA on all work at all institutions
To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold. These courses must be completed by the terms as listed above in the Critical Tracking criteria.
This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.
| Semester One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Quest 1 (Gen Ed Humanities) | 3 | |
| AMH 2020 | United States Since 1877 (State Core Gen Ed Social and Behavioral Sciences) | 3 |
| ENC 1101 | Expository and Argumentative Writing (State Core Gen Ed Composition) 1 | 3 |
| MMC 1009 | Introduction to Media and Communications (Critical Tracking) 1 | 1 |
| Select one: | 3 | |
| Theatre Appreciation (State Core Gen Ed Humanities with Diversity) | ||
| Art Appreciation: American Diversity and Global Arts (State Core Gen Ed Humanities with Diversity) | ||
| State Core Gen Ed Mathematics 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Semester Two | ||
| ENC 1102 | Argument and Persuasion (Critical Tracking) 1 | 3 |
| JOU 2100 | Broadcast Writing Bootcamp 1 | 1 |
| JOU 3220C | Visual Journalism 1 | 3 |
| MMC 2604 | Media, Cultures, and Identity (Critical Tracking) 1 | 3 |
| MUL 2010 | Experiencing Music (Gen Ed Humanities with International) | 3 |
| State Core Gen Ed Biological or Physical Sciences 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Semester Three | ||
| Quest 2 (Gen Ed Biological or Physical Sciences) 1 | 3 | |
| Select one: | 3 | |
| Comparative Politics | ||
| Introduction to International Relations | ||
| American State and Local Government (preferred; Gen Ed Social and Behavioral Sciences) | ||
| JOU 3101 | Reporting 1 | 3 |
| JOU 3015 | Principles of Journalism (Critical Tracking) | 3 |
| MMC 2450 | Data Literacy for Communicators (Critical Tracking) 1 | 1 |
| Select one: | 3 | |
Foreign language 1 |
||
Quantitative option |
||
| Credits | 16 | |
| Semester Four | ||
| ECO 2013 | Principles of Macroeconomics (Critical Tracking; Gen Ed Social and Behavioral Sciences) | 4 |
| JOU 3110 | Applied Fact Finding 1 | 3 |
| JOU 3346L | Multimedia Reporting 1 | 3 |
| POS 2041 | American Federal Government (Gen Ed Social and Behavioral Sciences) | 3 |
| Select one: | 3 | |
Foreign language 1 |
||
Quantitative option |
||
| Credits | 16 | |
| Semester Five | ||
| Select one: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Public Speaking 1 | ||
| Oral Performance of Literature 1 1 | ||
| STA 2023 | Introduction to Statistics 1 (Critical Tracking; Gen Ed Mathematics) 1 | 3 |
| JOU specialization course | 3 | |
| Professional elective 1 | 3 | |
| Outside concentration course | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester Six | ||
| MMC 3203 or JOU 4700 |
Ethics and Problems in Mass Communications (Critical Tracking) 1 or Problems and Ethics of Journalism in Society |
3 |
| JOU specialization course 1 | 3 | |
| Professional electives 1 | 5 | |
| Outside concentration course | 3 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Semester Seven | ||
| MMC 4200 | Law of Mass Communication (Critical Tracking) 1 | 3 |
| JOU specialization course | 3 | |
| English elective (Writing Requirement: 6,000 words) 1 | 3 | |
| Professional elective 1 | 3 | |
| Elective (outside college) | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester Eight | ||
| JOU specialization course | 3 | |
| Professional elective | 2 | |
| Outside concentration course | 3 | |
| Electives (outside college) | 4 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- 1
Minimum grade of C required.
The Journalism curriculum provides a foundation in reporting, writing, numeracy, the use of public records, First Amendment/media law, history of media, and storytelling in a variety of platforms. Specialized coursework is offered in a variety of subjects, and the curriculum is designed to allow flexibility for faculty to develop curriculum in evolving areas (such is the case for the robust development of courses in data journalism and coding, both areas that did not exist several years ago).
Skills developed are applicable to traditional platforms of Journalism, as well as new, hybrid, or non-traditional forms of media. Learning outcomes prepare students for the challenges of culturally diverse and technologically changing marketplaces.
Specializations
Journalism
Students learn base skills required for journalism- and journalism-related careers. Students gain a foundation in reporting, writing, public records, and more, and they all develop a two-course specialization in their area of interest (such as photojournalism, coding, data journalism, specialized reporting, magazine writing, and more). Students come together after these two-course specializations to work in small teams in a common capstone that emphasizes advanced project work.
Sports and Media
While still having roots in traditional journalism, this curriculum has an emphasis on sports-related coursework across the college’s departments. Students are prepared for a variety of careers in sports media. Students are required to do an internship in this curriculum, which can serve as a capstone experience.
Before Graduating Students Must
- Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.
Students in the Major Will Learn to
Student Learning Outcomes | SLOs
Content
- Apply basic numerical and statistical concepts used by journalists.
Critical Thinking
- Conduct research and evaluation information that is accessible through advanced database and public records.
- Demonstrate reporting skills that reflect a diverse and pluralistic society.
- Understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press.
Communication
- Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the journalism and communications professions and audiences.
Curriculum Map
I = Introduced; R = Reinforced; A = Assessed
| Courses | SLO 1 | SLO 2 | SLO 3 | SLO 4 | SLO 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MMC 2604 | I | I | I | ||
| MMC 2121 | I | ||||
| MMC 2450 | I | ||||
| VIC 3001 | R | ||||
| JOU 3101 | R | R | R | R | R |
| JOU 3110 | A | ||||
| JOU 3346 | A | R | A | A | |
| JOU 4950 | R | R | R | R | R |
| MMC 4200 | A |
Assessment Types
- Exams
- Story Evaluation