Overview

The Journalism program at California Polytechnic State University offers several concentrations:

News: In the news concentration, you will learn to produce stories for digital, print and broadcast platforms while covering events on campus and in the local community.
Public Relations. In the public relations concentration, you will learn to produce public relations campaigns and content, while working with organizations in the greater San Luis Obispo community.
Media Innovation: This concentration lies at the intersection of journalism, technology and business. Its focus is on telling multimedia stories on multiple platforms (including emerging technologies), understanding audiences, making decisions with analytics, and solving problems responsibly and ethically.
Individualized Course of Study: This concentration consists of a minimum of 20 units, 16 of which must be upper division units. The student selects the courses in consultation with the concentration coordinator and department head and provides written justification for the courses and the way they constitute a cohesive, integrated program of study. The list of courses serves as a contract between the student and the Department.

Learn by doing

Mustang Media Group is an award-winning living laboratory that will allow you to apply your skills while serving the campus community. You will report, write and edit news stories; anchor live news broadcasts; produce weekly sports broadcasts and pre-game shows; develop social media campaigns; write, direct and produce video documentaries; create and host live radio news and interview shows; and work with community clients on public relations campaigns. If you have a media project in mind, our faculty will work with you to make it happen.

Careers

Graduates work in all aspects of news media, communications technology and public relations at major organizations throughout California and around the country like ABC News, ESPN, NBC Universal, National Public Radio, The Associated Press, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times and San Francisco Chronicle; technology firms like Adobe, Oracle and Facebook; and public relations agencies like Edelman and Randle Communications.

Many also love the area and stay to work for organizations like The Tribune, KSBY-TV, San Luis Obispo County and Cal Poly.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

News Reporting and Writing

Media, Self and Society

Multimedia Journalism

Mass Media Law

Journalism Ethics

Web Audio and Video

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-02 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

180 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Luis Obispo, United States

Disciplines

Journalism View 519 other Bachelors in Journalism in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Coursework: They look at the college-prep coursework you have taken during high school, including the courses you have in progress or planned during 12th grade

GPA: For the purposes of your application, they'll consider your 9th-11th grade weighted GPA
Extracurricular Activities and Work Experience: Cal Poly takes activities such as work experience, internships, volunteer programs and extracurricular activities into consideration

Make sure you have a copy of your transcripts, current and planned class schedules, household annual income and social security number (if available).

There is a $70 application fee per campus at the time you apply, unless you qualify for an application fee waiver

English proficiency exam results

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

27357 USD / year

≈ 27357 USD / year
Out-of-State

27357 USD / year

≈ 27357 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14037 USD / year

≈ 14037 USD / year

Living costs

San Luis Obispo

United States

1100 - 1800 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Journalism.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Learn by doing

Careers

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

San Luis Obispo

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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