The Journalism track gives students the knowledge and skills they need to practice evidence-based journalism in a quickly changing digital environment where ethical communication is urgently needed in our democracy. Students study and practice writing for both mass and niche audiences using text and visuals on various media platforms. This track of the minor is of particular benefit to students heading for careers in journalism and public relations. The skills taught are also relevant to web and media work in business, non-profits, and government agencies. 

Visit the Journalism Website

 

RECOMMENDED PREPARATION COURSES FOR THE JOURNALISM TRACK: 

These are the recommended courses for the Journalism track to fulfill the three required prerequisites from the Writing 105AA-ZZ, Writing 107AA-ZZ, or Writing 109AA-ZZ series:

  • WRIT 107J: Journalism and News Writing
  • WRIT 107M: Magazine Writing for Publication
  • WRIT 107DJ: Digital Journalism

 

 

About the Capstones for this Track 

 

WRIT 152A: ADVANCED BEAT REPORTING (Winter)

The first of two capstone courses in the Journalism track of the Professional Writing Minor. Students pitch, report, write, and revise news and feature articles in a particular “beat” area, enhancing their proficiency in journalistic research and writing.

 

WRIT 152B: MULTIPLATFORM JOURNALISM (Spring)

Second capstone course for the Journalism track in the Professional Writing Minor. Focus on creating a long-form feature using narrative and multimedia elements (photos, videos, audio, data visualization) and a professional website featuring journalism writing samples suitable for professional audiences.

 

About the Internship for this Track  

 

WRIT 150: INTERNSHIP (Spring) and/or WRIT 162: ADVANCED PUBLIC SPEAKING or WRIT 161: DIGITAL STORY (Spring - depending on which course is offered that year) 

Students in this track can find internships at local magazines, newspapers, broadcast outlets, and online publications: The Independent, Pacific Coast Business Times, and NPR all work with UCSB students. Other non-traditional online publications may receive instructor approval. Students have the option of substituting Digital Storytelling in their final quarter instead of an internship.

 

Interest in this Track? Email the Track Co-Directors

 

We recommend expressing your interest to the director(s) of the track or tracks you are interested in. They will know more in depth details regarding their specific track.

Co-Directors

  • Sarah Hirsch,  shirsch@writing.ucsb.edu
  • Tym Chajdas,  tchajdas@writing.ucsb.edu