certificate

Journalism with Concentration in Civic Journalism

Journey into the heart of civic journalism, where the focus is on investigation, audience engagement, social justice and public dialogue. This concentration enables students to uncover and report stories that provoke change, foster understanding and empower communities.

This program is perfect for...

  • Emerging journalists passionate about social justice and community engagement
  • Professionals in public relations, nonprofit and advocacy roles seeking to amplify their impact through storytelling
  • Individuals from diverse backgrounds, including international students, eager to explore the role of journalism in societal change
  • Creative thinkers and storytellers aiming to make a difference in their communities through powerful narratives
  • Students interested in how journalism can drive social and civic engagement

What you can learn.

  • Master the fundamentals of reporting and storytelling with a focus on civic issues and community-led narratives
  • Explore the ethical considerations when covering sensitive or divisive topics
  • Engage with techniques for effective community outreach and dialogue, fostering a deeper connection between journalism and public engagement
  • Develop the skills to uncover stories that inform the public and drive societal change
  • Craft multimedia stories, tailored to mobilize, inform and engage wide audiences

Reporting to Empower Communities

National guard woman being interviewed

Civic journalism emphasizes the role of journalism in promoting community engagement, dialogue and empowerment, especially through investigation and writing. Explore how journalists can address social issues, amplify diverse voices and promote constructive dialogue through social justice advocacy, public policy analysis and local reporting. 

The UCLA Extension Certificate in Journalism with Concentration in Civic Journalism is a three-course add-on to the core Journalism Certificate program, designed to prepare students for careers as investigative journalists, community reporters, nonprofit communicators and advocates for social change.

Explore all Journalism Certificates.

Format: In-Person and Online. This program can be completed 100% online.

 

Courses

Click below to view the required and elective courses, if applicable, for this program.

Required Courses
JOURN X 440.1
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
JOURN X 440.2
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
JOURN X 440.3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
JOURN X 462
Typically Offered: Winter, Summer
JOURN X 428
Typically Offered: Winter, Summer
JOURN X 439
Typically Offered: Winter, Summer
Electives
WRITING X 424.4E
WRITING X 424.25E
WRITING X 424.21E
Typically Offered: Winter
WRITING X 424.18E
Typically Offered: Winter
WRITING X 425.1
FILM TV X 408
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Estimated Cost Breakdown

All courses in this program are paid for individually, unless otherwise noted. An application form is required to establish candidacy in this program. From the 'Apply Now' button, complete the online application and pay the application fee if applicable.

Application & Candidacy Fee

200.00

Estimated Program Tuition

7050.00

Estimated program textbook/materials

350.00

*The Application & Candidacy Fee establishes your candidacy in the program for a period of time covering normal progress toward completion and may allow you to access a variety of program benefits.

**Federal Financial Aid Gainful Employment Disclosures

The U.S. Department of Education requires colleges and universities to disclose certain information for any financial aid eligible program that, “prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation”. This information includes program costs; occupations that the program prepares students to enter; occupational profiles; on time completion rate; and for the most recent award year: the number of students who have completed the program, the number of students who complete the program within the estimated duration, the job placement rate, and the median Title IV and private loan debt incurred by those who complete the program. For gainful employment information for this program, visit our Financial Aid page.

The Journalism certificate program at UCLA Extension provided me with invaluable exposure to the happenings of the industry, which is evolving and transforming every day. The program not only had highly qualified instructors who brought their experience to the classrooms but also regularly involved guest speakers from the industry, providing first-hand insight into the field.

Hari V.
Journalism Certificate Graduate

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