College of Arts and Humanities
Media and Journalism
Bachelor of Arts | Major
Media and Journalism, BA
As a Media and Journalism major, you'll master the art of producing and delivering compelling content across online, broadcast, and print platforms.
You'll also learn about the ethical, legal, historical, and societal dimensions of journalism, gaining a deep understanding of the pivotal role media plays in shaping our social, political, and economic landscapes.
Questions? Contact Us.
Department of Communication
Lind Hall 109
You Belong Here
What You'll Study
Academic Catalog | Communication Department Website
Student Media
At CWU, you have the chance to get hands-on experience by working in student media organizations on campus. With the Media and Journalism degree, participate in the Observer, our on-campus newspaper, or Pulse Magazine.
Communication Foundation Core
- COM 201 - Introduction to Mass Communication
- COM 207 - Introduction to Human Communication
Media Core
Media Studies
- COM 222 - Media Literacy in the Digital Age
- COM 300 - Media Research
- COM 369 - Mass Media and Society
Ethics and Law
- COM 202 - The First Amendment: Rights and Responsibilities
- COM 333 - Communication Ethics
- COM 460 - Communication Law
- COM 302 - Intercultural Communication
- COM 340 - Rhetorical Theory
- COM 350 - Persuasion and Culture
- COM 362 - Conflict and Communication
- COM 365 - Organizational Communication
- COM 401 - Communication Theory
Journalism Core
Journalism Basics
- COM 226 - Media Writing and Reporting I
- COM 321 - Visual Storytelling
- COM 347 - Media Copyediting
Advanced Tools for Media Reporting
- COM 303 - Online and Social Media Strategies
- COM 310 - Broadcast Journalism
- COM 326 - Media Writing and Reporting II
- COM 342 - Broadcast News Producing
- COM 408 - Feature Writing
- COM 409 - Freelance Writing
- COM 464 - Nonfiction Multimedia Storytelling
- COM 466 - Investigative Journalism
- COM 486 - Advanced Journalism Seminar
Student Media
- COM 442 - CentralNewsWatch
- COM 444 - The Observer
- COM 446 - PULSE magazine
Department-Approved Electives
- ART 172 - Computer Fundamentals in Art and Design
- ART 225 - Beginning Photography
- COM 202 - The First Amendment: Rights and Responsibilities
- COM 208 - Introduction to Public Relations Writing
- COM 222 - Media Literacy in the Digital Age
- COM 270 - Introduction to Public Relations
- COM 300 - Media Research
- COM 303 - Online and Social Media Strategies
- COM 310 - Broadcast Journalism
- COM 333 - Communication Ethics
- COM 340 - Rhetorical Theory
- COM 342 - Broadcast News Producing
- COM 348 - Publication Design
- COM 350 - Persuasion and Culture
- COM 362 - Conflict and Communication
- COM 365 - Organizational Communication
- COM 369 - Mass Media and Society
- COM 375 - Interviewing Principles and Techniques
- COM 380 - Non-Verbal Communication
- COM 382 - History of American Journalism
- COM 401 - Communication Theory
- COM 403 - Family Communication
- COM 408 - Feature Writing
- COM 409 - Freelance Writing
- COM 442 - CentralNewsWatch
- COM 444 - The Observer
- COM 446 - PULSE magazine
- COM 451 - Communication Analysis and Research
- COM 460 - Communication Law
- COM 464 - Nonfiction Multimedia Storytelling
- COM 466 - Investigative Journalism
- COM 473 - Crisis Communication Management
- COM 476 - Corporate Communications and Investor Relations
- COM 486 - Advanced Journalism Seminar
- FILM 214 - Basic Film Equipment
- FILM 215 - Production Technology Skills
- FILM 216 - Basic Audio Technology
- FILM 217 - Basic Editing: Final Cut Pro
- FILM 218 - Basic Editing: Premiere
- FILM 219 - Basic Editing: DaVinci Resolve
- FILM 220 - Basic After Effects
- FILM 221 - Color Correction
- FILM 340 - Production I: Filmmaking Fundamentals
- COM 490 - Cooperative Education
Capstone
- COM 489 - Portfolio Assessment
For more information on credits and specific courses, check out the CWU Catalog.
Storytelling
Multimedia storytelling allows you to combine text, audio, images, video, and interactive elements to create engaging narratives that captivate and inform an audience.
Small Class Sizes
Find connection in our program with small class sizes that foster a supportive community and allow faculty to get to know you personally, ensuring a more tailored and engaging educational experience.
Investigative Reporting
Learn how to uncover and report in-depth stories, develop critical writing skills, and understand the ethical considerations essential to investigative journalism.
Teamwork
Develop strong teamwork skills by collaborating with other students on group projects and engaging in debates about current and emerging media issues.
Apply
Discover how to apply to your program of choice at Central.
Financial Aid
Our Financial Aid staff are here to help you navigate financial aid.
Student Life
Pursue your interests in a supportive community. Learn more.
Visit
The best way to discover what makes CWU so special is to experience it yourself.
Thinking
Develop innovative approaches to storytelling, problem-solving, and engaging diverse audiences across various media platforms.
Media
Contribute to our award-winning student media: the Observer, our student-run weekly newspaper, and Pulse, our student-run quarterly lifestyle magazine.
Experience
Get specialized opportunities to work and succeed in your field of interest through student media: Observer and Pulse Magazine.
Why Study Communication at Central?
- No matter what career path you choose, effective communication skills are fundamental to success.
- Understand how to use communication to inspire and motivate those around you.
- Acquire the ability to craft and communicate a vision that others will be eager to follow.
- Gain the ability to effectively communicate your needs in both professional and personal settings.
Career Pathways
Reporter
Sales and Marketing specialist
Communication Manager
Health Promotion Coordinator
Media Consultant
Social Media/Public Relations
Communication Specialist
Sports Anchor
Social Media Consultant