Policies and Standards for Diploma in Journalism and Master of Arts in Journalism Programs

June 9, 2010

CHED MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 012-10

 

In accordance with the pertinent provisions of Republic Act (RA) No. 7722 otherwise known as the "Higher Education Act of 1994," CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 36, s. 1998, Policies and Standards on Graduate Education." CMO No. 9, s. 2003, Addendum to CMO No. 36, s. 1998 entitled "Policies and Standards on Graduate Education" and by virtue of Resolution No. 500-2009 of the Commission En Banc dated December 23, 2009 and for the purpose of rationalizing the graduate degree programs in journalism in the country, the following Policies and Standards for Diploma in Journalism and Master of Arts in Journalism programs are hereby adopted and promulgated by this Commission.

ARTICLE I

Introduction

SECTION 1. Rationale and Background. — The graduate programs in journalism prepare students to take a more active, strategic and critical role in shaping the direction of Philippine journalism and in its responsible practice; to exercise leadership in the profession; to undertake research and evaluation in the discipline; and to become effective instruments in articulating the needs and aspirations of the Filipino people.

These programs are being offered to improve the standards of journalism instruction and practice and to provide competent teachers of journalism.

SECTION 2. Types and Thrusts of Graduate Programs in Journalism. — The Diploma in Journalism aims to provide (students) practitioners without a background in journalism the theoretical knowledge and ethical principles needed in the practice of the profession.

The Master of Arts in Journalism aims to provide students with the capacity for the skilled and ethical practice of journalism, provide them advance competencies in the theory and practice of journalism and prepare them for possible careers in teaching. TAIaHE

The master's program prepares graduates for careers in media management, research, practice, teaching and consulting in various areas of journalism. Graduates of the program are expected to make significant contributions to the advancement of knowledge on journalism and media theory and practice through training, research and consulting.

ARTICLE II

Authority to Operate

SECTION 3. Authority. — All Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) intending to offer Diploma in Journalism and Master of Arts in Journalism programs must first secure proper authority from the Commission on Higher Education in accordance with existing rules and regulations. State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Colleges and Universities (LCUs) should likewise strictly adhere to the provisions in this Order.

ARTICLE III

Program Specification

SECTION 4. Degree Names. — The Degree names shall be Diploma in Journalism and Master of Arts in Journalism (MA in Journalism).

SECTION 5. Program Description/Objectives. — The Diploma in Journalism aims to provide graduates of any bachelor's program other than in communication, including practitioners without a formal background in journalism, formal training in basic journalism skills and awareness of the ethics and values of the profession.

Students can go into journalism, whether print or broadcast, and allied fields such as public relations and advertising after completion of the one-year course of study. Graduates can also go on to an MA in Journalism program. Courses taken in the Diploma in Journalism, MA Communication, MS Development Communication and MA in Broadcasting programs required in the MA in Journalism program may be credited for the MA degree.

The MA in Journalism program aims to graduate skilled and ethical professionals armed with advanced competencies in the theory and practice of journalism excellence based on an undergraduate specialization.

SECTION 6. Specific Professions/Careers/Occupations that Graduates of These Programs May Go into. — Those who earn a degree in any of the graduate programs in managers and supervisors in newspapers, broadcast media and online news sites.

SECTION 7. Allied Programs. — The allied programs for the Diploma and MA in Journalism are Communication, Development Communication and Broadcasting. ISTECA

ARTICLE IV

Competency Standards

SECTION 8. Diploma in Journalism. — At the end of the course, students of the Diploma in Journalism will have acquired.

1. basic skills in Journalism;

2. an understanding of the ethical and legal requirements of the profession; and

3. the capability to undertake research.

SECTION 9. Masters of Arts in Journalism. — Students of the MA in Journalism will have acquired.

1. advanced understanding of the theory and practice of journalism;

2. the capacity to train future journalism practitioners; and

3. journalism management and communication policy-making skills.

ARTICLE V

Curriculum

SECTION 10. Curriculum Description. — The 24-unit Diploma in Journalism program aims to provide students competencies in the history of the press, press law and ethics, news writing, feature writing, editing and design. The program also introduces students to the principles of communication research and broadcasting.

The 36-unit MA in Journalism program aims to provide students competencies in the history of the press, press law and ethics; and advance competencies in news writing, feature writing, editing and design. The program also introduces students to the principles of media management and policy formulation communication research and broadcasting.

SECTION 11. Curriculum Outline. — The Diploma in Journalism program shall have a minimum of 24 units.

Diploma in Journalism	Equivalent Unit	Total Units
Required Courses		24
The Philippine Press	3
News Writing	3
Media Law and Ethics	3
Feature Writing	3
Investigative Journalism	3
Newspaper Editing and Design	3
Communication Research	3
Broadcast Journalism	3

The Master of Arts in Journalism program shall have a minimum of 36 units, of which 15 units are Required Courses, 15 units are Electives and 6 units are Thesis or Special Projects. ITESAc

MA in Journalism	Equivalent Unit	Total Units
			36
Required Courses		15
The Philippine Press	3
Ethical and Legal Issues in Mass Media	3
New Media Management	3
Advanced Reporting and Opinion Writing	3
Seminar on the Press, Democratization and
	National Development
	Electives		15
The Global Media Environment
Advanced Broadcast Journalism
International Reporting
Reporting Arts and Culture
Reporting Business and Economics
Reporting Politics and Governance
Reporting Science and Technology
New Media
* Foreign Policy and International Relations
* Southeast Asian History
* Economic Analysis
* Political Philosophy
* Principles of Management
(* These electives may be taken in other units
	of the college or university)
	Thesis or Special Projects	6	6

 

SECTION 12. Sample Program of Study. —

Diploma in Journalism (24 units)

First Semester		Second Semester
Course	Unit	Course	Unit
The Philippine Press	3	Media Law and Ethics	3
News Writing	3	Investigative Journalism	3
Communication Research	3	Newspaper Editing and Design	3
Feature Writing	3	Broadcast Journalism	3
	–––		–––
Total	12	Total	12
	===		===

MA in Journalism (36 units)

Year I (18 units)

	First Semester		Second Semester
	Course	Unit	Course	Unit
The Philippine Press	3	Ethical and Legal Issues in	3
Advanced Reporting and	3	Mass Media
	Opinion Writing		News Media Management	3
Elective	3	Elective	3
		–––		–––
Total	9	Total	9
		===		===

 

Year II (18 units) HCTAEc

	First Semester		Second Semester
	Course	Unit	Course	Unit
Seminar on the Press,	3	Elective	3
	Democratization and
	National Development
Elective	3	Thesis/Special Project	6
Elective	3
		–––		–––
Total	9	Total	9
		===		===

Note: The Institution is free to enhance and to follow different patterns and modalities based on the needs of its clientele.

SECTION 13. Thesis/Special Project Requirements. — Upon completion of all academic requirements and prior to doing the thesis or special project, the student must pass a comprehensive examination.

The thesis subject must have prior approval of the student's thesis adviser. The thesis will be defended before a panel consisting of at least three (3) faculty members of the College, including the adviser, reader and panel member(s).

The thesis must be successfully defended within a period specified by the institution of the academic requirements.

ARTICLE VI

Description and Specification of Courses

SECTION 14. For description and specification of courses, please refer to Annexes A and B.

ARTICLE VII

Other Requirements

SECTION 15. Program Administration. — The graduate programs should be administered by a full-time Dean/Department Chair, Head/Coordinator with appropriate qualifications specified below.

A. Qualifications, Functions/Responsibilities and Teaching Load of the Dean or Head

1. Qualifications. The Dean or Head of a college or institution must be:

a. a holder of a doctoral degree in the social sciences or communication; and HEcTAI

b. with at least seven (7) years of teaching and administrative experience.

2. Functions/Responsibilities

a. Provides over-all directions in the attainment of the objectives of the program.

b. Appoints qualified faculty members to teach in the program, on the recommendation of the Department Chair, Head or Coordinator.

c. Provides administrative support to the Department.

d. Sits in department meetings upon invitation of the Chair, Head or Coordinator.

e. Performs other functions as may be required by the institution.

3. Teaching Load

 The teaching load of the Dean of a college or institution must not exceed six (6) units per semester/term.

B. Qualifications, Functions/Responsibilities and Teaching Load of the Department Chair, Head or Coordinator

1. Qualifications. The Chair, Head or Coordinator must be:

a. at least a Master's degree holder in Journalism, Communication, Radio and TV Communication, Film, Communication Research, or Development Communication; and 

b. with at least five (5) years of teaching experience.

2. Functions/Responsibilities of the Department/Unit Chair

a. Ensures that the syllabus of each course in the program is fully implemented within the term.

b. Periodically reviews the curriculum along with the department faculty.

c. Recommends the appointment of qualified faculty members.

d. Convenes regular and special departmental faculty meetings. EaHDcS

e. Schedules classes and assigns faculty-teaching load.

f. Ensures that student grades are submitted on time by the faculty.

g. Supervises student evaluation of faculty.

h. Monitors progress of students.

i. Fulfills other functions as may be assigned by the Dean.

2. Teaching Load

 The teaching load of the Department/Unit Chair of a college or institution must not exceed six (6) units per Semester/term.

SECTION 16. Faculty. —

A. Qualifications of Faculty

All professional courses in the curriculum must be taught by faculty members with the following minimum qualifications:

1. A holder of a Master of Arts or Master of Science degree in any communication course from a recognized HEI with:

• at least five (5) years of full-time teaching experience

• publications in communication (i.e., mainstream media publications, peer-reviewed academic journals in communication or journalism, online publications or online news sites)

• Print radio and/or television and online industry experience

 Or

2. A holder of a Master of Arts or Master of Science degree in any communication course from a recognized HEI with:

• At least five (5) years of part-time teaching experience

• five (5) years of demonstrably distinguished practice as a full-time communication professional:

• with minimum 5 years of active practice

• must have an outstanding tract record (awards received) THAICD

• must have held senior positions (i.e., managers and up)

• with publications in communication (i.e., mainstream media publications, peer-reviewed academic journals in communication or journalism, online publications or online news sites)

B. Faculty Requirements for MA Program

Institutions offering the MA program should have at least three (3) full time faculty members all of whom must have M.A. degrees (in any communication or allied fields) and with advanced learning in the specialization or major area being offered. At least one (1) of the three (3) full-time faculty members should have a doctoral degree.

C. Teaching Load

For full-time faculty, the maximum teaching load is 24 units in one academic year.

For the part-time faculty, the maximum teaching load is 12 units in one academic year.

SECTION 17. Library. —

A. Librarians

Every college/institution/department offering graduate programs in journalism shall have an adequately equipped library that will provide all the basic textbooks, as well as reference materials for research and other scholarly purposes, as well as resource for current trends. The following are the minimum staff requirements:

1. A college/institution/department library should have a full-time librarian who is a holder of a Master in Library and Information Science degree, and in possession of a valid license.

2. There should be one full-time librarian for the first 500 students enrolled, and for an enrollment of 1,000 students, two (2) full-time librarians shall be required.

3. Library assistant/s must be a holder/s of a Bachelor of Library and Information Science degree.

B. Library Holdings

Library holdings should conform to CHED-existing requirements for libraries. caHASI

1. For the Master's program, the libraries must provide ten (10) book titles per course found in the curriculum. These titles must have been published within the last five (5) years.

2. The HEI is likewise required to subscribe to at least two peer reviewed or international refereed journals and periodicals in journalism and allied programs that are published locally and internationally. The subscriptions may be for hard or electronic copies of the journal.

3. At least 100 audio-visual materials in the forms of tapes, films, records, CDs and DVDs. Fifty percent of the collections should have been published/produced within ten (10) years. The audio-visual materials must be stored in an air-conditioned facility.

4. The library must provide internet terminals to allow faculty members and students to undertake research and other academic activities.

5. The library must provide access to electronic library materials such as CD-ROMs and electronic subscriptions. These are considered as additional library holdings beyond the minimum requirements.

SECTION 18. Facilities, Equipment and Personnel. —

A. Classroom/Laboratory Requirements

1. A computer laboratory with a ratio of one computer per two (2) students.

2. For radio, sufficiently equipped audio production and post-production facilities.

3. For television, sufficiently equipped studio, engineering and post-production facilities.

4. Resources needed for research (e.g., statistical software and other equipment for analysis of research data).

5. Information and communication technology facilities.

B. Qualifications of Laboratory Technician

With an appropriate post-secondary certificate from a vocational or technical school or institution accredited by TESDA.

SECTION 19. Admission and Retention. —

A. Admission cDCSET

1. For Diploma in Journalism:

a. The applicant must be a holder of a baccalaureate degree, but not in a journalism, communication, mass communication, or a related program, from a recognized HEI.

b. The applicant must have at least two (2) years of work experience, preferably in media or its allied fields, unless in extremely meritorious cases, a shorter period of work experience is warranted.

c. The applicant must have obtained a General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 2.25 or its equivalent in his/her undergraduate studies.

2. For MA in Journalism:

a. The applicant must be a holder of a baccalaureate degree, preferably in journalism, communication, mass communication, or a related program, from a recognized HEI.

b. The applicant must have at least two (2) years of work experience, preferably in media or its allied fields, unless in extremely meritorious cases, a shorter period of work experience is warranted. DIECTc

c. The applicant must have obtained a General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 2.25 or its equivalent in his/her undergraduate studies.

d. As part of the evaluation procedure, an essay will be required and/or an interview conducted, to determine the preparedness of the applicant for graduate studies, as well as his/her research and career plans.

B. Retention

1. For Diploma in Journalism:

 The student must have a GWA of at least 2.0 by the end of his/her coursework.

2. For MA in Journalism:

 The student must have a GWA of at least 2.0 by the end of his/her coursework. For the Master's program, the student must pass a comprehensive examination to be given upon completion of all academic units prior to thesis writing.

SECTION 20. Prerequisites. — Graduates of non-communication programs will be required to take the following undergraduate courses (15 units):

1. Introduction to Communication Research

2. Introduction to Communication Theory

3. Feature Writing

4. Investigative Journalism

5. News Writing (for print and broadcast)

ARTICLE VIII

Transitory Provisions

SECTION 21. All HEIs including SUCs and LUCs, with existing permit/authority for Diploma in Journalism and Master of Arts in Journalism programs are hereby given a period of three (3) years from the effectivity thereof to fully comply with all the requirements of this CMO.

ARTICLE IX

Sanctions

SECTION 22. For violation of this Order, the Commission may impose such administrative sanction as it may deem appropriate pursuant to the pertinent provisions of RA 7722 in relation to Sections 68-69 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 232, otherwise known as the "Higher Education Act of 1982, Section 63 of Article XII and Sections 142-143 of Article XXVI of the Manual of Regulations for Private Higher Education of 2008 and other related laws. STcEIC

ARTICLE X

Separability and Repealing Clause

SECTION 23. Any provision of this Order, which may thereafter be held invalid, shall not affect the remaining provisions.

All CHED issuances or part thereof inconsistent with the provisions in this CMO shall be deemed modified or repealed.

ARTICLE XI

Effectivity Clause

SECTION 24. This Order shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Quezon City, Philippines, June 9, 2010.

(SGD.) EMMANUEL Y. ANGELESChairman

Attachments available upon request.