Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Content Creation

Program Overview

Harness the power of media and information with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Content Creation from Youngstown State University. Our degree in journalism equips you with the essential skills to navigate the ever-evolving media landscape.

Whether your passion lies in breaking news, sports information, or multimedia storytelling, majoring in Journalism at YSU provides a robust foundation in reporting, writing, editing, and multimedia production.

Our BA in Journalism program offers hands-on learning experiences, expert faculty, and state-of-the-art resources to prepare you for opportunities in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. At YSU, you’ll discover and amplify your voice, setting the stage for a successful career as a master storyteller.

Choose from Tracks in Journalism, Writing and Reporting, Content Creation and Sports Information

Our Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Content Creation features four distinct tracks, allowing you to tailor your media and journalism studies to your unique interests and career goals:

Broadcast Journalism: Focus on news reporting, investigative journalism, and feature writing. Learn to craft compelling stories for print, digital, and broadcast media. Courses cover topics such as media law, ethics, and the role of journalism in society.

Writing and Reporting: Sharpen your storytelling skills and develop a strong journalistic voice in our Writing & Reporting track.
Content Creation: Unleash your creativity and master the art of digital storytelling in our Content Creation Program.
Sports Information (Interdisciplinary Track): Step into the world where sports and media meet. Whether you’re covering the action or promoting the team, you’ll gain real-world experience that puts you at the heart of the game.

Department of Communications - Request More Information

Thank you for your interest in one or more of our communications program. This form submits to one of our Department of Communications faculty members - we know, that's not typically how this works, but we want to make sure you get direct answers about our communication programs. So go on, ask away!

Name

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Date of Birth

Which program(s) are you interested in?

Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Content Creation
Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Communication
Exploratory

Exploratory provides you with the opportunity to take courses in any one of the disciplines noted above to help you determine what best fits your interests in the field.

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What questions do you have about our communication programs?

Speak to a Faculty Member
Dr. Mary Beth Earnheardt
Chair
mearnheardt@ysu.edu

“One of my favorite things about the Journalism program is how immediately involved in the field you become. You get experience doing interviews and writing articles basically immediately within the program. My second semester on campus, I was publishing with The Jambar, I was out in the field and pitching my own articles. … Also, we have a lot of amazing job opportunities if you want to work in communications.”

Microphone modern radio station broadcasting studio

Hannah Werle

Class of 2025

Why the BA in Journalism at YSU?

Our bachelor’s degree in journalism provides a comprehensive and engaging curriculum to foster your growth as a skilled storyteller. Majoring in journalism at YSU offers several benefits, including:

Real-world skills: Our Bachelor of Arts in Journalism is designed for real-world success, sharpening your skills in several sought-after areas. From basic photo and video editing to advanced reporting and broadcasting classes, our journalism degree equips you to excel in a broad range of career paths.

Cross-disciplinary learning: Master the art of storytelling with a blend of hands-on learning and interdisciplinary study. Our journalism degree electives are designed to enhance your interviewing, writing, and social media skills. Embrace your curiosity and engage with comprehensive and compelling storytelling methods for print, broadcast, and digital journalism.

Practical opportunities: The Youngstown State campus provides ample opportunities for you to gain practical experience in journalism, including The Jambar, JambarTV, Rookery Radio, Jenny Magazine, and Penguin Rundown. Additionally, you can explore internships and writing opportunities in local media outlets such as The Business Journal, The Vindicator, or the Tribune Chronicle.

What Can You do With a Degree in Journalism?

The journalism landscape is undergoing an exciting transformation, driven by the rise of digital media platforms. Majoring in Journalism at YSU positions you perfectly to thrive in this dynamic environment. Our graduates are well prepared for a variety of careers in print, broadcast, and digital journalism, including:

Reporter

Editor

Content creator

Digital media specialist

Public relations professional

Our alumni have found success in local and national media outlets, leveraging their skills to stand out in a competitive job market. YSU’s journalism degree equips you with the core skills—research, writing, editing, and critical thinking—that are essential for opportunities in print, broadcast, and digital storytelling; content creation; and other media specializations.

With our BA in Journalism, you’ll master the digital journalism tools to craft engaging stories that blend text, video, and interactive elements for online platforms. From social media posts to blog articles, podcasts, and beyond, you’ll use your expertise to create compelling content that inspires, informs, and entertains diverse audiences.

BA in Journalism: What You’ll Study

Start Writing Your Future as a Journalism Major

Our bachelor’s degree in journalism features two distinct tracks: Journalism and Sports Information. Each specialization offers diverse editorial and broadcasting classes, equipping you with essential media and communication skills. You’ll start with foundational courses in writing, communication, and ethics, and progress to advanced topics like news reporting, media law, and digital content creation. Hands-on learning experiences and a senior capstone project further ensure you’re prepared for your journalism career.

Explore our Journalism and Content Creation Curriculum

Discover a world rich with potential to shape your storytelling talent. YSU’s Bachelor of Arts in Journalism program offers the academic foundation and practical experience necessary to excel in diverse journalism or sports information careers. Capture the essence of truth, share untold stories, and influence change with our bachelor’s degree in journalism.

Scholarships for Journalism Majors

Each year, thousands of dollars in scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in the Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences & Education. Scholarships come from a variety of sources, vary in amount, and are available to both incoming and current students.

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Content Creation