School of Journalism and Mass Communication

We're glad of your interest in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC). Please read the information below and then follow the instructions for registering for orientation.

The School of Journalism and Mass Communication offers the bachelor of science degree in journalism from one of five sequences: advertising, broadcast news, broadcast production, news-editorial and media studies.  Prospective students apply to the SJMC as second-semester freshmen (or later) and begin at CU typically in the College of Arts and Sciences as pre-journalism and mass communication majors (PRJR). Some entering freshmen apply as pre-journalism and mass communication majors and are selected through the Office of Admissions as Dean’s Scholars. These students come directly into the School of Journalism and Mass Communication as Journalism Undecided majors (JRUD). 

Incoming freshmen are usually pre-registered for JOUR 1001—Contemporary Mass Media, one of the two required courses for admission. In a subsequent semester, students who are interested in applying to the School for admission must register for the other required course, either JOUR 2403—Principles of Advertising if you are interested in pursuing advertising as a major, or JOUR 2601—Principles of Journalism, if you are interested in pursuing broadcast news, broadcast production, or news editorial.  Students interested in media studies as a major may choose either JOUR 2403 or JOUR 2601. Students are also required to take a first-year writing course, such as WRTG 1150.

In addition to the above two courses, pre-journalism majors spend the first two to four semesters at CU enrolled in Arts and Sciences core curriculum and elective courses.  After admission to the school, students continue with non-journalism coursework and enroll in the journalism courses required for their major. Most of the journalism courses are taken during the junior and senior years.

Requirements for Application to the School of Journalism and Mass Communication as a current CU-Boulder student:

1. A minimum of 30 semester hours, completed or in progress including at least 12 hours completed at CU.
2. Progress toward completion of arts and sciences core.
3. JOUR 1001—Contemporary Mass Media and either JOUR 2403—Principles of Advertising or JOUR 2601—Principles of Journalism must be completed or in progress at time of application. WRTG 1150 or an equivalent course must also be completed or in progress at the time of application.
4. An overall grade point average of at least 2.25 in completed course work and an average of at least 2.50 in JOUR courses (completed and/or in progress).
5. Written essay — the guidelines are determined by the sequence to which the student is applying.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. The application process is competitive and admission is weighted toward the grade point average and written essay in addition to the minimum hours, core and course requirements.

When to Apply

Spring Semester: No later than February 20 for admission the following fall semester.

Fall Semester: No later than October 1 for admission the following spring semester.

Differences between the Pre-Communication and Pre-Journalism major

The Communication Department in the College of Arts and Sciences offers a major in Communication. Students entering Arts and Sciences declare pre-communication, and after meeting pre-requisites, can apply for admission to the department.

The major in communication leads to the bachelor of arts (B.A.) degree. Courses offered within the major include interaction skills, public speaking, interpersonal communication, organizational communication, argumentation, rhetorical theory, communication theory, and communication and society, among many others.

Pre-journalism majors are preparing to apply to the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Once admitted, and upon successful completion of the program, they receive a bachelor of science (B.S.) in Journalism, with emphasis in one of the five sequences; advertising, broadcast news, broadcast production, news-editorial or media studies.

Pre-Journalism students (PRJR) begin their career in the College of Arts and Sciences.  Journalism Undecided students (JRUD) begin their career in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication.  Both majors take part in the College of Arts and Sciences orientation program. 
Go here to begin your registration for Orientation.