City University of New York

What you'll study

This BA combines foundation courses in reporting and writing with practical modules in multimedia storytelling, data journalism and digital production. Core topics typically include news reporting and feature writing, investigative techniques, media law and ethics, editing and newsroom management, broadcast and podcast production, photojournalism, video storytelling, and audience engagement for social platforms. Students also study supporting subjects such as media history, media theory, and statistics for journalists.

The programme emphasises hands-on learning: classes often centre on producing stories for campus or local media outlets, building digital portfolios, and working on collaborative projects. Many courses include workshops on AP and AP-style editing, CMS publishing, data visualisation tools, audio and video editing software, and mobile reporting. Electives and seminar options allow specialisation in areas such as investigative reporting, business journalism, health reporting, immigration and urban affairs, or sports media.

Students usually complete a capstone project or practicum in their final year, which may take the form of an investigative package, a multimedia portfolio, or an internship-based project with a newsroom, public radio station, magazine, non-profit, or digital publisher.

Typical modules

• Introduction to News Reporting and Writing
• Intermediate Reporting and Beat Coverage
• Multimedia Journalism: Audio and Video
• Data Journalism and Visualisation
• Media Law and Ethics
• Photojournalism and Visual Storytelling
• Editing and Newsroom Practices
• Specialist Reporting (e.g. business, health, investigative)
• Capstone Project or Internship/Practicum

Entry requirements

Entry to the BA in Journalism generally requires a high school diploma or equivalent with a competitive academic record. Admissions typically consider overall grades, strength of writing and communication skills, and evidence of interest in journalism. Applicants are often asked to submit a personal statement and a short portfolio or writing sample (such as news stories, features, essays, blog posts, or multimedia pieces).

Some campuses or honours tracks may request specific subject prerequisites (for example English or social studies) or a minimum GPA. International applicants must meet English language proficiency standards. Transfer students are evaluated on previous college coursework and may receive credit for transferred modules where appropriate.

Career prospects

Graduates of a BA in Journalism enter a wide range of media and communications roles. Common career paths include reporter, copy editor, digital producer, multimedia journalist, broadcast reporter, and investigative journalist. Skills learned on the programme are also valued in related fields such as public relations, corporate communications, social media management, content strategy, editorial research, and non-profit communications.

Many students gain workplace experience through internships that lead to entry-level positions at local newspapers, regional magazines, radio and television stations, online news sites, wire services, and digital agencies. Others pursue postgraduate study or specialised training in investigative reporting, data journalism, or media law.

Why study at City University of New York

Studying journalism at the City University of New York gives students access to a broad urban media ecology, with opportunities to report on a diverse metropolis and to intern at major newsrooms based in the city. The CUNY system’s colleges combine practical training with academic study, and many programmes maintain relationships with local newspapers, radio stations and digital outlets to support placements and real-world experience.

CUNY’s journalism programmes typically emphasise diversity in storytelling and community-focused reporting, preparing graduates to cover under-served communities and complex urban issues. Facilities often include multimedia labs, editing suites and student-run publications or broadcast outlets that allow students to develop a professional portfolio before graduation.