Journalism

Study journalism in the heart of Boston and launch your career in one of the country’s largest media markets. Combining traditional journalistic principles with new technologies, our journalism program trains students to create accurate, ethical, and compelling stories across platforms. You’ll develop the research and interviewing skills, reporting and writing abilities, and ethical and legal knowledge needed to become an exemplary journalist.

Student interviews a woman on the street
Suffolk's journalism program puts you in the heart of our news-worthy city, Boston.

Emphasizing experiential learning, our curriculum exposes students to all facets of journalism – from conducting interviews, covering events, and establishing a beat to writing digital content and producing news packages for broadcast at Suffolk’s Studio 73. Utilizing our downtown location and strong alumni network, you’ll have numerous opportunities to connect with industry professionals and intern with major news outlets, media companies, and broadcasting networks throughout your time at Suffolk.

As a journalism major, you will:

  • Examine and apply modern reporting techniques and apply to your written full-length news and feature news stories
  • Understand the importance of ethical consideration in news reporting, media law, and the central role of journalism in democratic societies
  • Shoot, write, produce, and edit your electronic news packages
  • Learn about media literacy, the current news cycle, and the forces that shape news judgment
  • Prepare for the demands of a journalism career in the rapidly changing media environment

Experience is Everything

Program Options

The Major

In this major, students can choose to earn a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. Our curriculum consists of two foundation courses that focus on effective speaking, concise writing, and critical thinking, in addition to courses in writing, online journalism, and media law. You’ll also have the opportunity to tailor your degree to your interests and take advanced courses in broadcast, print, and/or online journalism.

Students are also highly encouraged to gain real-world industry experience through internships. Our majors can be found interning at New England Cable News, Fox News, ESPN, PBS, and the local affiliates of NBC, CBS, and ABC, as well as The Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Boston Magazine, Metro newspapers, and a wide variety of online news and sports publications.
View the Journalism Major Curriculum

The Minor

Gain fundamental writing and reporting skills while learning about the intricacies of this fast-paced industry by minoring in journalism. To complete the minor, you’ll take three required courses — Journalism I and II, and Issues in Journalism — and two electives of your choice.
View the Journalism Minor Curriculum

Customize Your Degree

Journalism students complement their skills with courses, minors, and double majors in areas such as:

“As a veteran, I was lucky enough to have my school paid for by the G.I. Bill. When I was shopping for schools, Suffolk’s accessibility for commuters just made sense. The small class sizes, professors, and location all set me up for success. Looking back on my time at Suffolk, I couldn’t be happier with myself or my school.”

Stephen Hudak, BA ’24 Journalism Major

Beyond the Classroom

Working alongside faculty who are skilled practitioners in their fields, you’ll build a solid practical and ethical foundation for news gathering along with the tools you’ll need to craft a compelling story across platforms and mediums.

In your Journalism II class, you’ll establish and cover your own beat. Our students have covered everything from the Boston City Council to climate change, social justice issues, arts and entertainment, and downtown Boston’s commercial real estate and economy. This experience is just one of several that will help you improve your technical abilities and news judgment, and produce reel-worthy work. You can also gain experience working with:

  • The Suffolk Journal: The University’s award-winning weekly student newspaper
  • Suffolk U News: The Department’s weekly news program, written, directed, edited, and produced in Studio 73 and aired on the department’s YouTube channel
  • Suffolk Free Radio
  • The Rosenberg STEP Program, which provides paid on-campus experience, mentorship, and professional development

Director instructs on-air students in Studio 73

You’ll find a creative community in our department on the fourth floor of the Samia Academic Center. Our modern space includes a teaching media lab, classrooms (including one centered on media production), faculty offices, and an open editing lab where students can work together on class projects. The department also includes a staffed equipment-vending room, and a study/gathering space where students are encouraged to connect and collaborate.

Studio 73

Suffolk’s on-campus television studio, Studio 73, combines the most advanced HD technology with an unbeatable location, just steps away from the State House and Boston Common. Students can work on both sides of the camera to gain a 360-degree view of the production experience, including:

  • Suffolk in the City: The studio’s signature partnership with New England Cable News, which allows students an unparalleled opportunity to report on-air in a major media market
  • Campus projects, such as the Election Connection and Ramplify podcasts and Science on the Street YouTube series
  • Hosting and interviewing guests in the studio, including local politicians and athletes

Time in the professionally run studio is integrated into several of our classes, and students can also reserve it for projects.

Student holds microphone as he reports from the street outside Studio 73

Boston is one of the largest media markets in the United States, making it the perfect place to start your career. Our students pursue internships with major news organizations, television and radio stations, professional sports teams, nonprofits, and businesses both big and small, including recent placements with:

  • The Boston Globe
  • Suffolk in The City (NECN)
  • WHDH-TV Channel 7
  • NBC Boston/Telemundo
  • El Planeta
  • NBC’s “Meet the Press”
  • WHDH-TV
  • WGBH-TV 
  • Somerville Community Access Television

Center for Career Equity, Development & Success

The Career Center will help you explore career options, plan your path, and land your dream internship or job. You’ll find practical help, like how to write an effective résumé or LinkedIn profile, along with valuable connections to leading employers and successful alumni, including networking events like our Women in the Media panel. A specific Career Community for Journalism, Media & Communication provides events and information tailored just for our students.

Success after Suffolk


Here's a sampling of recent graduates’ current job titles and employers.

Producer
98.5 The Sports Hub
Traffic Reporter & Anchor
WBZ Boston
Account Coordinator
John Guilfoil Public Relations
News Producer
WJAR, Rhode Island
Reporter
KPLC 7 News
Grant Writer & Program Specialist
MassHire Greater Lowell Workforce Board
Reporter
Salem News
Associate Producer
The Young Turks
News Editor
WFXT Boston 25 News
Producer
WSAV News 3
Reporter
Telemundo & NBC Boston

Questions? Get in touch!

Portrait of Shoshana Madmoni-Gerber

Shoshana Madmoni-Gerber

Associate Professor & Department Chair of Communication, Journalism & Media

Email [email protected]

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