Journalism

Department of Communication Studies

Program Description

Sacramento State's program emphasizes research, writing and editing for interactive media, and other courses necessary to prepare students for success in media-related jobs; it also includes courses that critically examine media as an institution.

A student at Sacramento State may major either in Journalism or in Political Science-Journalism. A minor in Journalism is valuable to the student entering a career field in which journalism plays a role.

Journalism majors write The State Hornet, a weekly print newspaper and daily multimedia publication.

A journalism degree prepares students for a variety of careers and graduate studies. Graduates work as journalists in a diverse range of media, as public relations representatives, and as communications staff for government agencies, non-profits, and other organizations.

Degree Programs

BA in Journalism

BA in Political Science/Journalism

Minor in Journalism

Special Features

  • The location of Sacramento State in the state's capital provides uncommon advantages for the student interested in journalism. Many students take internships with state agencies or news operations that provide both experience and opportunities unlikely to be found elsewhere.
  • Sacramento State offers the only Political Science-Journalism degree program in the nation, tailored to take advantage of the Department's location at the hub of state politics. The Department has more than 100 internships available to upper-division journalism majors.
  • One emphasis of the Journalism program is data reporting, a resonant and fast-growing skill valuable in news organizations nationwide.
  • Journalism majors have the opportunity to take classes from both Department faculty and local journalists. The full-time faculty are practicing professionals who contribute regularly to publications on a freelance basis. Local professional journalists serve as part-time faculty and guest lecturers. 
  • Sacramento State students intern in the state Capitol and Washington, D.C. Many opportunities are available for Political Science-Journalism majors to do internships that meet their unique interests.

Career Possibilities

Reporter · Editor · Publisher · Public Relations Specialist · Legislative Assistant/Director ·Technical Writer/Editor · Government Program Analyst · Broadcast Journalist · News Producer · Research specialist  Copywriter · Social Media Strategist  · Media Entrepreneur and more.

Contact Information

Mark Ludwig, Department Chair
Katrina Roose, Administrative Support Coordinator II
Mendocino Hall 5014
(916) 278-6688
Department of Communication Studies Website

Faculty

DUGAN, MOLLY

GALLO, FERNANDO

LUDWIG, MARK

REESE, PHILLIP