Unapec launches Bachelor’s Degree in Contemporary Journalism to professionalize the sector
APEC University (Unapec), in a strategic alliance with the Dominican College of Journalists (CDP) and the National Union of Press Workers (SNTP), has officially presented the Bachelor’s Degree in Contemporary Journalism. This academic program emerges as a direct response to the need to update and professionalize Dominican communicators in the face of rapid technological changes, artificial intelligence, and new digital formats.
The initiative seeks to close a significant gap in the profession, where it is estimated that more than 500 practicing professionals do not hold an undergraduate university degree. Through this program, the skills acquired over years of experience will be recognized, allowing journalists to obtain their official degree and open doors to future academic specializations, such as master’s and doctoral degrees.
A commitment to excellence and innovation
The rector of Unapec, Erik Pérez Vega, emphasized that this curriculum is not just an addition to the academic offering, but a structural solution for the country’s communication ecosystem. During the event, he highlighted the value of the ethical and technical training that students will receive from a highly qualified faculty.
It is not about the implementation of just another academic program, but the activation of a bachelor’s degree that will fill a void in the field of higher education institutions in the Dominican Republic.
Erik Pérez Vega, Rector of Unapec
Recognition of learning and adaptability
One of the fundamental pillars of this degree program is the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) modality, explained by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Communication, Alicia Álvarez. This mechanism allows for the validation of empirical knowledge and work experience, integrating them into a formal academic framework that strengthens the quality of informative content in the country.
- Technological focus: Adaptation to artificial intelligence, social media, and digital production.
- Professional validation: Opportunity for communicators without a degree to certify their competencies.
- Social impact: Reinforcement of the right to information and democratic strengthening.
Journalism facing the challenge of algorithms
The launch included the keynote speech delivered by Aníbal de Castro Rodríguez, National Journalism Award winner, who reflected on the role of the reporter in the era of data overabundance. Castro emphasized that, despite technological advances and algorithms, the essence of the profession continues to rest on the human capacity to verify, doubt, and maintain independent judgment.
With this proposal, supported by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MESCyT), Unapec reaffirms its role as a benchmark in higher education, preparing new and current generations of journalists for the challenges imposed by the global communication ecosystem.
