AcademicsUndergraduate ProgramsJournalism (Concentration)

Are you ready for the future of journalism? Grab a camcorder and a laptop and dive into backpack journalism!

By combining new media practices with a firm writing foundation, you'll cultivate the tools necessary to thrive in today's evolving market.

Our faculty are seasoned media professionals offering their expertise in all journalism activities — like our student run newspaper and award-winning radio station — and developing projects that show students what the front lines of media really look like.

You'll hone your skills through internships in Boston and beyond and enter this rapidly changing industry with an impressive portfolio, ready to take on anything.

Program Requirements

Step One: The Communications Core Requirements

The major requires three core courses that explore the areas of media and society, writing and editing, visual culture and the technology currently driving emerging media. A blend of theory and hands-on, practical projects prepares students for further developmental work in one of the department's concentrations of study.

  • COMM 121 Visual Communication
  • COMM 122 Media Writing Bootcamp
  • COMM 124 Media, Messages, & Society

Students should complete the three core courses by the end of the second year of study in a four-year program. A student should declare a major at the end of the sophomore year. In this recommended sequence, the student would complete the core and then choose a track to declare at this time.

Step Two: Three required courses

  • COMM 260 Reporting: Chasing the Story
  • COMM 265 Editing Copy and Proof
  • COMM 320 Media and the First Amendment

Step Three: Three electives, at least one at the 300-level

  • COMM 163 Radio Operations/Podcast
  • COMM 181 Public Speaking and Group Discussion
  • COMM 262 Media Convergence
  • COMM 263 Broadcast, Narrowcast, and Interactivity
  • COMM 269 Globalization: Intercultural Communication
  • COMM 310 In Depth Storytelling for the Digital Age
  • COMM 315 Blogging/Op-Ed Writing
  • COMM 322 Video Journalism
  • COMM 323 Digital Cultures: Communication and Social Media
  • COMM 328 Special Topics in Communication (when appropriate)

Step Four: COMM 344 Senior Seminar/Storytelling

Step Five: Independent Learning 

Minor Requirements
Required:
  • COMM 122: Media Writing Bootcamp
  • COM 260: Reporting: Chasing the Story
  • COMM 265: Editing Copy and Proof
Electives (Select 2):
  • COMM 124: Media, Messages, & Society
  • COMM 262: Media Convergence
  • COMM 263: Broadcast, Narrowcast, and Interactivity
  • COMM 310: In Depth Storytelling for the Digital Age
  • COMM 315: Blogging/Op-Ed Writing
  • COMM 320: Media and the First Amendment
  • COMM 323: Digital Cultures: Communication and Social Media
  • COMM 328: Special Topics (when appropriate)
Customize Your Program

We encourage our students to tailor the Journalism concentration to fit their interests. Simmons offers many dual-major and minor options. Your advisor will help you develop the best path to meet your personal and professional goals.

We also offer a minor in Journalism for students majoring in other areas.

Internships and Research
Internships are a key component of the journalism program. In a cultural center like Boston, there are countless opportunities to build your skills, resume and networking relationships with organizations in the city and beyond. Recent placements include the Boston Herald, the Boston Globe, and the Metro. 
Faculty
How to Apply
So you know that Simmons is a great place to be, you've learned about our programs, maybe even come for a visit...now you're ready to apply! Let's get started.
Communication Major Decisions

Major Decisions

Communications