Classes are available in fall, spring, and summer.

All five courses can be completed in a single Summer Session, though many students spread them out over multiple terms.

Courses may be taken in any order—there are no prerequisites.

UC Berkeley undergraduates can enroll during the academic year or in summer.

Visiting students (from other UC campuses, out-of-state universities, or international institutions) can enroll during Summer Sessions.

You need a grade of C or better in all five classes for them to count toward the minor.

Fill out the Minor Declaration form to request adding the Minor in Journalism to your Academic Plan.

The minor requires the successful completion two core courses and three electives, for a total of 15 units of credit. Students may complete these courses in any order. 

Yes. Because courses involve extensive writing, reporting, and participation, students must have strong English reading, writing, and speaking skills.
International students are not required to submit official test scores, but should be confident they can:

• Write essays and assignments in English
• Understand lectures and readings
• Participate in class discussions

This program prepares students to succeed in a world where skilled communications is vital. Students will learn how to craft engaging narratives and create visibility and build audiences for their professional work, whether they are in the sciences, business, humanities, the arts, or other fields.

Yes. UC Berkeley students may complete the Minor in one summer, over multiple summers, during the academic year or a combination. 

• Most classes require only a smartphone with camera, audio, and video functions.
• Additional equipment needs may vary by course. Instructors will provide details before the semester begins.

Courses are open to all UC Berkeley students as well as visitors, including all University of California system students, out of state students currently enrolled in a college or junior college, college graduates, as well as international visitors from around the world.

Enrollment for Summer Sessions opens in early February for UC Berkeley students and 2 weeks later for visiting students.

You must clear all holds (e.g., financial, advising, immunization) before you can enroll in Journalism courses. Check your CalCentral account for details.

Generally, no—the minor is designed for undergraduates. However, in rare cases a graduate-level course may count if:

• You receive approval from the course instructor, and
• The department confirms it.

Contact the Journalism office by email if you want to pursue this option.

Berkeley Journalism minor classes can always be found in UC Berkeley’s class catalog.

There are no prerequisite courses for enrollment.

Journalism Minor classes have no restrictions. If you are not able enroll, it could mean that there is an issue at the campus level. These could include: a hold on your account, the enrollment period is not open, or you have reached the maximum amount of units allowed.

If you are still having issues, reach out to journalismminor@berkeley.edu.

Both the Undergraduate Minor and the Certificate in Journalism consist of 15 total units across five 3-unit courses: two core required courses and three electives. You may complete courses in any order.

No. Students may take courses in any order or combination as long as they satisfy the requirements of two core and three electives.

No.

That decision is up to the student's home college or university.

No. Students intending the minor or certificate cannot opt out of the required courses.

This is a writing-based curriculum that also demands plenty of class participation. All students must demonstrate reasonable fluency in written and spoken English.