Overview

Are you interested in journalism and the art of storytelling? If writing and digital media are your style, the Print and Online Journalism major is a great choice.

You’ll learn the basics of journalism, including ethical news reporting, and then branch out in various areas, including marketing, public relations, and social media or digital content creation.

In the first year, you’ll dive into news writing, basic photography, marketing, advertising, public relations, publication design, and online journalism. You’ll build a solid foundation in journalism skills, preparing you for various career opportunities in media, marketing, digital media and more. 

In your second year, you’ll refine your writing, editing, layout design, and digital publishing skills. You’ll work on various writing formats, from news features to blogs, and gain experience in editing, business writing, copywriting, and public relations. The program culminates in a simulated “newsroom” experience where you’ll create content for SAIT’s online newspaper. 

This field offers the flexibility to blaze your path, whether as a freelance writer or photographer or working for a company or a news organization. 

Our class sizes are small, with 32 students on average, and photography class sizes are capped at 16.  

Whether you’re passionate about writing, photography, or digital media, our Journalism program is your first step toward a rewarding career in storytelling, communication and the creative industries. 

Those in journalism or creative industries tend to be innovative, methodical, and directive.  

You need:  

  • flexibility 
  • eloquence and precise language skills
  • an understanding of your medium and knowledge of your area of interest 
  • the ability to be objective and self-critical about your work and to accept objective criticism from others 
  • research and organizational skills 
  • time-management skills 
  • negotiation and marketing skills 
  • interviewing skills 
  • self-discipline. 

You should enjoy gathering and clarifying information, writing, and presenting to people. You should also be prepared to work irregular hours and travel for work.

The opportunity to advance your education by transferring into this program or gain credit for previous postsecondary courses may be available.

There may also be opportunities to further your education once you graduate.

Learn more about program and institution transfer options

In your final semester, you’ll participate in a four-week practicum at a digital or print-based journalism, editorial, corporate or non-profit organization.

You are responsible for securing your placement, which needs to be approved. Before your practicum, you’ll complete assignments and get assistance creating a resume, setting up your LinkedIn profile, practicing interviews, and learning how to approach potential employers about a practicum placement. 

You’ll also have the option to complete a cooperative work term between your first and second year of study. This work term isn’t required to graduate.

After successfully completing this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Journalism diploma with a major in Print and Online Journalism.

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Each year, SAIT conducts a survey between February and April to determine the employment rate, salary and satisfaction of our newest SAIT alumni. 

people icon 94% graduate employment rate

salary icon $46,500 average starting salary

Find out more about our graduate employment statistics >

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 51110, 51111, 51112, 51113, 53110.

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Career counselling and support

Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.

You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.

Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.

Services and workshops

Courses

The Journalism — Print and Online Journalism diploma requires 60 credits (18 courses) to complete.

The program spans two years, with two semesters each year.

View classes by semester

Journalism core

Course Credits

Building on the basics in Writing for Journalism, students will develop news and feature stories from different settings, and on different topics. The theory and practice of long-form feature writing will also be introduced.

Pre-requisites:
  • WRIT 230
3

This foundation course will examine the tools used to tell journalistic stories online. The focus will be on contemporary content management technology used by newspapers to present photos, written stories, video, and rich content to a global audience.

Equivalents:
  • TOUR 219
3

In their work, journalists and communicators are required to make decisions regularly about whom to talk to and use as sources, what information is appropriate to publish, and how to balance the competing demands of public versus private interest. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the practice of ethical decision-making in journalism. Topics to be covered include sourcing practices and issues of personal privacy, manipulation by, and of, the media, censorship and self-censorship, and coverage of civil law proceedings.

Equivalents:
  • JOUR 204
3

This introductory level course explores the technical fundamentals of digital photography as it relates to print and online news media. Learners will develop competency in proper camera handling, image acquisition, and computer workflow techniques.

3

Building further on the technical concepts previously introduced in the program, this course focuses on the use of the photographic medium in journalistic storytelling. Through the use of still images and text, learners will discover the importance of visual communication in today’s multiplatform media industry.

Pre-requisites:
  • PHOT 216
3

PREL 218 introduces the role of advertising and public relations as it applies to journalism. Topics include advertising newspapers, magazines, television and the Internet. PR positions, corporate communications and communications planning. There is an emphasis on print but all forms of media are explored.

Equivalents:
  • PREL 213
3

An introductory course in which students become familiar with relevant computer systems and the SAIT network. The student will then be introduced to numerous industry relevant software programs vital to their future success in journalism.

3

The basic concepts in creation of graphic elements will be the main topic of this course. The design, production and editing of info graphics for print page layouts and online will be covered. The course will also introduce learners to the planning and organization of print publications such as magazines and newspapers.

Pre-requisites:
  • PUBL 210
Corequsites:
  • JOUR 254
3

News stories must be researched before they can be written. In this course, students will learn how to develop information for stories, with an emphasis on interviewing and online information gathering. Specific research sources, including governments and experts, also will be covered.

3

WRIT 230, Writing for Journalism, is an introduction to writing in news style for beginning journalists. In addition to learning to present information for print and online readers, essential writing skills such as grammar, punctuation, capitalization and spelling will be emphasized. Identification of newsworthy information, basic news story elements and structure, writing techniques and self-coaching methods are also covered.

3

Online and print journalism core

Course Credits

In this course students will develop their online skills by researching, gathering, and publishing journalistic content for online delivery. Students will learn to identify the best (or most appropriate) platform by which to distribute the content.

Pre-requisites:
  • JOUR 254
  • PHOT 256
3

Building on the introduction they received in first year to straight news and feature writing, students in this course will work on more complex assignments, including long-form news features and specialized types of news stories.

Pre-requisites:
  • JOUR 251
3

This course builds on the skills developed from the first two semesters of Visual Journalism courses (PHOT 216 and PHOT 256). The focus of the course will be on photojournalism techniques for reporters, and will include visual reporting for general assignments and events, as well as long form visual storytelling in today’s online news media. The course will include several aspects of photojournalism as it pertains to still photography, and videography, and how these two mediums are combined with other media to tell a story. Proper planning, interviewing techniques, camera handling, audio acquisition, video editing and sequencing will be covered in more detail, with the final assignment to encompass all of the skill sets discussed in this course. Today’s journalist is now tasked with the responsibility of gathering still images, text, audio and video for multiple platforms. Learning how to achieve this balance will be a major focus of this course.

Pre-requisites:
  • PHOT 256
3

Specialized types of news writing form the basis of this second-year Journalism course. News blogging, editorial writing, opinion writing and column writing are covered, along with editing practice for opinion-based content. Sports, entertainment and business writing also will be introduced. The evolving role of opinion articles in journalism will be explored, along with research for opinion writing, critical thinking and the basics of structuring an argument. Sports, entertainment and business writing will also be introduced.

Pre-requisites:
  • JOUR 302
3

Under faculty and industry supervision, learners are assigned to actual journalistic responsibilities.

Pre-requisites:
  • JOUR 302
  • JOUR 305
  • PREL 218
3

Advanced concepts in the creation of public relations material is the focus of the PR Writing and Design course. The writing and the design of PR materials is covered. A PR practitioner should not only know how to write in a PR style but should know how to design these materials using industry standard software.

Pre-requisites:
  • PREL 218
  • PUBL 261
  • JOUR 301
Equivalents:
  • PREL 313
3

Journalism Projects I is the first of two capstone courses in the Journalism program. It brings together elements from all of the basic skill areas taught in the program, and asks students to apply those in a setting that closely simulates a working newsroom environment. Students will be evaluated on all important aspects of their work in the production cycle, over several editions of the program newspaper, and maintenance of the paper’s news website.

Pre-requisites:
  • JOUR 251
  • JOUR 254
  • PHOT 256
  • PUBL 261
6

Journalism Projects is the final capstone course in the Journalism program. It brings together elements from all of the basic skill areas taught in the program, and asks students to apply those in a setting that closely simulates a working newsroom environment. Students will hone their skills in all areas of newspaper publishing while allowing the student to explore their particular areas of interest in the journalism industry.

Pre-requisites:
  • PROJ 318
3

Course Credits

This cooperative work term course provides the opportunity to apply your classroom learning in a practical workplace setting, as well as gain valuable industry experience. This course is optional.

Pre-requisites:
  • JOUR 251
  • JOUR 254
  • JOUR 258
  • PHOT 256
  • PUBL 261
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 >

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Explore your options!

Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies. You can complete courses via Open Studies to get a head start on your education, reduce your course load once accepted into a credentialed program, or determine which career path best suits you before you fully commit. 

You may also take courses for general interest or personal and professional development.

Available Open Studies courses

Admission requirements

Applicants educated in Canada

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements or equivalents.

  • at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency.

SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After applying, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

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Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

Upgrade
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English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Learn more

Available intakes

Fall 2024

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: June 28, 2024
International students: Closed
  • Application deadline: May 29, 2024

Winter 2025

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: Oct. 25, 2024
International students: Open
  • Application deadline: Sept. 30, 2024

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year. 
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $6,150 $1,608 $7,758
2 2 $6,150 $1,608 $7,758
Total cost:
$15,516

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for international students is based on the recommended course load per year. 
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $21,330 $1,608 $22,938
2 2 $21,330 $1,608 $22,938
Total cost:
$45,876

Books are approximately $400 for the whole program.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.

Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.

Camera and related equipment

Camera equipment costs range between $600 and $2,000 and must be purchased during your first year. Additional equipment costs around $200 and must be purchased as you enter your second year. Equipment recommendations can be found at saitphoto.ca.

Computer

This is a bring-your-own-device program with 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 (November 2020 or newer)
  • Apple M1 chip
  • 8 GB RAM or greater
  • 256 GB or greater solid-state drive (SSD)
  • 2 x Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports
  • macOS Ventura or newer
  • Up-to-date antivirus and malware protection software
  • USB-C port adapter with Gigabit Ethernet, memory card reader, 4K/60Hz HDMI and 2 x USB-A

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.

See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Other equipment

  • An internet connection at home, either wired or wifi

 

2023/24 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective until June 30, 2023.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year. 
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $6,150 $1,570 $7,720
2 2 $6,150 $1,570 $7,720
Total cost:
$15,440

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for international students is based on the recommended course load per year. 
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $21,339.60 $1,570 $22,909.60
2 2 $21,339.60 $1,570 $22,909.60
Total cost:
$45,819.20
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Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Learn more

Admission process

When applying in the application portal, select Journalism. You will be able to select Online and Print Journalism as your major during the application process.

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

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.

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Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal. 

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants or $150 for international applicants. 

Apply now

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

  • What sets SAIT apart
  • An introduction to the program and area of study
  • Admission requirements
  • Future career paths
  • Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Contact us

School of Business Advising

Phone
403.284.8485
Email
business.advising@sait.ca

International Student Advising

Phone
403.284.8852
Email
international@sait.ca