Media, Communications and Journalism
MCJ Degrees and Programs
The Department of Media, Communications and Journalism offers many exciting and creative
pathways, where every story has the power to change minds and shape futures. Our program
combines the art of storytelling with the ethics of responsible communication, preparing
students to thrive in today's fast-paced media landscape. Here you'll dive into a
mix of theory, professional practice and hands-on experience, learning not only to
think critically and write compellingly, but also to communicate effectively across
a range of platforms. From understanding the latest trends to mastering cutting-edge
tools, our students emerge as adaptable, innovative leaders ready to make their mark
in the media industry. Join us, and get ready to tell stories that matter.
Our mass communication and journaism major consists of four concentrations (options).
Majors must complete a minimum of 37 semester units of media, communications and journalism
courses with a grade of C or better in each course.
- 19 units of MCJ core courses
- 18 units of courses in the selected option
Media, Communications and Journalism Catalog
B.A. in Mass Communication & Journalism degrees
Each MCJ major must select an option, which is an area of specialization within the major. The courses required for each option are listed under Major Requirements.
B.A. in Mass Communication & Journalism, Advertising/Public Relations option
Learn to grab the attention of your audience and use strategic communication to help an organization succeed. The department’s advertising and public relations students work for such agencies as J. Walter Thompson, Chiat/Day, Publicis and Hal Riney, American Airlines, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Fleishman Hillard, Salvation Army, Valley Children’s Hospital, Coca Cola, and Orbitz.
B.A. in Mass Communication & Journalism, Broadcast/Multiplatform Journalism option
Broadcast journalism students learn the importance of producing responsible news coverage while maintaining strong ethical standards. Our program’s core focuses on teaching the principles of storytelling through video, audio and powerful writing. Our students learn through their experiences, which include producing content for television, radio and digital platforms in English and Spanish. Broadcast journalism graduates are now reporters, producers and anchors at local and national radio and television stations. Other alumni have embarked on careers at technology and social media companies including Google, Amazon, and Facebook.
B.A. in Mass Communication & Journalism, Digital Journalism option
The written word remains one of the most powerful forms of human communication, both in physical publications and on the web. Digital journalism graduates are working for leading news outlets, including The New York Times, USA Today, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle and The Fresno Bee, along with TV stations running their online operations. Alumni have also embarked on literary careers and include award-winning non-fiction authors. The Collegian, Fresno State’s award-winning student-run news organization, serves as a key laboratory classroom and allows students to get hands-on experience covering local news.
B.A. in Mass Communication & Journalism, Film and Media Arts option
Film and media arts students are creative storytellers who communicate through writing, photography, video, audio and the web. Graduates are on all the staffs at local television stations and multiple production companies. Some have worked on network television shows such as Survivor.
Minors
The MCJ department offers four minors for students with majors in other departments.
Certificates
The department offers four certificates that are open to all students.