storytelling, strategy and innovation
That Hits the Ground Running
You will report, create and publish from your first semester — preparing stories, building strategies and exploring what’s next in media.
Why Journalism at Cal Poly?
Real world, real impact
Every deadline calls for critical thinking, ethical judgment and effective communication that serves the public.
Multiplatform by design
You graduate ready to tell meaningful stories across platforms — and adapt as media and society evolves.
Ethics and public purpose
We prepare you to communicate with integrity, serve diverse communities and create work that earns trust.
Our Program
MEDIA WITH PURPOSE
Undergraduate
The journalism Bachelor of Science degree starts you with the core: information gathering, writing, visual and multimedia storytelling, editing and strategic and critical thinking. From there you choose a concentration and go deep in news, public relations, media innovation or a course of study you design yourself.
Student media and professional practice
Journalism students build experience through Mustang Media Group which includes news, public relations, social media, radio and business teams. Students gain high-level public communication experience through mentorship from faculty and alumni.
The work starts before you graduate
Learn by Doing shapes your experience from day one. You can report for a real audience in your first semester, and graduate with published work, hands-on experience and a professional network that knows your name.
Student media
Publish From Your First Semester
Mustang News runs in print and online. MNTV produces a live weekly newscast. KCPR broadcasts at 91.3 FM and Mustang News Public Relations takes on real clients. All of it is student staffed and student run, which means the bylines, the airtime and the judgment calls are yours. Applications are open to every major and every level of experience, so there is nothing to wait for.
Internships
Spend a Semester in the Field
Every journalism major completes an internship: 100 hours inside a working newsroom, public relations agency, communications team or media-innovation organization. Our students have reported at news organizations around the country, developed communications for high-level public relation firms and built experience across the evolving media landscape. You finish the semester with portfolio-ready work, a supervisor who will vouch for you and a much easier job search.
Taught by people who have done the job
You will learn from working media professionals.
The People Teaching You Do the Work
Our faculty bring experience from newsrooms, agencies and media studios into every class. They have reported internationally, anchored newscasts, led communications and marketing campaigns and shaped new approaches to media. That experience informs assignments designed to reflect the work you’ll do in the field.
Each concentration has a faculty coordinator who knows you by name, helps you choose courses and gives you candid feedback on your work.
An accredited program
With a Strong Industry Reputation
Cal Poly Journalism is fully accredited and widely known for preparing students who can contribute on day one. The program’s strong alumni network, professional focus and Learn by Doing culture give students both credibility and momentum as they enter the field.