The programmes offered by the Department of Journalism and Media are designed to meet the needs of students interested in print, broadcast and online journalism. Students will be exposed to courses in the foundations of journalism including investigation, research, media, writing, media law and basic photography. In addition, students will be encouraged to engage with a broad range of contemporary issues in philosophy, politics, social sciences and economics to develop their analytical and critical thinking skills.
These programmes will assist students in fulfilling what Ken Gordon, media icon, considers “the single most important role of a journalist, which is to uncover the facts and assist in the development of a vigorous and well-informed public opinion” (Trinidad Guardian October 20, 2011).
Graduates will be able to pursue a range of media-related careers.
The Department of Journalism and Media offers the following degree programme options:
Bachelor’s Degree Programmes |
Associate Degree Programmes |
| BA Journalism | AAS Journalism and Public Relations |
| BA Journalism with a minor of the student’s choice | AA Journalism |
Bachelor of Arts Journalism
The BA in Journalism is unique in its relevance to the marketplace as it combines theoretical analysis with practical industry immersion. It is rooted in our Constitution’s foundation of freedom of expression and freedom of the press and built on pillars of responsibility, accuracy, balance and fairness. It offers students not only expanded knowledge but the opportunity for growth in personal development. It aims to produce change agents who, having moved seamlessly into newsrooms across the country can begin to lift the standard of news gathering and reporting to the heights of excellence.
The programme major includes courses that “globalize” the perspective of the potential journalists while ensuring they are au courant with local and regional, historical and modern developments. The unique strength therefore of the Caribbean identity will position the COSTAATT graduate journalist to function effectively on the world stage where, thanks to developments such as digitization, liberalization and globalisation, the audience extends to the corners of the globe.
Graduation Requirements: Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
To be awarded the BA in Journalism, students must successfully complete 121 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0, according to the following distribution:
Journalism courses: 46 credits
Communication courses: 15 credits
Support courses from other departments: 12 credits
Core curriculum courses: 48 credits
Total credits required for graduation: 121 credits
Possible career options for students upon completion of this degree include:
- Reporters – print, radio or television
- Sub-editors, editors – print, radio or television
- News analysts
- News anchors
- Photojournalists
- Programme directors
- Magazine entrepreneurs
- Corporate communications specialists in the private or public sector
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with minor
The BA in Journalism is unique in its relevance to the marketplace as it combines theoretical analysis with practical industry immersion. It is rooted in our Constitution’s foundation of freedom of expression and freedom of the press and built on pillars of responsibility, accuracy, balance and fairness. It offers students not only expanded knowledge but the opportunity for growth in personal development. It aims to produce change agents who, having moved seamlessly into newsrooms across the country can begin to lift the standard of news gathering and reporting to the heights of excellence.
The programme major includes courses that “globalize” the perspective of the potential journalists while ensuring they are au courant with local and regional, historical and modern developments. The unique strength therefore of the Caribbean identity will position the COSTAATT graduate journalist to function effectively on the world stage where, thanks to developments such as digitization, liberalization and globalisation, the audience extends to the corners of the globe.
Graduation Requirements: Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with minor
To be awarded the BA in Journalism, students must successfully complete 121 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0, according to the following distribution:
Journalism courses: 43 credits
Minor: 30 credits
Core curriculum courses: 48 credits
Total credits required for graduation: 121 credits
Associate in Arts Journalism
The first two years of the BA in Journalism constitutes the AA degree in Journalism. This programme equips students with fundamental skills in the areas of print and broadcast journalism and ensures that they are aware of the laws and ethical considerations that govern the profession. Students are required to do an internship before graduating, so that they have the opportunity to apply the theories that they have learnt. The mixture of the theoretical courses with the practical ones ensures that graduates can add value to the media industry.
Graduation Requirements: Associate in Arts Journalism
To be awarded the AA in Journalism, students must successfully complete 60 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0, according to the following distribution:
Total courses in major area of study: 25 credits
Core curriculum courses: 24 credits
Support courses: 3 credits
Communication courses: 8 credits
Total credits required for graduation: 60 credits
Possible career options for students upon completion of this degree include:
- Reporters
- Photographers
- Communication Officers
Associate in Applied Science Journalism and Public Relations
The programme is designed to enable students to function as paraprofessionals in dynamic and fast-paced media environments. It facilitates their advancement to increasingly higher levels of responsibility in the workplace and provides them with a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to pursue studies at undergraduate level.
Graduation Requirements: Associate in Applied Science – Journalism and Public Relations
To be awarded the AAS degree in Journalism and Public Relations, students must successfully complete 60 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0, according to the following distribution:
Required courses in the major area of study: 27 credits
Required elective courses in the major area of study: 6 credits
Total credits in the major area of study: 33 credits
Core curriculum courses: 24 credits
Support courses: 3 credits
Total credits required for graduation: 60 credits
Career Options
- Advertising agents
- News reporters – print, radio or television
- Sub-editors – print, radio or television
- Feature writers – print, radio or television
- Communication specialists
- Public Relations Officers
Faculty information
Joel Nanton
Department Chair
Senior Lecturer – Journalism, Communication
B Sc
Research Interests: The importance and impact of formal media training on the local media industry; media content production and its impact on national identity perspectives
Roddy Batchasingh
Senior Lecturer – Communication, Journalism
MA, BA
Research Interests: Creative writing, Caribbean literature and film
Jenna Roberts
Senior Lecturer- Journalism, Communication
MFA and BA Television and Radio Production, AAS
Research Interest: Children’s Programming and Cultural documentary
Jada Lewis
Lecturer – Journalism, Communication
BA
Research Interests: Culture, identity and communication in the Caribbean; the psychology of trauma and healing