Certificate of Achievement – Journalism - Online delivery

Journalism is a fundamental element of our daily lives. Whether in print, on television, on radio or online, and whether mainstream or specialized, journalism helps us make sense of our world by providing us with information and exposing us to new ideas. Mount Royal University in Calgary has been educating journalists for more than 40 years and it is now offering students interested in journalism the opportunity to start their journalism studies through online delivery. The Certificate of Achievement – Journalism comprises four courses designed to introduce the online student to the craft and context of journalism as practiced today. Students who complete the four online courses will be awarded the Certificate of Achievement – Journalism by the Mount Royal’s Faculty of Communication Studies.

Eligibility and Graduation Requirements

E-Campus Alberta students must complete all four required courses to be eligible. Mount Royal students enrolled in campus-based programs may take the online courses when scheduled and for credit in a combination of electives and general education courses, and they are responsible for ensuring the courses in the certificate fit their graduation needs.

All students must successfully complete all courses in the certificate of achievement curriculum with a minimum final grade of ‘C’.

Students enrolled in campus-based journalism programs at Mount Royal are not eligible to receive the Certificate of Achievement – Journalism. 

Mount Royal Journalism Programs

In addition to the Certificate of Achievement – Journalism Mount Royal also offers two programs at its main campus in Calgary: a Bachelor of Communication - Journalism, and a one-year intensive Journalism Certificate program exclusively for students who have completed a baccalaureate degree. E-Campus Alberta students considering one of our campus-based programs should in advance review the application criteria for that program. While the four courses in the Certificate of Achievement – Journalism may also count as credit toward completion of Mount Royal’s campus-based programs, online students must apply separately for campus-based programs and must also meet all required criteria. 

How to Apply

E-Campus Alberta students need apply to participate in the Certificate of Achievement – Journalism by using the application form and process posted on the university’s website: www.mtroyal.ca. Choose the “Prospective Students” option. Students on-campus in Calgary, who are completing a degree program other than journalism, need not apply and can access the courses through the usual registration process.

General Admission Requirements

All students must meet the general admission requirements for Mount Royal University programs, as indicated in the admissions section of this calendar. Students already admitted to campus-based Mount Royal programs need not apply to take the certificate, and can simply choose the applicable courses.

Additional Admission Requirements

The following specific courses (or equivalencies) with the specified minimum grades are required for admission into the Certificate of Achievement – Journalism:
• English Language Arts 30-1 – 60%
• Social Studies 30-1

Computer Needs

To participate in this program a student will require access to a computer with sufficient power, capacity, and Internet access. In COMM 1720 – Managing Digital Media, students will be using widely available and free-for-use open source software that generally needs to be downloaded and stored. It is advised that students check with computer suppliers to ensure that their computer will function effectively under these circumstances.

Receiving the Certificate

Having completed the four required courses all students must apply for their Online Certificate of Achievement – Journalism by contacting the Faculty of Communication Studies at 403-440-6958 and requesting a Certificate of Achievement – Journalism application form.

Curriculum

Certificate of Achievement - Journalism
*All courses 3 credits
Communications 1720 - Managing Digital Media
Communications 2501 - Media History and Contemporary Issues
Communications 1700 - Journalism in Society
Communications 3717 - Specialized Writing for Journalism

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