Program: Journalism, Emphasis in Media Studies, B.A. - San Diego State University

May 08, 2025

2025-2026 University Catalog

(Major Code: 06010) (Academic Plan Code: 661110BALS)

Media studies prepares students for the ever-changing, globalized world of the 21st century and the many new opportunities that communication technology makes possible. Classes emphasize both conceptual and practical knowledge and explore the wide range of phenomena that constitute media in the 21st century. Specific courses focus on digital media analytics, social media leadership, media innovation, and fundamentals of multi-media development. Students have the flexibility to focus on particular areas of interest.

Media studies also prepares students for a range of careers, including media analyst, social media community leader, entrepreneur, and online content manager. Given the rapidly changing nature of technology, media studies graduates will also invent new career paths for themselves as media industries evolve.

To complete the media studies emphasis, students must fulfill the degree requirements for the major described in the catalog in effect at the time they are accepted into the premajor at SDSU (assuming continuous enrollment).

Students must follow their major requirements and complete 15 additional units within an Auxiliary Discipline (within one academic unit outside journalism and media studies).

Emphasis in Media Studies

JMS curriculum mixes theory with practice, ensuring students develop both the critical thinking and applied skills necessary for a successful career in all media industries.

Impacted Program

Applicants not meeting the minimum requirements may petition for admission to the media studies emphasis. See the School of Journalism and Media Studies advising office for further information.

The media studies emphasis is an impacted program. To be admitted to the media studies emphasis, students must meet the following criteria:

Complete with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a grade of C (2.0) or better in each class; These courses cannot be taken for Credit/No Credit (Cr/NC):
JMS 200
JMS 210
JMS 220
JMS 250

Achieve a passing score on the grammar and spelling assessment (see school for details);

Complete a minimum of 45 baccalaureate level semester units. A maximum of 90 semester units is recommended. (A minimum of 60 units is required for all transfer applicants.);

Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

Preparation for the Major

(12 units)

Some of these courses may also be used to fulfill lower division general education requirements.

These prerequisite courses may not be taken Cr/NC and must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and a grade of C (2.0) or better in each class.

JMS 200 - Introduction to Contemporary Media Units: 3
JMS 210 - Digital Literacy Units: 3
JMS 220 - Writing for the Mass Media Units: 3
JMS 250 - Introduction to Intersectional Representation in the Media Units: 3

Language Requirement

Competency (successfully completing the third college semester or fifth college quarter) is required in one language other than English to fulfill the graduation requirement. Refer to the section of this catalog on “Graduation Requirements .”

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement

Completion of an approved upper division writing course with a grade of C (2.0) or better. See “Graduation Requirements ” section for a complete listing of requirements.

Major

A minimum of 39 upper division units to include

JMS 310W - Media Writing and Reporting Units: 3
JMS 315 - Digital Media Principles and Design Units: 3
JMS 408 - Principles of Media Studies Units: 3
JMS 472 - Media Technology and Society Units: 3
JMS 489 - Research Methods in Media Studies Units: 3
JMS 494 - Media Law and Ethics Units: 3
JMS 508 - Media Studies Capstone Units: 3

And 18 Units of Upper Division Coursework

Eighteen units of upper division coursework in Journalism and Media Studies or Learning Design and Technology.

Skills Courses

At least three units must be taken from the following list of courses.

JMS 312W - Media Writing for Scientists Units: 3
JMS 333 - Applied Student Media - Daily Aztec Units: 3
JMS 415 - Audio Technology and Storytelling for Media Units: 3
JMS 418 - Social Media Influencing and Community Leadership Units: 3
JMS 428 - Digital and Social Media Analytics Units: 3
JMS 434 - Writing for Spanish-Language and Latinx Media Units: 3
JMS 435 - Photojournalism Units: 3
JMS 441 - Magazine and Feature Writing Units: 3
JMS 445 - Television News Reporting and Producing Units: 3
JMS 492 - Creative Uses of Emerging Media Units: 3
JMS 529 - Data-Driven Investigative Journalism Units: 3
JMS 530 - Solutions Journalism Units: 3
JMS 555 - Border Reporting Units: 3

Critical / Cultural Courses

At least six units must be taken from the following list of courses.

JMS 410 - Media and Sexuality Units: 3
JMS 416 - Media and Sports Units: 3
JMS 424 - Media in Latin America Units: 3
JMS 450 - Media and Culture Units: 3
JMS 452 - Media and Identity Units: 3
JMS 453 - Selena and Latinx Media Units: 3
JMS 540 - Media and Masculinities Units: 3
JMS 545 - Media and Youth Units: 3
JMS 582 - Seminar in Media and Politics Units: 3

Auxiliary Discipline

Students selecting the media studies emphasis are required to complete 15 additional units, six units of which must be at the upper division level, within one academic unit outside journalism and media studies. Completion of a minor or a second major will satisfy the Auxiliary Discipline requirement.