Journalism and Mass Communication | Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication

Journalism and Mass Communication, BA

Accelerated Program
Concurrent Program
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The BA in journalism and mass communication at ASU's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, one of the best journalism schools in the country, is a highly professional, hands-on degree program that prepares students for careers in media.

Undergraduate students at the journalism school learn the values and principles that have long formed the core of the journalism profession, and they master the highly specialized, practical skills needed to succeed in today's digital world and start a career in journalism or mass communication.

High-performing students can apply to the school's accelerated bachelor's degree and master's degree program, which allows for the completion of both degrees in five years. They can also become part of ASU's Barrett, The Honors College.

At A Glance

Journalism and Mass Communication, BA

Required Courses

A major map outlines a major's critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.

While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple General Studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.

Application requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:

Affording college

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Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact, more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of financial assistance every year.

Admission requirements

The Bachelor of Arts in journalism and mass communication degree program has higher admission requirements and an application deadline of June 1 for fall. Students should select a second choice major on the application. All applicants will be reviewed by the school. Those who are not admitted to the Cronkite School will, if eligible, be admitted to their second choice major.

Freshman applicants must meet all of the following standards:

  1. have a 3.00 (4.00 = "A") ABOR GPA
  2. have no English competency deficiencies
  3. 1040 SAT Reasoning if taken before March 2016 or 1120 SAT Reasoning if taken after March 2016 or 22 ACT score

Concurrent degree admission requirements:
Freshman applicants must meet all of the following standards:

  1. 3.75 minimum ABOR GPA
  2. no English competency deficiencies
  3. 1040 SAT Reasoning if taken before March 2016 or 1120 SAT Reasoning if taken after March 2016 or 22 ACT score

Career outlook

Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication graduates work for:

  • corporate and business communication divisions
  • digital media content providers
  • international news and information outlets
  • magazines
  • network news
  • national and local newspapers, radio and television stations
  • public relations firms
  • social media and online content creators

Positions include:

  • editors
  • coders
  • documentarians
  • social media and online content creators
  • data visualization experts
  • media managers
  • photojournalists
  • producers
  • reporters
  • writers
  • video journalists

Example careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:


Career*growth*median salary
Multimedia Artists and Animators6%$63,630
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary9.7%$62,550
Copy Writers2.3%$58,850
Editors-5.3%$54,890
Film and Video Editors 17.6%$57,210
Graphic Designers1.4%$45,900
Green Marketers 4.7%$96,720
Advertising and Promotions Managers4.7%$96,720
Radio and Television Announcers-14.3%$29,790
Broadcast News Analysts-12.6%$61,450
Reporters and Correspondents -8.5%$36,000
Photographers3.1%$30,490
Media and Communication Workers, All Other10.3%$45,860
Public Relations and Fundraising Managers7.1%$101,510
Public Relations Specialists 6.2%$55,680
Social and Community Service Managers9.5%$62,740
Producers9.1%$69,100

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

  • Bright Outlook
  • Green Occupation

What are Accelerated Programs at ASU?

ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.

What are Concurrent Programs at ASU?

Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.