Journalism

Journalism is not dead, it is just different from what your father grew up reading. The Journalism department at San Jose State University’s school of Journalism and Mass Communications understands this, and has the tools and professors to give any aspiring journalist the tools to succeed in the world of modern media.

The timely reporting of events has long been a standby to democracy throughout the world, allowing citizens to be informed of current events while gaining the facts on issues and enabling them to make informed voting decisions. Learn the time tested art of both informing and entertaining news seekers while making a living.
When it comes to the world of Journalism, there is no substitute for experience. Experience opportunities are not hard to find at San Jose State University. There is always something significant happening in the Silicon Valley of which the University is at the center, and students get to work in the fourth largest market in the United States while contributing to real publications and broadcasts. Pulitzer Prize, and Emmy winners are just some of the alumni from San Jose State University.

Journalism Focus

The school of Journalism and Mass Communications at San Jose State is broken into four distinct concentrations in journalism: Magazine Journalism, Photojournalism, Reporting and Editing, and Radio and Television Journalism.

Magazine

Magazine journalism as a major has been available at San Jose State University since 1965 and has given students a hands-on approach from that day forward. SJSU’s own Access Magazine has been published every semester since 1987 as students serve as editors, art directors and photo editors, soliciting articles and artwork from the San Jose State student community. Access has won more than 100 awards, regionally and nationally, in writing, layout and design, photography, and graphics. Many former staff members now work professionally as magazine editors, writers, art directors and more.

Reporting & Editing

The reporting and editing focus teaches students how to successfully engage in professional reporting and editing techniques.  The Spartan Daily, the newspaper of San Jose State University, has been giving students firsthand experience, daily, since 1935. The engaging faculty and staff of the Spartan Daily drive on the cutting edge of the newspaper industry, mixing local reporting with student opinions to drive forth the next generation of print media.

Photojournalism

The photojournalism program at San Jose State is one of the oldest accredited programs in the West, and is ranked number eight in the nation. There is more to photography than a point a simple point and shoot. Learn what elements are needed to tell visually effective stories, and then how to apply that to the craft. Photojournalism students also get to contribute to The Spartan Daily and Access magazine.

Radio/TV

The radio-television concentration focus gives students many ways to apply what is learned in the classroom to real life situations. Update News, winner of the Best College Newscast in the state 16 times since 1982, gives students practical experience both on and off camera. KSJU 90.5 FM, operated by students since 1963, gives the opportunity to practice radio broadcasting skills both behind the scenes and in front of the microphone. The more than 150 students currently operating the station forge a unique and diverse sound unlike any other. Broadcast journalism students have won over 267 regional and national awards in the past 20 years.