Journalism

The Journalism major is based on the premise that journalists are essential in a democratic society because they inform its citizens, give voice to the voiceless and hold the powerful accountable.

The major emphasizes both the academic heart of journalism and its practice through its courses in history, law, ethics, philosophy and media criticism, as well as newswriting, reporting and multimedia journalism.

Welcome to the Journalism Community

The field of journalism is changing rapidly. The emphasis on traditional, ethical journalism remains, but the ways in which journalism is gathered and transmitted have been transformed. Reporters who once wrote for a newspaper are likely now to find themselves also writing for the paper’s website, taking digital photos to accompany articles, and recording podcasts (audio) and vodcasts (video). Multimedia reporting is the reality not only for newspapers, but also in television, radio, photography, public relations, and online jobs.

As equipment becomes cheaper and more portable, freelancing work for a variety of media has also become easier. “Backpack reporting” allows one person to report, write, take pictures and record audio and video on assignments, both domestically and abroad, and transmit them to media outlets instantaneously. Journalism also continues to be a solid foundation for many going into teaching, the law, government and other fields where communication and critical thinking skills are paramount.

Media & PR Career Fair (Virtual), Thursday, March 28

Students interested in working in media, communications and PR are invited to attend our virtual Media & PR Career Fair on Thursday, March 28th, from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm via Handshake. Check out the event in Handshake to see …

By Carol Sharick
Carol Sharick Director of Career and Professional Development for Undergraduates, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
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Spring Break Skill Building, with SBS Careers

Spring break is around the corner.  Have you considered using some of that time to move forward on your job or internship search?

Your SBS Career team invites you to join us virtually for a structured, self-guided professional skill building …

By Carol Sharick
Carol Sharick Director of Career and Professional Development for Undergraduates, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
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Ansin Study Abroad Scholarship Award

Are you interested in studying abroad this summer or during the Fall semester? Are you concerned about the cost? The Ron Ansin scholarship is for students with financial need who are interested in exploring another part of the world through …

By Koni Denham
Koni Denham Director of Student Success - SBS
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Explore Outcomes

The SBS Office of Career & Professional Development annually surveys graduating seniors in order to provide a snapshot of their post-graduation plans.  The survey begins just prior to graduation, and continues until six months after graduation.  Our data collection process is guided by the industry standard put forth by the National Association of Colleges & Employers, and includes information collected by the SBS Office of Career & Professional Development, the Office of Institutional Research at UMass Amherst, and by various academic departments, as well as from information that is made publicly available by students.  The SBS undergraduate outcomes knowledge rate for 2022 was 70%, though knowledge rate varies among departments.

The SBS Office of Career & Professional Development annually surveys graduating seniors in order to provide a snapshot of their post-graduation plans.  The survey begins just prior to graduation, and continues until six months after graduation.  Our data collection process is guided by the industry standard put forth by the National Association of Colleges & Employers, and includes information collected by the SBS Office of Career & Professional Development, the Office of Institutional Research at UMass Amherst, and by various academic departments, as well as from information that is made publicly available by students.  The SBS undergraduate outcomes knowledge rate for 2022 was 70%, though knowledge rate varies among departments.

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First Destination

SBS graduates pursue a range of plans after graduation, including employment, continuing education, and volunteering/service, among others.  This graph depicts what recent SBS graduates tell us they are doing within six months after graduation.