Communication Degree (B.A.), Journalism Concentration

Communication student smiling using a laptop.

Becoming a Skilled Journalist: Reporting, Ethics, and Multimedia Excellence

The Journalism concentration focuses on building key reporting skills and the practices needed to create meaningful multimedia journalism. You’ll learn how news industries operate and explore the social and professional challenges journalists face. This will help you understand journalism’s powerful role in shaping public opinion and influencing social change.

The program combines theory with real-world experience, with a focus on ethics and intercultural communication. This approach ensures you’re ready to succeed in a fast-changing media landscape. Through both classroom learning and hands-on practice, you’ll develop the critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and communication skills needed for a successful career in journalism.

Program Highlights

  • Personal, one-on-one faculty advisors
  • On-site television studio, radio station, student newspaper
  • Internships locally and in Washington, D.C.
  • Alumni networking opportunities
  • Communication Club and Television Club

Start Your Journey In Journalism Today

Develop the skills, knowledge, and experience to make an impact in the world of media.

  • Student standing on campus football field smiling with WSU logo behind her.

    Specialized Electives for Focused Expertise

    The Journalism concentration offers a wide range of elective courses, allowing students to specialize in areas such as multimedia journalism, broadcast, photojournalism, and digital media. These electives enable you to customize your education to your specific interests, whether you’re passionate about investigative reporting, sports journalism, or visual storytelling. By choosing electives that align with your career goals, you’ll deepen your expertise and stand out in the competitive journalism field.

  • Campus globe in front of Courtney Hall.

    Emphasis on Ethics and Social Impact

    Beyond technical skills, the program places a strong emphasis on ethics and the social responsibilities of journalists. You’ll explore issues like representation, bias, and intercultural communication, learning to navigate complex ethical dilemmas. This focus ensures that graduates are not only skilled journalists but also responsible communicators who are committed to making a positive impact on society.

  • Two students in front of a computer smiling working on a historic journal.

    Practical Experience and Career Preparation

    The program combines coursework, internships, and hands-on projects to provide real-world experience in the journalism field. You’ll have opportunities to produce multimedia stories, collaborate with editorial teams, and engage with industry professionals, building a strong portfolio along the way. This practical approach ensures that you are prepared to enter the competitive media industry and succeed in a variety of journalistic roles.

Program Details

Learning Outcomes

The Communication Department prepares students to be well-informed, responsible citizens and creative and ethical communication practitioners. The department is unique in offering this balance of theory and practice, which is manifest through our courses, our widely respected internship program, and our students’ involvement in a wide and diverse variety of campus and community organizations.

From the local to the global level, our students and graduates apply their knowledge and skills to pursue further knowledge, establish professional careers, and improve their communities.

What Can You Do with a Journalism Concentration?

A Journalism concentration opens up a wide range of career opportunities in various media and communication fields. Here are some paths you can pursue:

  • Local Newspaper Reporter
  • TV Newscaster
  • Broadcast TV Network News Director
  • News Website Editor
  • Book Publishing House Editor
Student speaking at The Women's Media Center Inaugural Lecture.

Ready to learn more?

Course Requirements

Program Description

The Journalism concentration emphasizes the acquisition of both reporting skills and the practices essential for the production of meaningful multimedia journalism. Through an examination of the organization and operation of news industries, as well as social and professional issues encountered by journalists, students deepen their understanding of the role journalism plays as a social force. Elective courses in the concentration allow students to explore a variety of journalistic specialties.

Requirements for the Communication Major - 45 Credits

Required Major Core - 27 Credits

Note:

STUDENTS MUST ELECT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING CONCENTRATIONS: Communication and Culture, Journalism, Public Relations, Media Arts and Analysis, or the Student-Defined Concentration. In addition to the required courses for each concentration, students are required to take electives, one of which must bear a COMM designation. If the concentration requires three or more electives, one of the remaining electives may be chosen from the approved elective list from any of the other concentrations.

Journalism - 18 Credits

 

Required - 9 Credits

Students must choose any three required courses from the following:

Electives - 9 Credits

Students must choose any three elective courses from the following:

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a general education or common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in General Education: WISE or Common Core.

Get Big School Features with Small School Advantages

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You'll join fellow motivated students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • 15:1

    student-faculty ratio

  • 87%

    of students receive financial aid

  • 700+

    Internship Opportunities

Caring Educators with Real-World Experience

All of our talented faculty have graduate degrees in the subjects they teach. Additionally, most have relevant industry experience. That means you’ll not only benefit from a robust foundation in communication theory, but you’ll also have the benefit of learning from those who’ve actually done the work you’re preparing to do. This unbeatable combination will give you the edge in the field of communication.

Faculty Page

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to submit SAT/ACT scores or an essay when I apply?

Westfield State University does not require an application essay, SAT and/or ACT scores, or letters of recommendation (except for special program admissions).     

All first-year applicants are reviewed for admission based on their high school record. First-year applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements established by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) in order to qualify for admission to a state university.   

Learn more about the application process and admissions here.

How much does Westfield State University cost?

Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

Will I receive academic support?

We’re invested in your success. Whether you need a little help adjusting to college, study strategies, tutoring, or disability services, the team at the Academic Achievement Department is ready to help. Our mission is to provide you with the tools to explore academic opportunities as well as to plot strategies for continued growth. 

Learn more about our student support services here.

How can I find the Communication Department on social media?

You can follow us on several social media platforms below:

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Communication Degree (B.A.), Journalism Concentration