Journalism

To earn a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, students must complete 43 journalism units. Only ten journalism units may be in the lower-division for print/online majors —JOUR 205 and JOUR 221, JOUR 222, and JOUR 226, or their equivalents completed elsewhere. Only 13 units may be lower-division for photojournalism majors—JOUR 205 and JOUR 221, JOUR 222, JOUR 226 and JOUR 235, or their equivalents completed elsewhere.

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Key Facts

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Degree

BA (Hons) Journalism

Degree Duration

4 Years :

1 year pathway + 3 year degree

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Pathways Available

International Year One

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Start Dates

August | January

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Overview Why Study Your Pathway Discover University

Degree Overview

Courses numbered 300 and above are not open to freshmen. Upon enrolling in journalism classes, students will be required to use their SF State email accounts. These email addresses will be used as the primary source of communication between students and the department. To ensure that every journalism student's education is as rich and varied as possible, the department has established these requirements: A journalism major must complete a minor in one of the areas of study approved by faculty advisors. A list of approved disciplines for this requirement is posted at https://journalism.sfsu.edu/list-approved-minors. Students should consult with an academic advisor in journalism to determine the minor that best meets their interests and professional goals. A journalism major must have a minimum of 72 non-journalism units in the 120 minimum overall units required for graduation. Included in these 72 units must be a minor in a single subject area chosen in consultation with the advisor. The 72 unit requirement is consistent with the department's philosophy that a well-rounded education is crucial preparation for journalism and is consistent with the standards of the national accrediting agency (ACEJMC) that evaluates journalism education programs. These standards exclude classes in broadcasting (BECA), public relations (MKTG), and advertising (MKTG) from qualifying as non-journalism units. Photography and film production classes in Art, Cinema, and Design are also excluded.

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Important

You may incur additional costs in the course of your education at the University over and above tuition fees in an academic year such as laptops, Stationary and additional resources.

Study Reasons

As a journalist, you will be able to apply the concepts you learn hands-on.

As a journalist, you will work with others to accomplish tasks, which will teach you how to work as a team and provide you with opportunities to build your professional network

By becoming a journalist, you can take part in the excitement as the field continues to grow and change!

Your Pathways

The International Year One is the perfect pathway if you want a undergraduate degree from a UK, EU or US University but do not meet the requirements for direct entry.

The IY1 course provides an intensive combination of first year University subject modules with English language skills.

Following successful completion of the IY1 you will continue onto your second year degree study directly with the University of your choice.

Learn more about International Year One

Key Dates and Fees

International Year One Key Dates

Intake	Admissions Deadline*	Arrival to SF State	Program Start Date
Fall 2024	Jul 1, 2024	Aug 17, 2024	Aug 19, 2024
Spring 2025	Dec 2, 2024	Jan 18, 2025	Jan 21, 2025
Summer 2025	Apr 15, 2025	PSE: May 28, 2025 UP: Jun 1, 2025	PSE: May 29, 2025 UP: Jun 2, 2025

*Key dates for PSE and UP are the same except for arrival and program start dates in the Summer 2025 term, which are indicated in the table above.

Pre-Sessional English Tuition Fees

Pre-Sessional costs vary by term and by the number of terms assigned:

Fall 2024: $5995/term
Spring 2025: $5995/ term
Summer 2025: $3995/term

Your invoice total will also include your University Pathway Program Costs.

University Pathway Fees

• IELTS 5.0 Entry: $28,500
• IELTS 5.5 Entry: $26,000

Example Bundled Pricing for International Year One

IELTS Exam Score	Pre-Sessional English # of Terms	University Pathway # of Terms	IY1 # of Terms	Total IY1 Tuition Fees Spring 2024 Intake*
4.0	2	2	4	$40,490
4.5	1	2	3	$34,495
5.0	N/A	2	2	$28,500
5.5	N/A	2	2	$26,000

*The tuition list is current for 2024- 2025 and will be subject to increase each year.

*Prices of PSE terms vary for Summer 2025

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Applying is easy. Complete the online application form and follow the instructions. If you have any queries please contact us.

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San Francisco State University

Founded in 1889, SF State offers world-class academics, a diverse campus and an incredible location for students.

With around 27,000 students from all over the globe, international students find SF State a truly welcoming community and diverse place to live in.

SF State has been included in the Top 20 colleges nationwide for best location. It was also rated one of the most diverse colleges in America, according to Wall Street Journal’s 2022 College Rankings.

Country specific requirements