Bachelor's Degree in Journalism
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
A bachelor's degree in Journalism is ideal for students with a passion for storytelling, current events, and digital communication, offering career paths in news and sports reporting, broadcast journalism, public relations, or digital media. This program prepares graduates to excel in investigative journalism, content creation, photojournalism, media production and multimedia storytelling across platforms like television, print and online media.
Program Overview
The Journalism major prepares students for leadership roles in rapidly changing media by requiring a strong core of journalism courses within the rich context of a liberal arts education. Journalism students learn about content creation across multiple platforms, industry structures, ethics, media law, history and about the media’s role in an increasingly diverse society.
Related Careers
- Multimedia Journalist
- Sports Journalist
- Sports Information Director
- Newsroom leader
- Reporter or Editor
- News Producer
- Social Media Manager
- Photojournalist
- Communication Specialist
- Technical Writer
- Policy Analyst
- Investigative Reporter
- Political Reporter
- News Analyst
- Copywriter
- Podcaster or Audio Journalist
Admission Requirements
- Official High School Transcript with Pre-College Curriculum: View transcript requirements on the Undergraduate Admission webpage.
- Test Scores (optional): ACT or SAT scores can be submitted but are not required for university admission.
Any "Program Specific Requirements" that display below are specific to the program and will be required for admission to the program.
Application Requirements
Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and optional official ACT/SAT score (the University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year).
Program Specific Requirements
Students apply and enter this program as "Pre-Journalism" majors. Students are fully admitted to the program when they complete the pre-major requirements. View specifics in the Academic Catalog.
Application Deadlines
Freshman
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Early Action
- 12/01/2025 Apply early to be considered for Lewis Honors College, scholarships, or on-campus living.
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Regular Decision
- 02/15/2026
Transfer
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Fall Scholarship
- 06/15/2025 Apply early to be considered for scholarships.
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Fall
- 08/01/2025
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Spring
- 11/15/2025
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Summer
- 04/15/2026
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
The Journalism program offers both Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) degree options, giving students flexibility to align their studies with their academic interests and career goals. Students choose to focus in either Print and Digital Journalism, Sports and Multimedia Journalism or Broadcast and Multimedia Journalism, gaining hands-on experience in reporting, writing, editing and producing content across platforms. The curriculum emphasizes journalistic ethics, storytelling, media law and audience engagement while helping students build strong communication, critical thinking and technical skills needed to inform the public in a rapidly evolving media landscape. Expand the menu below to view a sample curriculum plan. Expand the menu below to view a sample curriculum plan.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Transfer in using our KCTCS Pathway
This program has a degree pathway from KCTCS, allowing students a seamless transfer process to obtain their bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky.
View Pathways
Get a Head Start with an
Accelerated Pathway
This program is part of the Accelerated Master's Pathways program. If you plan to obtain a related master's degree, this program can save you time and money with dual credit hours when you sign up.
Attend an Upcoming Event for this Program
These events are designed to answer your questions and give you a glimpse into what it’s like to be a part of our program.
Register Now"When I entered my first upper-level journalism class, my professor told everyone she wouldn't let anyone leave that classroom until they were ready to work in a newsroom. She wasn't kidding. Seven years later, I'm still using the skills I learned in that class in my current newsroom."
Bryan Kennedy
Reporter/Anchor with WXXV-TV News 25
Explore Financial Aid Options
Undergraduate degree-seeking students have access to a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans, designed to make education more affordable.
Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
Join the CI Connect Living Learning Program
Live with and learn from others in the College of Communication and Information! LLP students will not only make meaningful connections with the LLP members who share their same major interests, but will also make solid connections with CI faculty and staff, who routinely use their own personal networks to help launch students into their careers.
Get More Information
Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.
Discover your Future
At the University of Kentucky, we provide personalized support, innovative resources, and countless opportunities to help you turn your aspirations into achievements.
