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.

Public Relations Concentration

Public relations is a dynamic, complex and fast-paced industry with multiple career opportunities. The Public Relations concentration at UMass Amherst is designed to help you become a better communicator and strategic thinker, preparing you for professionally oriented careers working in various organizational, agency, nonprofit and government settings. You’ll develop your writing, visual/multimedia, research and strategic planning skills, learning from dedicated practitioners and scholars. In addition, you’ll gain real-world, hands-on experience and build your portfolio through course assignments, internships and involvement in student-run organizations like the UMass PR Club and campus media.

Learn more here.

Sports Journalism Concentration

The UMass Journalism Department offers a specialized concentration geared toward students interested in sports journalism. The SJC is a unique focus of study, combining both in-classroom instruction with hands-on internship experience in the field. Learn how to cover a beat, blog, craft column and feature pieces, utilize multimedia and shoot sports photography.

Students also analyze the politics and issues in sports as well as the study of sports film and literature. The UMass Journalism Department is home to new multimedia facilities, a state-of-the-art studio and high-caliber equipment that foster an innovative environment for creating future journalists.

Learn more here.

New Leadership Opportunity – SBS Ambassador Program

The Pathways Center is excited to launch a new Ambassador Pilot Program to help develop new SBS student leaders. These leaders will work with the Assistant Dean and Executive Director of the Pathways Center and the Director of Student Success …

By Koni Denham
Koni Denham Director of Student Success - SBS
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SBS Internship & Study Abroad Scholarships – Opening Soon!

Mark your calendars for upcoming scholarship opportunities! The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) offers scholarships to support your career and study abroad interests. Soon we will be opening scholarships for spring opportunities. Please check out the dates below, …

By Koni Denham
Koni Denham Director of Student Success - SBS
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The Key to Academic Excellence: YOU!

Dr. Saundra Yancy McGuire, author of Teach Students How to Learn, describes metacognition as the process of thinking about your own thinking and being consciously aware of yourself as a problem solver. We all struggle with procrastination, and she suggests …

By Koni Denham
Koni Denham Director of Student Success - SBS
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Featured Alumni

Melissa James’10 Journalism, Legal Studies

Alumni
  • Boston, MA
  • Founder & CEO The Tech-Connection
Meet Melissa >

Will Soltero’19, Political Science & Journalism

Alumni
  • Washington, DC
  • Communications Consultant Fireside Campaigns
Meet Will >

Zoe Cullen’19, Journalism

Alumni
  • Boston, MA
  • Digital Marketing Director aNetworks, Inc. Cyber Security
Meet Zoe >

Jackson Cote’19, Journalism & Political Science

Alumni
  • Northampton, MA
  • Breaking/Trending News Reporter MassLive
Meet Jackson >
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Featured Resources

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Skill-Building With Linkedin Learning Classes

See below for skill-building classes – visit LinkedIn Learning for more.

Media Relations Foundations

Taught by Jessica Chen
View Jessica’s LinkedIn Newsletter If you want your business to succeed, you need as much brand recognition as you can…
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Photoshop 2022 Essential Training

Taught by Julieanne Kost
Whether you’re an experienced creative professional or just looking to make the most out of your new camera, learning how…
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Photoshop 2020 Essential Training: The Basics

Taught by Julieanne Kost
Photoshop is the industry standard for creative visual expression. Whether you’re an experienced creative pro or just starting on your…
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Relevant Courses

SBS College to Careers – SOCBEHAV 250

SOCBEHAV 250: College to Careers This class is all about YOU. • One credit, highly-participatory course • Learn about yourself…
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Research Opportunities

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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.

  • First Destination
  • Top Employers
  • Starting Salary
  • Job Titles
  • Employment Locations
  • Top Universities
  • Degree Types
  • Fields of Study

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.