Journalism Major and Minor
Journalism students join a dynamic field of storytellers across all media. This program is grounded in the fundamentals of accurate and ethical fact-gathering and reporting while anticipating emerging technological opportunities.
Classes prepare students with the technical and creative skills to tell truthful and meaningful stories across platforms and engage with audiences at multiple levels. Our students take classes that immerse them into on the ground reporting and the ethics and law surrounding the creation and distribution of content. Journalism students also complete an outside concentration, which requires three upper-division courses in an area outside of journalism to build and diversify the knowledge and expertise expected of journalists.
Hands-on student media experience from the first day they step onto campus. Pepperdine Graphic Media (digital news, newspaper, magazine) and NewsWaves (live television and streaming news) involve students in real-world journalism. From writing stories to operating cameras, designing a magazine and reporting live from the scene of news events, student journalists learn in real-world conditions with the guidance of seasoned faculty with strong professional and academic backgrounds.
Internships give students professional media experience off campus to help them transition to their careers. Students can choose from internship sites at major media outlets in nearby Los Angeles or other major metropolitan areas around the world.
To see work produced by journalism students inside and outside of the classroom explore the links below:
Journalism Degree
The journalism major provides a foundation in writing, editing, reporting, research, video, law and ethics. As they prepare and present media content, majors learn to communicate effectively and collaborate on deadline. Majors learn how journalism serves communities with important, independently gathered information that citizens need to function in a free society. The program emphasizes news coverage that goes beyond conflict and controversy to seek stories of faith, hope and solutions to challenges. Classes are small as students work closely with faculty to develop their reporting, writing, design and presentation skills.
Journalism Minor
The journalism minor provides basic media skills to students with other majors who need to gather, create and share non-fiction content with general audiences. Journalism minors take 20 units that include almost all of the main, core journalism courses.
What Communication Division Grads Are Doing
Employed Full-Time or Part-Time
Admitted to Graduate School
Full-Time Volunteer or Other Activity
Seeking Employment or Grad School
Why Pepperdine
Pepperdine Seaver College is consistently recognized among the top-ranked universities in California and the United States. We are a Christian university where students grow in knowledge and character. As a liberal arts institution, we focus on providing rich opportunities for intellectual and spiritual exploration for students with a diverse community.
Located in Malibu, CA
13:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio
80% of Students Participate in an International Program
120,000 + Alumni Network
Student Opportunities
Real World Experiences
Our experiential learning opportunities encourage you to learn as you experience the
"real world." This experience not only looks great on a resume, but also puts you
ahead of other students when competing for similar jobs.
Outstanding Student Leaders
Students from all different majors at Seaver College participate in our extracurricular
activities, combining their natural talents with their dedication and outstanding
work ethics to refine their craft and become proud representatives of their particular
programs. We are proud to highlight our wonderful student leaders and showcase their
work and dedication to our programs.
Internships for Communication Majors
Communication internship programs provide opportunities for students studying journalism, organizational communication, public relations, and telecommunication to work in a professional capacity with newspapers, radio
and television stations, and advertising and public relations agencies. Students gain
field experience at the same time as, and as a part of, their academic training.
Our Students
Thousands of successful professionals and civic leaders have earned degrees from the
Communication Division at Seaver College. Learn about our honor societies and a few
notable Pepperdine alumni who are making a difference.
Journalism Student Testimonials
Take the Next Step
Reach out to us to learn more about Pepperdine's undergraduate programs.
Get In Touch
Learn more about how you can join the Pepperdine community.
Visit Our Campus
Explore Seaver College and connect with an admission counselor.
Start Your Application
Submit an application and be one step closer to becoming a Wave.
Contact Us
Communication Division
Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263
Office: CCB 206
Sarah Stone Watt
Divisional Dean & Professor of Communication
Esther O'Connor
Office Manager
Sara Fernandez
Technology Liaison