Journalism

The Bachelor of Arts in Journalism at the University of Massachusetts Amherst offers students a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of journalism, preparing them for diverse careers in media, communication, and information dissemination. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, enabling students to understand the ethical, legal, and societal contexts of journalism while developing proficiency in storytelling, reporting, editing, and multimedia production. Students have the opportunity to explore various facets of journalism including news writing, investigative reporting, digital media, broadcast journalism, photojournalism, and publication design. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, source verification, and responsible journalism practices, ensuring that graduates can adapt to the rapidly evolving media landscape. Students participate in hands-on projects such as working on the university's student newspapers, radio stations, and online platforms, gaining real-world experience alongside their academic coursework. The program also encourages internships and collaborations with local media outlets, industry professionals, and alumni networks to foster professional development and networking opportunities. With faculty who are experienced journalists and media scholars, students receive mentorship and guidance tailored to emerging trends and technologies in journalism. The department's state-of-the-art facilities and access to digital tools support innovative storytelling and media production. Graduates of the program are well-equipped for careers in broadcast, print, digital journalism, public relations, media analysis, and communication management. They also have a solid foundation for further study in graduate programs related to journalism, media studies, or communication. Overall, the Journalism program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst aims to produce ethically responsible, technically skilled, and socially conscious journalists ready to serve the public interest and contribute to the diversity of voices in media.

(All courses carry 3 credits unless otherwise noted.)

• 197A Journalism Success (both sem) 1cr 
• 201 Introduction to Journalism (both sem)
• 225 Readings in Journalism (both sem)
• 250 News Literacy (both sem) 
• 295J Film in the Documentary Tradition (1st sem) 1 cr
• 296, 396, 496 Independent Study (both sem)
• 298, 398, 498 Practicum: Journalism Internship (both sem) 1-9 cr
• 300 Newswriting and Reporting (both sem) 4 cr
• 301 Intro to Multimedia Reporting (both sem) 
• 310 Going Global: Changes in International Journalism (both sem)
• 320 History of American Journalism (HS) (1st sem)
• 332 Sports Journalism (1st sem) 4 cr
• 333: Intro to Digital Photojournalism (both sem)
• 341: Images in Sports (2nd sem)
• 345 Media Criticism (both sem)
• 391 Seminars
• Travel Writing and Photojournalism (2nd sem)
• Issues in Sports (2nd sem)
• 392 Seminars
• Florida: The News Capital of the U.S. (1st sem)
• 393 Seminars
• Reporting for Radio and Podcasting (2nd sem) 4 cr
• Sports Journalism (1st sem) 4 cr
• Philosophy of Journalism (2nd sem)
• Journalists in the Movies (both sem)
• 394 Seminars
• Community Journalism (2nd sem) 4 cr
• Web Design for Journalists (2nd sem)
• 395 Seminars
• Broadcast News Reporting (both sem) 4 cr
• Science Journalism (both sem) 4 cr
• The African American Freedom Struggle and the Mass Media (both sem)
• 397 Special Topics
• Entrepreneurial Journalism (1st sem)
• Multimedia Reporting (both sem) 4 cr
• Business of Media (2nd sem)
• Documentary Tradition in Literature and Film (both sem)
• The Politics of Sport (2nd sem)
• Investigative Journalism and the Web (1st sem) 4 cr
• BU Conference on Narrative Jorunalism in the Digital Age (2nd sem) 1 cr
• Data-Driven Storytelling (both sem)
• 428 Sports in Film, Journalism and Literature (1st sem)
• 445 Journalism and Law (1st sem)
• 460 Journalism Ethics (both sem)
• 491 Seminars
• Writing about Pop Culture (both sem) 4 cr
• Performing Arts Reporting (2nd sem) 4 cr
• 492 Seminars
• Magazine Writing (both sem) 4 cr
• 493 Seminars
• Literary Journalism (HS) (1st sem) 
• 494 Special Topics
• Media Technology and Culture (both sem)
• 495 Special Topics
• Broadcast Performance (both sem) 4 cr
• Broadcast News Reporting 2 (both sem) 4 cr
• 497 Special Topics
• Diaries, Memoirs and Journals (both sem) 4 cr
• The Politician and the Journalist (both sem)
• Art of the Profile (2nd sem)
• Journalism Launchpad (2nd sem) 1 cr
• Advanced Photojournalism (2nd sem)
• Advanced Video Journalism (2nd sem)
• Advanced Investigative Journalism and the Web II (2nd sem) 4 cr
• Community Journalism II (2nd sem) 
• Social Justice Journalism (2nd sem) 4 cr
• Columns, Essays and Reviews (2nd sem) 4 cr
• 499 Capstone Course: Truth/Telling: Narrative Nonfiction (year-long)

• Application Fee
• Official High School Transcript or Secondary School Exams
• Secondary School Exams
• Official SAT or ACT score report
• Academic Letter of Recommendation
• TOEFL: A minimum composite TOEFL score of 80 on the Internet-based TOEFL with minimum of 17 on each subscore (code #3917)
• IELTS: A minimum composite IELTS score of 6.5 on the academic test with minimum of 6.0 on each subscore
• A note on financial and visa information: Applicants needing an F-1 student visa will receive email instructions on how to submit their financial documents after an offer of admission has been made.  For more about finances and visa processing for international students please see this page.  If you are currently living in the United States and believe your visa status will qualify you as a domestic student, please be sure to include your U.S. visa information in the "Geography and Citizenship" section of the Common Application.
• Admission to Journalism requires a stronger academic record than the minimum required for admission. MassTransfer graduates may be admitted with a community college graduation GPA of 3.0 or higher.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers a comprehensive range of financial aid options for students enrolled in its Journalism program. Incoming students are encouraged to apply for federal and state financial aid programs by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available annually and determines eligibility for need-based grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. The university provides merit-based scholarships specifically for Journalism students, recognizing academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and potential contributions to the field. These scholarships are awarded based on a competitive selection process and may cover partial or full tuition costs, as well as stipends for related expenses.

In addition to institutional scholarships, students can explore external funding sources such as private foundations, industry-sponsored scholarships, and journalism-specific grants. The university’s Financial Aid Office offers valuable resources and counseling to assist students in navigating financial planning, loan options, and repayment strategies. Students may qualify for federal Direct Loans, which offer favorable interest rates and flexible repayment plans post-graduation. Work-study programs are also available, allowing students to work part-time on or near campus to offset educational costs while gaining practical experience in journalism endeavors.

The university encourages early financial planning and offers workshops and online tools to help students understand their funding options better. International students, in particular, should explore scholarship opportunities specifically designed for international audiences or consider external funding sources, as federal aid is generally limited to U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens. Graduate students in Journalism can access research assistantships and teaching assistantships, which provide stipends and tuition waivers in exchange for academic support roles.

The university also promotes payment plans that divide tuition and fees into manageable installments, reducing financial burdens during the academic year. Moreover, some students may qualify for specialized fellowships or industry partnerships that provide additional funding and internship opportunities. Financial aid eligibility is reassessed annually, and students are advised to maintain satisfactory academic progress to remain eligible for continued support. Overall, the University of Massachusetts Amherst aims to provide multiple, accessible pathways to financing a Journalism education, supporting diverse student needs and fostering academic and professional success in the field of journalism.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers a comprehensive Journalism program designed to prepare students for diverse careers in media and communication. The program emphasizes the development of strong writing, reporting, editing, and multimedia skills, providing students with a solid foundation in both traditional and digital journalism. Students have the opportunity to explore various aspects of journalism, including investigative reporting, broadcast journalism, digital media production, and photojournalism, enabling them to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of the news industry.

The curriculum combines theoretical coursework with practical experiences, including opportunities for internships, field reporting, and multimedia projects. This experiential learning approach aims to prepare students for real-world media environments. The program also encourages students to critically analyze media trends, ethical considerations, and the societal impacts of journalism, fostering a responsible and well-informed journalistic mindset.

Faculty members are experienced professionals and scholars who bring real-world insights into the classroom, mentoring students through workshops, seminars, and hands-on projects. The university provides state-of-the-art facilities equipped with modern broadcasting and editing technology, ensuring students gain familiarity with tools used in the journalism industry.

Students graduating from the Journalism program at UMass Amherst have gone on to work in various media outlets, including print, digital, broadcast, and online platforms. The program's strong alumni network and industry connections support students in securing internships and employment after graduation. Overall, the program aims to produce versatile journalists equipped with critical thinking, technical skills, and ethical standards necessary for success in a competitive media environment.