Department of Journalism

Department Information

The Department of Journalism stresses a balance between the theoretical and practical elements of journalism and mass communication. The major has been carefully tailored to prepare students for professional or academic careers in mass communication, giving them the broad liberal arts education necessary to succeed as communicators in today’s complex and changing world.

State-of-the-art Facilities and Practical Opportunites

Journalism classrooms and laboratories are in the newly constructed Manzanita Hall, one of more than 30 permanent structures at Cal State Northridge. State-of-the-art facilities are housed in 20 rooms, including a reading room, graduate seminar room, lecture rooms, photographic darkrooms and digital photo labs. All classrooms and laboratories are connected by an integrated computer network with nearly 200 workstations. The Department has offices and production facilities for the campus newspaper, the Daily Sundial, plus editing, graphics and newswriting laboratories. In addition, there are newsroom and studio facilities for Valley View and Valley View en Español, student-produced television newscasts, and for KCSN-FM, the campus radio station, which reaches listeners in the San Fernando, Santa Clarita, Conejo, Simi valleys and greater Los Angeles.
Experiences with the campus newspaper and magazine, the radio station, television shows and public relations practicum often lead to internship opportunities in all areas of communication. The Department’s goal is to combine practical work with extensive classroom training and a broad knowledge of media, society, law and ethics.

Internships

The internship program is an integral part of the journalism experience at CSUN. Students are encouraged to participate in an internship in their field of specialization. Internships provide an opportunity for students to interact with professionals, see firsthand how the world of journalism operates, and learn valuable skills.
Internships are offered in print, broadcast, public relations and photojournalism, allowing students to earn credit toward their degree. To participate in the internship program, students must have upper division standing and have completed all journalism prerequisites for the appropriate medium with a grade of C or better.
Print, magazine and photojournalism students intern at more than 25 newspapers and numerous media organizations and magazines in the Southern California area, including the Los Angeles Times, the Daily News, United Press International, the Orange County Register, the Associated Press and numerous area magazines.
A large number of public relations internships also are available. Public relations students intern at non-profit organizations, public relations firms, government agencies, corporations and with professional athletic teams. Public relations students have been interns at Hill and Knowlton, the Los Angeles Dodgers, AIDS Project Los Angeles and the California Senate. Broadcast students intern at various Los Angeles radio and television stations, including CNN, KNBC, KTLA, KCBS, KABC, KNX, KFWB and other major outlets.
The Department maintains an up-to-date computerized file of job openings and internships for full-time, part-time and summer employment.

Professional Ties

The Department of Journalism emphasizes close interaction with individuals working in all communication fields, professional news organizations and other educational institutions. Professional reporters, editors, photographers and public relations specialists are associated with the Department through part-time teaching assignments, student chapters of professional organizations, the Department’s alumni association and an extensive internship
Journalism organizations active on campus include student chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists, the Public Relations Student Society of America, the Radio-Television News Directors Association and the California Chicano News Media Association.
Students interested in international journalism are enriched by exchange and cultural programs. Many faculty members have worked or taught in other countries and lecture at Cal State Northridge about international media. Several faculty members are well-known for their unique research and knowledge in these areas.
The Department keeps in close contact with its alumni through the Journalism Alumni Association (JAA). The JAA sponsors a job-networking night, publishes a newsletter and Web site and offers scholarships and mentors for journalism majors.
To ensure a smooth transition from one educational institution to another, the Department works closely with area high schools, community colleges and other universities and colleges across the nation.