Biola University’s journalism and integrated media program was ranked among the top journalism programs in the country in a recent ranking of college majors offered by USA Today and College Factual. Biola was ranked number 27 alongside many schools with more than 30,000 undergraduate students.

“It is encouraging to know that Biola, as a smaller Christian university, has been recognized in this way,” said Tamara Welter, chair of Biola’s journalism and integrated media department. “We know how much effort we've put into developing strong journalism and public relations programs for our students over the years, but to receive a top ranking like this as an endorsement of a high quality and affordable education, is an honor.”

Biola's journalism and integrated media program includes four emphases: writing and publishing; broadcast; visual media; and cross-cultural media. The department also offers a major in public relations. There are a number of student media opportunities for student involvement which encourage professional development, such as Biola’s student newspaper, The Chimes, a student radio station, The Torch, a broadcast news program, Eagle Vision and a student magazine, The Point.

The Chimes won the 2014 Online Pacemaker Award — considered the highest national award for student online publications. It was one of the three Pacemaker winners in the category of schools with 5,001 to 10,000 students. The other two winners were Harvard University and Camosun College.

The journalism department faculty aims to integrate real-world experience into each student’s study. Students are required to complete three credits of internship, and a final practicum in order to graduate. Students are able to participate in the production of the school newspaper, radio or news broadcasts so that it adds onto their experience and expertise — whether in writing or using digital tools.

Journalism and integrated media alumni include Taylor Durden, a reporter at KXXV in Kileen, Texas, Katie Watson, an investigative reporter at Daily Caller News Foundation in Washington, D.C., Andrew Mollenbeck, a reporter at WTOP News Radio in Washington, D.C., and Michelle Rindels, a statehouse reporter at Associated Press in Carson City, Nev.

In addition, Biola has again been named one of America’s best colleges, earning a spot in the top tier of the “best national universities” category of U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges 2016 rankings, released Sept. 9. In addition, Biola was named a “Best in the West” university two years in a row by the Princeton Review, and one of “America’s Top Colleges,” in July by Forbes.

Written by Olivia Bersin, iBiola intern. For more information, contact Jenna Loumagne, media relations specialist, at (562) 777-4061 or jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.