• Broadcast Journalism and Documentary (BFA)
Dodge College of Film and Media Arts

Broadcast Journalism and Documentary (BFA)

» Broadcast Journalism and Documentary

Want to work for ESPN or CNN? How about reporting the red carpet, producing for Dateline NBC or anchoring the news in San Diego or Los Angeles? Working on documentaries for HBO or hungry digital outlets?

In Chapman’s Broadcast Journalism and Documentary program, you will develop the skills to do all of that and much more.

You will learn to research the facts, conduct thorough investigation into the issues that you are passionate about and turn your research into a news story or documentary film.

Students operating cameras

In this program, you will:

  • Explore issues that matter.
  • Learn to craft compelling narratives about topics that matter to you.
  • Find your storytelling voice and refine it.
  • Learn professional cinematography, videography and editing.
A student giving a news report in a studio

By the time you graduate, you'll be prepared to:

  • Tell the stories that people need to hear.
  • Market your skills as a creator.
  • Apply for jobs at major media outlets.
Shannon Domingsil
From research to script writing, alumna Shannon Domingsil did it all at her internship with CNN… including interviewing a former member of the Soviet Union’s KGB for a story.

Use our equipment

At Chapman, you won’t have to buy any of your own equipment. You’ll have access to everything you need in our facilities. This includes:

  • A dedicated Television and Broadcast Journalism stage and control room.
  • Top-of-the-line cameras and other equipment you can check out from our Gold Room.

 


Learn as you go

Not familiar with film equipment and tech? Not a problem. You’ll develop your skills and build your confidence along the way. By the time you’ve earned your degree, you’ll be able to shoot, edit and more at a professional level.

Students broadcasting in a dark studio

 

Produce broadcast-quality shows and newscasts on TV-Orange, our campus’ cable-access channel that reaches all of Los Angeles and Southern California, all culminating in a final project where you’ll create your own web series and produce four real episodes.

The exterior of Chapman's Digital Media Arts Center

 

Hone your skills in our state-of-the-art, multi-camera television studios. You’ll learn to use industry-standard tools like iNews and Avid, plus digital cinema cameras like the Red One and Sony F65, and you’ll use them to produce your own news shows.

Internships

Chapman is located in Southern California, which means we are right at the heart of the film and television industries and are a great place to get your foot in the door with an internship. Our students have interned with organizations like CNN, ESPN, HBO, NBC, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures and more.

 


Study abroad

Take your passion for storytelling worldwide in one of our many study abroad programs. We have several programs where you’ll get the chance to travel the globe and make documentary films about important issues.

 


Clubs and organizations

Build your journalism skills and flex your creative muscles outside the classroom in one (or more!) of our many clubs, including the Chapman Sports Broadcast Network (CSBN), a student-run sports broadcasting club where you can collaborate with your fellow producers, directors, and commentators to produce high quality broadcasts for Chapman’s home games. 

Watch the CSBN broadcast of Chapman’s homecoming football game below:

You can discover more film and media arts clubs by visiting our Dodge College Clubs and Organizations page

 


Other perks

 


Admission and tours

Interested in taking the next step? Learn how to apply or check out our transfer prerequisites.

Want to learn more about Chapman? We are always available for Dodge College tours and information sessions. We’d love to meet you!

 


Talk to a current student

Want to learn more about the program or student experience? Reach out to a current Broadcast Journalism and Documentary student! They would be happy to answer whatever's on your mind.


Related majors

Thank you!


Dodge College of Film and Media Arts would like to thank the Lorrilyn Fetherolf Trust for the $1 million gift to establish the Fetherolf Broadcast Journalism Endowment!

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