Overview
Learn the fundamentals of journalism and start a career working for publications or in communications or public relations. Specialize in photojournalism to perfect your photographic style or focus on your writing with courses in editing, layout and design.
Contemporary journalism is an exciting world that offers many opportunities for those seeking to build a career. News writing and photojournalism are the main skills taught in the Journalism program; other specialties including advertising and public relations, publication design, and online journalism are also covered in the first year of study.
In the second year of the program, students may concentrate either on photojournalism or print and online journalism studies.
Photojournalism: Students study advanced lighting, feature, sports, advertising, lifestyle, portraiture, studio, location and staff photography techniques, in addition to portfolio strategies as they apply to digital photography systems and applications required by print media publications.
Students secure their own placements, which are approved by the program, to complete a 4-week work experience internship.
Print & Online Journalism: Students study professional techniques of writing, editing, designing, and laying out newspapers and magazines using desktop publishing techniques. They also practice special photo techniques.
During the last two semesters, students complete practicums, usually at newspapers and magazines.
Credential
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT diploma in Journalism with a major in Photojournalism.
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Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities with newspapers and magazines, public affairs offices, advertising agencies and other information and entertainment organizations. Potential positions include:
- journalist
- reporter
- technical writer
- public relations specialist
- public affairs officer
- photojournalist
- photographic editor
- page designer
Career potential for graduates varies slightly by major.
Tuition and fees
Estimated cost per year:
Domestic total 2023/24
- Year 1: $7,720
- Year 2: $7,720
International total 2023/24
- Year 1: $22,909.60
- Year 2: $22,909.60
Final costs are dependent on the number of courses a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
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Admission requirements
Program requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2 or equivalents.
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions. Find more information here.
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open and close for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to the program and submit your transcripts.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor your application status through mySAIT.ca.
You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.
This program meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program for international students as long as the student is enrolled in the on-campus delivery mode or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for the blended option). International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the business.advising@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Winter 2023 | Jan. 9, 2023 | Aug. 18, 2023 |
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | April 26, 2024 |
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Students are required to follow the standard program completion timeline – year one (semester one and two), a break of one semester, and then year two (semester three and four). This applies to fall and winter intakes. Exceptions must be approved by an advisor or academic chair.
First Year
Semester 1
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PHOT-216 | Visual Journalism I | 3.0 |
| PREL-218 | Marketing and Communications for Journalists | 3.0 |
| PUBL-210 | Media Software for Journalists | 3.0 |
| RSCH-203 | News Research for Journalists | 3.0 |
| WRIT-230 | Writing for Journalism | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 Total | 15.0 | |
Semester 2
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| JOUR-251 | News and Feature Writing | 3.0 |
| JOUR-254 | Online Journalism I | 3.0 |
| JOUR-258 | Ethics for Print and Online Journalists | 3.0 |
| PHOT-256 | Visual Journalism II | 3.0 |
| PUBL-261 | Publication Planning and Design | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 Total | 15.0 | |
| First Year Total | 30.0 | |
Co-op Work Term (Optional)
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CPWK-255 | Cooperative Work Term (optional) | 0.0 |
Photojournalism Option
Second Year
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| JOUR-302 | News Writing and Editing | 3.0 |
| PHOT-320 | Lighting and Illustration for Photojournalists I | 3.0 |
| PHOT-325 | Photojournalism for Print Media I | 3.0 |
| PHOT-334 | Advanced Workflow for Photojournalists | 3.0 |
| PHOT-336 | Visual Journalism III | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 Total - Photo Journalism Option | 15.0 | |
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PHOT-350 | Lighting and Illustration for Photojournalists II | 3.0 |
| PHOT-353 | Freelancing and Portfolio Production | 3.0 |
| PHOT-355 | Photojournalism for Print Media II | 3.0 |
| PHOT-366 | Visual Journalism IV | 3.0 |
| PHOT-385 | PJM Work Experience | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 Total - Photo Journalism Option | 15.0 | |
| Second Year Total - Photo Journalism Option | 30.0 | |
| Program Total - Photo Journalism Option | 60.0 | |
Print & Online Journalism Option
Second Year
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| JOUR-302 | News Writing and Editing | 3.0 |
| JOUR-301 | Online Journalism II | 3.0 |
| JOUR-305 | Visual Reportage and Storytelling | 3.0 |
| PROJ-318 | Journalism Projects I | 6.0 |
| Semester 3 Total - Print & Online Journalism Option | 15.0 | |
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| JOUR-357 | News and Opinion Writing | 3.0 |
| PRCT-375 | Journalism Practicum | 3.0 |
| PREL-364 | Public Relations Writing and Design | 3.0 |
| PROJ-368 | Journalism Projects II | 6.0 |
| Semester 4 Total - Print & Online Journalism Option | 15.0 | |
| Second Year Total - Print & Online Journalism Option | 30.0 | |
| Program Total - Print & Online Journalism Option | 60.0 | |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $205
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $6,150 | $916 | $553 | $7,619 |
| 2 | 2 | $6,150 | $916 | $553 | $7,619 |
International tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $697.37
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $20,921 | $916 | $553 | $22,390.10 |
| 2 | 2 | $20,921.10 | $916 | $553 | $22,390.10 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $196
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
- Student support fee: $200
- Student technology fee: $200
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum: $291
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
Books and supplies*
Books are approximately $400 for this program.
For all first-year Journalism students, camera equipment costs range between $600 and $2,000.
Print and Online major students will need to spend an additional $200 (approximately) at the start of the second year.
Photojournalism major students entering their second year will need to spend an additional $2,000 (approximately) on professional-level location lighting, video and workflow accessories. For the best learning experience, upgraded camera equipment can be purchased as well, for approximately $7,000 (in addition to the $2,000, for a total of $9,000).
A Mac computer is required and is approximately $1,200 (including a port adapter). For more details, see the Next Steps tab.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year. *
Domestic students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $6,150 | $948 | $622 | $7,720 |
| 2 | 2 | $6,150 | $948 | $622 | $7,720 |
International students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $21,339.60 | $948 | $622 | $22,909.60 |
| 2 | 2 | $21,339.60 | $948 | $622 | $22,909.60 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic and international fee tables.
Fees
Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)
Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside of the typical 15-week program.
Learn more about what your fees are for
Fees are subject to change without notice.
| Fees | < 9 credits per semester | > 9 credits per semester |
| SAIT fees | ||
| Campus athletic and recreation | $51.50 | $103 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| UPass* | N/A | $160 |
| Total | $157 | $474 |
| Saitsa fees | ||
| Student association fee** | $16.22/credit | $146 |
| Health plan*** | N/A | $86 ($172 annually) |
| Dental plan*** | N/A | $79 ($158 annually) |
| Total | $311 maximum | $476 |
*Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.
**Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.
***Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.
Books and supplies*
Books are approximately $400 for this program.
For all first-year Journalism students, camera equipment costs range between $600 and $2,000.
Print and Online major students will need to spend an additional $200 (approximately) at the start of the second year.
Photojournalism major students entering their second year will need to spend an additional $2,000 (approximately) on professional-level location lighting, video and workflow accessories. For the best learning experience, upgraded camera equipment can be purchased as well, for approximately $7,000 (in addition to the $2,000, for a total of $9,000).
A Mac computer is required and is approximately $1,200 (including a port adapter). For more details, see the Next Steps tab.
Learn more about your tuition and financial aid options
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Orientation
Program orientation for students beginning in Winter 2023 will take place on SAIT campus on Friday, Jan. 6. Look for ORNT 118 in your schedule in mySAIT for the time and exact location.*
You can also prepare by attending the Big SAIT Welcome, online information sessions, international or Indigenous orientation, and completing the preparation courses below.
*If your orientation takes place on the first day of classes, you will not see a separate ORNT 118 in your schedule. Students registering in classes via open registration will need to enroll themselves in ORNT 118.
How to register for classes
Course registration opens on March 1 through March 15 for Spring 2023.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn more about how to register and the different registration methods used at SAIT.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a custom hardware and software requirements.
A Mac computer that meets these minimum requirements is required and is approximately $1,200 (including a port adapter):
- 13-inch MacBook Air (March 2020 or newer) or 13-inch MacBook Pro (mid-2017 or newer)
- Intel Core i5 processor (quad-core processor required for March 2020 MacBook Air)
- 8 GB RAM or greater
- 256 GB or greater solid-state drive (SSD)
- 2 x Thunderbolt 3 ports
- MacOS Big Sur or newer
- up-to-date antivirus and malware protection software
- USB-C adapter with Gigabit Ethernet, memory card reader, 4K HDMI and 2x USB-A ports.
Macs can be purchased at a discount through Apple Canada’s store for higher education.
Licenses for the following software must also be purchased:
- Adobe Creative Cloud for Mac (latest release, full-access subscription)
- Camera Bits Photo Mechanic for Mac (latest release, standard version).
Education discounts are available for both Creative Cloud and Photo Mechanic.
Find further details about hardware and software requirements for SAIT students on our computers and laptops page.
Required equipment/tools
- An internet connection at home, either wired or wifi
- A digital SLR or mirrorless camera, lenses and related accessories (specific recommendations can be found at saitphoto.ca)
Full details on the recommended equipment for first-year students can be found on saitphoto.ca.
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8485
Email: business.advising@sait.ca
Academic chair
Loanne Benner, Academic Chair
Email: loanne.benner@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
