Communication and Journalism

Description

Our program is tailored to your goals. You’ll start by gaining a firm foundation in communications and journalism with courses in effective speaking, concise writing, and critical thinking. Then you’ll enter the experiential phase, where you’ll pinpoint a concentration to gain specific knowledge and hands-on experience. You’ll work with mentors who are thought influencers in the field—the Suffolk classroom and the city beyond is your oyster.

Choose from concentrations in:

• Advertising

  This concentration teaches you how to package thoughts, concepts, and products. You’ll begin with two basics: communication theory and basic presentation skills. Then you’ll advance to design and production, copywriting, media planning, and new media and markets.

• Broadcast Journalism

  In addition to the basics of communication theory and presentation skills, you’ll gain invaluable experience at our two campus TV shows, Communication Studies Savvy messaging is essential in a variety of fields, from law to public relations to politics. Classes in this versatile concentration include persuasion, the rhetoric of protest, and organizational communication.

• Film

  Get hands-on experience in film and video coupled with a broadened worldview: Our concentration has a global scope, with seminars on Middle Eastern cinema, feminist struggle in developing nations, and the Asian diaspora. State-of-the-art editing equipment and film labs provide hands-on learning.

• Media

  “Media” is an evolving concept, constantly innovating as technology develops. This concentration blends key courses in cinema, media production, and law with for-credit internships in TV production, film-making, media law, and business.

• Print Journalism

  As the pendulum swings from print to digital journalism, you’ll gain universal skills that can be applied in print and online, including copyediting, feature writing, criticism, and reporting—and many of these courses are taught by distinguished reporters. You’ll also meet guest lecturers culled from the city’s talent pool, including prizewinning Boston Globe columnist Joan Vennochi and Vanity Fair editor-at-large Cullen Murphy.

• Public Relations

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Journalism at Suffolk University offers students a comprehensive education designed to prepare them for dynamic careers in media, public relations, advertising, journalism, and other fields of communication. The program provides a balanced curriculum that combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of media and communication industries.

Students in this program explore a wide range of topics, including mass communication, media ethics, media law, digital journalism, multimedia storytelling, public relations strategies, advertising techniques, and interpersonal communication. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and ethical considerations essential for responsible communication professionals. Through engaging coursework, students learn how to craft compelling stories for diverse audiences across multiple platforms, including print, broadcast, and digital media.

The program also offers hands-on learning experiences such as internships, media production projects, and collaborations with local organizations, enabling students to gain practical skills and industry insights. In addition, students develop proficiency in various software tools used in media production and communication analytics. The faculty comprises experienced professionals and scholars dedicated to mentoring students and fostering an understanding of contemporary issues facing the communication industry.

Graduates of the Communication and Journalism program are prepared for entry-level positions in media outlets, corporate communication departments, public relations firms, advertising agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Many alumni also pursue graduate studies to deepen their expertise or specialize further in areas such as digital media, broadcast journalism, or strategic communication. With a focus on innovation, ethics, and effective storytelling, Suffolk University's program aims to produce versatile communication professionals ready to make an impact in today's fast-paced media environment.

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Journalism at Suffolk University requires students to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours to graduate. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of mass communication, media production, journalism practices, and communication theory. Core courses include Introduction to Communication, Media Literacy, Media Writing, News Reporting and Writing, Broadcast Journalism, and Media Law and Ethics. Students are also encouraged to pursue electives in specialized areas such as Public Relations, Digital Media, and Advertising to enhance their skills and employability. Practical experience is emphasized through internships, workshops, and projects that simulate real-world media environments. The curriculum aims to develop critical thinking, effective communication, and ethical judgment, preparing graduates for careers in journalism, media production, public relations, or other communication fields. Degree requirements also include a senior capstone project, which involves producing a comprehensive media or journalism piece under faculty supervision. Additionally, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 across all coursework and complete general education requirements in arts, sciences, and humanities. Foreign language proficiency, community service, and participation in student media organizations are also encouraged, though not mandatory. The program emphasizes hands-on training with modern media tools and platforms, ensuring students are well-equipped with practical skills aligned with current industry standards. Overall, the Suffolk University Communication and Journalism program balances theoretical foundations with practical applications, aiming to prepare students thoroughly for the dynamic and evolving landscape of media and communication industries.

The financing studies for the Communication and Journalism program at Suffolk University encompass a variety of funding options and financial aid opportunities designed to assist students in managing the cost of their education. Suffolk University offers a range of scholarships, grants, and assistantship programs based on merit and financial need, which help reduce the overall tuition expenses. Undergraduate students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal grants such as the Pell Grant, which provides need-based financial support. Additionally, there are institutional scholarships awarded by Suffolk University that recognize academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement.

Students may also consider external scholarship opportunities from associations, foundations, and professional organizations related to communications and journalism. Suffolk University participates in federal loan programs, including Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, which provide borrowing options with various repayment terms. Work-study programs, available to eligible students, allow for part-time employment on or near campus, helping students earn money while gaining experience relevant to their future careers.

Suffolk University maintains a financial aid office that offers personalized counseling to help students understand their options and develop a feasible plan for funding their studies. Tuition payment plans can be arranged to spread payments over the semester, easing the financial burden. For international students, there may be additional scholarships and funding sources specific to their circumstances, although they are often limited compared to domestic students. Overall, the university aims to make education accessible through a combination of institutional support, federal and state aid, private scholarships, and flexible payment options, ensuring that students enrolled in the Communication and Journalism program can focus on their academic and professional development without undue financial stress.

The Communication and Journalism program at Suffolk University offers students a comprehensive education designed to prepare them for dynamic careers in media, public relations, journalism, and related fields. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, effective communication skills, and an understanding of the media landscape in both traditional and digital contexts. Students have opportunities to learn through a combination of classroom instruction, practical projects, internships, and engagement with real-world media outlets.

Curriculum components include courses in media writing, journalism practices, communication theory, media law and ethics, public relations strategies, multimedia storytelling, and digital media production. The program aims to create well-rounded graduates who can adapt to technological advances and changing industry requirements. Students are encouraged to develop analytical skills to critique media content and to craft compelling messages tailored to diverse audiences.

Faculty members typically bring a mix of academic expertise and industry experience, providing mentorship and industry insights. Suffolk University also fosters partnerships with media companies and communication organizations, offering students avenues for internships and networking. The program often emphasizes experiential learning, allowing students to produce broadcast segments, digital campaigns, news articles, and social media content.

Graduates of the Communication and Journalism program are equipped to pursue careers as journalists, media producers, public relations specialists, corporate communication officers, and media analysts. The program also serves as a foundation for further study in graduate communication programs or related fields. Emphasizing ethical practices, cultural awareness, and technological proficiency, Suffolk’s program aims to prepare graduates to succeed in the fast-paced world of media and communication.