AB in Journalism in the Philippines

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Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Journalism is a four-year degree program that deals with the concepts, theories, and principles of news writing, feature writing, editing, copy reading and advertising. The program equips students with the necessary skills to be able to perform editing, design, and production to all media platforms. It also provides a better understanding of producing opinion, interpretative, and analysis pieces for media platforms.

Recommended Senior High School Strand

Students who want to pursue a degree in Journalism are encouraged to take the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand under the Academic track. The curriculum focuses on human behavior, literature, education, politics, liberal arts, and society. The HUMSS strand will cover relevant topics that may be further discussed in their college lectures.

Subjects and Curriculum

Introduction to Communication
Introduction to Communication Theory
Introduction to Communication Research
Journalism Principles and Practices
News Writing
Feature Writing
Broadcast Journalism
Media Ethics
Editorial Management
Research in Journalism
Photojournalism
Online Journalism

Admission Requirements

Qualifications

The student must be a high school graduate.

However, if they were not able to graduate high school, they may opt to take the Alternative Learning System (ALS) and pass the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT) to qualify for college; the availability of courses for PEPT passers depend on the university.

The students must pass the College Admissions Test of the university.

Basic Requirements

Form 138 - High School Report Card (Original and Photocopy)
Recommendation letter from High school principal and guidance counselor
Most recent medical and dental health record
Copy of NSO Certified birth certificate
Certificate of Good moral character
Copy of honorable dismissal
Copy of high school diploma
(1) Latest 2”x2” ID Picture

Program Outcome

Graduates of Journalism are expected to be able to:

Properly use of communication information and knowledge
Master the use of different media forms
Apply communication theories, principles, and models in development work
Conduct communication research and methods
Adhere to ethical standards and practices

On-The-Job Training/Internship

During the fourth year of the program, students are required to attend an On the Job Training (OJT) in different companies and organizations within the press and media industry including local newspaper organizations, magazine companies, online publications, public relations and advertising firms, television networks, and radio companies. Students are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in an actual work setting. Usually, universities require them to submit a written report on their tasks, learning experiences, and hours rendered. Their work performance will also be evaluated by their immediate managers and will be submitted to their respective OJT coordinator. The number of hours required may differ in each university.

Board Exam

The BS in Developmental Communication does not have a board examination. However, graduates may opt to take the Civil Service Examination (CSE) conducted by the Philippine Civil Service Commission (PCSC) to qualify in working in government offices. Some graduates opt to take a Master’s degree followed by a Doctorate degree to gain expertise in the industry.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of AB in Journalism may pursue a career path in different companies and organizations within the press and media industry including local newspaper organizations, magazine companies, online publications, public relations and advertising firms, television networks, and radio companies. They may apply as a media researcher, reporter, feature writer, layout artist, creative writer, sports writer, travel writer, photojournalist, editorial assistant, columnist, or public relations officer.

Reviews of AB in Journalism graduates:

A. P.

◈ Studied AB in Journalism
◈ At University of Santo Tomas
◈ Graduated 2010

About my college education: College was something I looked forward to and it was no surprise that the four years I spent in college were also the happiest times of my life. Coming from a Catholic primary and secondary schools, attending University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines was no different. But, the things I learned in and out of the university are those that made a huge impact in my life.

Every day was an adventure. In the confinements of our 400-year-old university, we were taught numerous things more than academic. I agree, there were times when we did not enjoy the classes, but classmates, who have become our family made the stay better. There were times when we found our lessons hard, especially Math and Science, but we all went through it, never letting one of us fail as much as we can. College was tough, but it was bearable with classmates and friends who made life a little easier.

Some people would say Thomasians were pretty clustered, almost spoon-fed, but I disagree. Whatever we had and gained during our stay, it was because we worked hard for it. We learned how to deal with people. From high-ranking officials to the poorest of the poor. We learned never to discriminate. We were made to be resourceful, diligent, and hard working in terms of our work. Sweat hard, shed tears, show blood were some of the things we had to endure, but were all worth it. As a Journalism student, I had to be able to accept criticisms and turn them into something positive. I had to practice writing well, read often, and talk to people for my write-ups and stories. I had to improve my research skills, analytical skills, and immerse myself to different situations to be able to produce articles that were at par with the course's standards.

My current job: Currently, I am doing a bunch of things. I do freelance writing for various websites and publications. I also do public relations for certain clients.

Am I using what I learned in college: I am very lucky to be able to utilize what I learned from college. My writing skills, social skills, creativity, hard work, and diligence are some of the things I still use until now.

How long did it take to find a job: It took me two-three months before I landed my first job in a public relations agency.

Do I recommend studying Journalism: I was often told that if you want to be poor, be a journalist or a writer. This has been proven true. We are paid low compared to other careers and employment opportunities are scarce if you wanted to become one. But as a writer, you have a power to change lives and inspire people. You get to tell stories and see things in new perspective; that I think is the biggest fulfillment I get from my career.

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