School of Communications > Journalism Program> Academic Program

Academic Program

Declaration of Major
Mandatory Advising
Pre-Registration
Graduation
Important Forms

Journalism (JOUR) education develops the student’s ability to gather, analyze and organize information, and to communicate it clearly, effectively and responsibly using multiple media platforms. Journalism education embraces the social, cultural and historic contexts of reporting on public and social institutions as well as on individuals and groups. It stresses the importance of a free, vigorous and responsible press to the maintenance of an informed citizenry in order to exercise the rights of self-governance in a democracy. Students learn how journalists also contribute to life-long learning through reports that enlighten and enliven audiences, whether in print, broadcast, online or other new media formats.

The Journalism degree program is professional in its orientation and accepts a limited number of upper-division students each Fall into a two-year program. Admission to the major requires a sophomore standing (25-54 credits) with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Majors must maintain a 3.0 GPA and follow the prescribed course sequencing to remain in the program.

Students are encouraged to work for campus media such as Ka Leo O Hawaii or KTUH-FM news, and to participate in an extensive program of professional internships.

Steps Toward Graduation

Declaration of Major

Students are welcome to declare a major with at least a "Sophomore" standing (25-54 Credits) with a minimum "3.0" GPA to be eligible for the following Fall Semester Co-Hort. Please see the department secretary in Crawford 320 for a new major packet.

Please fill out and return the following forms to the department secretary:

Mandatory Advising

Advising is MANDATORY for all journalism majors. Students must see their faculty adviser every semester before being permitted to pre-register for courses following their first semester as a major. Advisers will complete the advising checklist each semester for the following semester's course load. The department requires course approvals for all journalism courses except JOUR 150.

See the department secretary in Crawford 320 to be assigned a faculty adviser.

Advising helps the student:

Understand the department's requirements
Focus on journalism
Find the right internship
Set career goals
Work toward a degree

Advising is also a good way for faculty members to get to know you outside of the classroom setting.

Advising dates to remember:

Sept. 1 - Nov. 1: Spring
Feb. 1 - Apr. 1: Fall

Pre-registration

The department requires course approvals for all journalism courses except JOUR 150. Students may pre-register with the department the week before registration begins.

Students must be advised by a journalism faculty member and meet all the necessary prerequisites. Space in the course(s) will be reserved for the student. Students must be sure to REGISTER at their scheduled time.

Graduation

Your career as a student is about to culminate. There are a few steps to take before you receive your diploma.

Successfully complete all required course work.

Arrange for a "goldenrod" (Arts & Sciences Certification of Fulfillment of Major Requirements) to be completed by the department's undergraduate adviser, who may not be your regular adviser. Please check with the department secretary in Crawford 320.

Schedule a senior check (Grad Session) with an Arts & Sciences Student Services adviser in Queen Liliuokalani Center for Student Services.

Fill out the University of Hawai`i Application for Degree form and return the form with $30 payment to the Cashier's Office.

If you decide to march in the graduation ceremonies, order your cap and gown at the UH Bookstore.

Congratulations!