School of Journalism and Strategic Communication

J. Sparks, Director

bsu.edu/sjsc

The School of Journalism and Strategic Communication (SJSC) offers majors in Journalism, Media Design and Development, Strategic Communication, and Teacher Education. 

In the Journalism major, concentrations are available in Writing and Multimedia Storytelling, Mass Communication, Photographic Storytelling, and Sports Writing and Multimedia Storytelling. In the strategic communication major, concentrations are available in Advertising, Public Relations, Sports, and Creative AI Management and Strategies.

The SJSC requires 30–33 core credits that provide a common foundation for all students, along with 15–18 credits specific to each major or concentration within the Journalism and Strategic Communication major (33 credits for the Media Design and Development major). This flexible structure allows students to pursue multiple majors or concentrations within the School.

The SJSC’s undergraduate majors in Journalism, Media Design and Development, and Strategic Communication are accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC). 

SJSC students receive individual attention and hands-on instruction using leading-edge communication technologies. Students are encouraged to supplement their classroom education by working with award-winning student publications and organizations, including the Daily News (campus newspaper and news web site), Ball Bearings Magazine, Byte (a multimedia coalition dedicated to providing entertainment and pop culture-related content), and The Agency at Cardinal Media (formerly: The McKinley Avenue Agency), the student-operated strategic communication lab. 

The SJSC’s professional advisers and program coordinators assist students in selecting courses, understanding requirements for majors, and receiving career counseling. No more than 12 transfer credits may be applied toward SJSC major requirements.