What Makes Cal Poly Journalism Special?
Why Us?
Sean McMinn (Journalism, ‘14)
was a tenacious journalism student
with a minor in statistics; now he heads
the data/graphics team at POLITICO.
Jackie Steele (Journalism '17) answered
the call of the PolySat club who were
in need of a public relations specialist.
Though PolySat's STEM roots were out
of Steele's comfort zone, she embraced
the position and ultimately discovered
her interest for space exploration.
David Kerley (Journalism, ‘79) used
his agriculture background to break
national and international news as a
network correspondent for ABC News.
Cal Poly Journalism holds a unique position within Cal Poly, which attracts California’s and the country’s top-tier undergraduate students. The university excels in engineering, agriculture and architecture, and its Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship looks to solve common problems by inspiring creative thinking.
The numerous technical skills-based classes in journalism are intensely hands-on. Student work is project based and real world.
And at the heart of our program is the award-winning student-run Mustang Media Group, operating as a modern media organization and learning laboratory where students apply their skills to serve the wider campus community.
Industry Partnerships
Strong ties to the communications and tech industries are crucial to our program’s success. Our Advisory Board of working journalists and communications professionals already provides a vital link to the needs and expectations our graduates must fulfill in the workplace.
As the relationship between journalism and technology has intensified in the digital age, it is imperative that our journalism program affiliate with technological, scientific and professional organizations that are pioneering new ways for disseminating, experiencing and sharing the content that journalists produce to reach audiences across the globe.
Curriculum
Cal Poly Journalism graduates have a strong reputation for being able to hit the ground running, and in order to do that effectively today, they develop skills across multiple disciplines, platforms and media. Our journalism curriculum is known for integrating broadcast, print, internet, mobile and social platforms, as we prepare students to use the latest storytelling tools and experiment with emerging technologies.
Course requirements are designed so that students also can develop subject-matter expertise outside of the study of journalism. We encourage students to work across disciplines to develop specialties in areas such as Science and Risk Communication; Ethics, Public Policy, Science and Technology; Data Science; Public Health; Agriculture; Environmental Science; and Sustainable Communities.
The Centennial Campaign
Opportunities for Leadership Support
In 2016, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the student press at Cal Poly. As we look back on that rich history, we are inspired to prepare students for the next 100 years. That takes vision, commitment and your support for our students and faculty to sustain a proud tradition of excellence.
Learn more about how, with your support, we can keep Cal Poly Journalism on the cutting edge!
