ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Journalism minor at UC Berkeley debuted in 2016 as a summer-only program. In response to increasing student demand, the minor was expanded in 2021 to include the fall and spring semesters, making the program year-round. The summer curriculum, which offers students the option of completing the minor in a single summer, remains unchanged. The addition of selected courses to the fall and spring semesters now gives Berkeley students three options: complete the minor in summer-only, in fall and spring only, or by combining them. Each year students from every campus departmental major enroll in the journalism minor, including students from Engineering, Chemistry, Microbiology, Cognitive Science, Economics, Psychology, Media Studies and more.
The Journalism Minor is housed in the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, which is widely regarded as one of the top professional journalism programs in the United States. Its teaching faculty is composed of distinguished current and former professional journalists who bring real-world expertise to the classroom. The Master of Journalism program was launched as a professional school at UC Berkeley in 1968.
What is the Minor in Journalism?
A minor degree is available to matriculating UC Berkeley students upon successful completion of five journalism courses.
What is the Certificate in Journalism?
The academic requirements for the certificate are identical to the requirements for the journalism minor, but the certificate is available to non-Berkeley students only. Like the minor, the certificate represents a standard of achievement that is recognized by employers.
ENROLLMENT
Courses are open to all UC Berkeley students as well as visitors, including all University of California system students, out-of-state students currently enrolled in a college or junior college, college graduates, as well as international visitors from around the world.
Am I eligible to enroll?
Courses are open to all UC Berkeley students as well as visitors, including all University of California system students, out of state students currently enrolled in a college or junior college, college graduates, as well as international visitors from around the world.
When can I sign up for courses?
Enrollment for Summer Sessions opens in early February for UC Berkeley students and 2 weeks later for visiting students.
How do I declare for the minor?
Fill out the Minor Declaration form to request adding the Minor in Journalism to your Academic Plan.
What classes will be offered in the Fall and Spring semesters?
Berkeley Journalism minor classes can always be found in UC Berkeley’s class catalog.
Are there prerequisites for enrollment?
There are no prerequisite courses for enrollment.
Can I complete the minor/certificate in one summer?
Yes. Students may complete the Certificate in Journalism in one summer or over multiple summers. UC Berkeley students may complete the Minor in one summer, over multiple summers, during the academic year or a combination.
Can I take graduate level courses in Journalism?
For UC Berkeley students seeking the minor: Berkeley Journalism graduate courses are restricted to graduate students in the Masters of Journalism program. Exceptions can be made at the consent of the instructor.
If you’d like to use a graduate class toward your course requirements for the minor, please contactjournalismminor@berkeley.edu with an explanation of how the graduate class replaces one of the undergraduate classes.
Help! I am unable to enroll.
Journalism Minor classes have no restrictions. If you are not able enroll, it could mean that there is an issue at the campus level. These could include: a hold on your account, the enrollment period is not open, or you have reached the maximum amount of units allowed.
If you are still having issues, reach out to journalismminor@berkeley.edu.
REQUIREMENTS
Both the Undergraduate Minor and the Certificate in Journalism consist of 15 total units across five 3-unit courses: two core required courses and three electives. You may complete courses in any order.
What are the required courses to complete the minor/certificate?
Both the minor and the certificate require the successful completion two core courses and three electives, for a total of 15 units of credit. Students may complete these courses in any order.
Do I have to take the two core courses before taking any electives?
No. Students may take courses in any order or combination as long as they satisfy the requirements of two core and three electives.
What are the grading requirements for completing the minor/certificate?
Students must receive a "C" or better in each of five courses in order to qualify for the minor or certificate.
Can courses taken at another university be applied toward the journalism minor/certificate?
No.
Can courses I take at UC Berkeley be credited toward another university?
That decision is up to the student's home college or university.
Can I opt out of any required courses?
No. Students intending the minor or certificate cannot opt out of the required courses.
Do I need any special equipment for classes?
Typically no, but students are expected to bring an iPhone or Android phone with working audio, video, and photography capability. Required equipment may vary depending on the class.
Are there any special requirements for international students?
This is a writing-based curriculum that also demands plenty of class participation. All students must demonstrate reasonable fluency in written and spoken English.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
This program prepares students to succeed in a world where skilled communications is vital. Students will learn how to craft engaging narratives and create visibility and build audiences for their professional work, whether they are in the sciences, business, humanities, the arts, or other fields.
What kind of careers will the minor/certificate prepare me for?
This program prepares students to succeed in a world where skilled communications is vital. Students will learn how to craft engaging narratives and create visibility and build audiences for their professional work, whether they are in the sciences, business, humanities, the arts, or other fields.
