Journalism

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The Field

Journalism is the discipline of collecting, verifying, reporting and analyzing information gathered regarding current events, including trends, issues and people. Journalism reports events, stating who, what, when, where, why and how, and explains their significance and effects. Journalism exists in a number of media: newspapers, television, radio, magazines and, since the end of 20th century, the Internet. The program in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at UMass Amherst offers a thorough grounding in the ethics and traditions of journalism as well as the nuts and bolts of reporting and writing.

The Major

The Journalism Program, part of the Communication Department, has a distinguished faculty, including winners of the Pulitzer Prize and the Freedom Forum Journalism Teacher of the Year Award. It draws diverse students who graduate to jobs in newspapers, magazines, television, on-line journalism, and other fields requiring skills in reporting and writing. All students start with a course in news writing and reporting, then choose from courses in freedom of the press, public relations, sports writing, newscasting, media criticism, and website journalism. Admission to the major is restricted, but students from any major may apply. Students seeking to become Journalism majors should apply during the first or second semester of the sophomore year. Transfer students may be admitted directly to the major during advising or may be asked to complete more course work at the university before applying. Applications are available at the program office; you will need a grade transcript, statement of purpose, and other materials. Check with the office for deadlines.

The Future

Majors acquire qualifications for positions in which reporting, research, writing, and editing are central. These may include work for newspapers and other news organizations, book publishing, public relations, and government agencies. The major is also recognized as strong liberal-arts preparation for graduate study in such fields as journalism, mass communication, history, advertising and public relations, or law. Alumni work at the New York Times, the Boston Globe, National Public Radio, Dateline NBC, The Associated Press, and dozens of top media outlets around the world.

Internships and Study Abroad

Journalism majors benefit by acquiring as much practical experience as possible. Internships enhance career opportunities in journalism and related fields. International study and mastery of a foreign language enrich academics. Journalism encourages students to study abroad. Few courses deliver the impact of international experience which strengthens language skills, understanding of other peoples, and a sense of history and economics. Go to the International Programs Office (108 Bartlett Hall) for details.

Award-winning Journalist Brings Multimedia Talents to the Classroom
Technological innovations are causing a massive transformation in the field of journalism. These days, telling stories involves blogs, audio, video—and elements of all three—in addition to the old standards. This multimedia approach, or convergence journalism, has created mobile journalists—MoJos—who carry laptops, audio recorders, digital cameras, video cameras, and more wherever they go. Many rarely go to the office, opting instead to file their photos, videos and stories from wherever their assignment has taken them.
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