Journalism

Program Description for Hampshire College Journalism Major:

Hampshire College offers an innovative and interdisciplinary Journalism major designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in media, communication, and storytelling. Rooted in the college’s emphasis on progressive education and personalized learning, the program encourages students to develop critical thinking, investigative skills, and a deep understanding of the social and ethical responsibilities inherent in journalism. Students engage with a broad spectrum of media platforms, including print, digital, broadcast, and multimedia formats, allowing them to become versatile practitioners capable of adapting to the rapidly evolving landscape of contemporary journalism.

Throughout their studies, students explore the fundamental principles of journalism, such as accuracy, fairness, and integrity, while also delving into media history, communication theory, and the impact of technology on information dissemination. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, with opportunities for hands-on reporting, editing, and production through collaborations with campus media outlets and external organizations. Faculty members, who are experienced journalists and media scholars, mentor students in developing their individual voices and ethical frameworks necessary for responsible journalism.

The program also incorporates courses on media law, ethics, and the social responsibilities of journalists, ensuring graduates are equipped to navigate complex issues such as misinformation, freedom of the press, and digital privacy. Critical media analysis and storytelling techniques are core components, fostering skills in narrative construction and compelling reporting. Students are encouraged to pursue research and projects that address pressing social concerns, shaping them into advocates and informed citizens.

Interdisciplinary opportunities are plentiful, allowing students to combine journalism with studies in politics, environmental issues, history, or the arts, enhancing their capacity to inform and engage diverse audiences. The program culminates in a capstone project, where students produce a substantial piece of journalism that demonstrates their technical proficiency, ethical judgment, and critical insights. Graduates of the Hampshire College Journalism major are prepared to succeed in various roles such as reporters, editors, media researchers, communication specialists, and media entrepreneurs, contributing thoughtfully and ethically to the media landscape.

• Mediawork
• Exporting American Journalism
• Freedom of Expression
• Introduction to Media Criticism
• Introduction to Media Production: Images of War
• Irony, Agency, and Ideology in Popular Culture
• Journalism in Crisis
• Literary Journalism
• Mediawork
• Newswork
• The Past Recaptured: Photographs, Facts, and Fictions
• The Photography of History: Bearing Witness to America's Great Depression
• The Practice of Literary Journalism
• Radio Journalism
• Rave Reviews
• The Sporting Life
• Writing About the Outdoors
• Covering Race (UMass)
• Intro to Journalism (UMass)
• Journalism Ethics (UMass)
• Newswriting and Reporting (UMass)
• Politics of Language (SC)
• The Press and the Third World (UMass)
• Readings in Literary Biography (MHC)
• Topic: Opinion Journalism (MHC)
• Writing Pop Culture (UMass)

Requirements

• Common Application
• An academic paper in English
• Supplemental essay responses
• Current transcripts
• School report, including guidance counselor recommendation
• At least one letter of recommendation from a teacher
• Certification of Finances form
• TOEFL or IELTS score (Minimum TOEFL score of 91 or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5. Predicted grades for IB English A1 or A2, or for A-level English, will also be considered.
• Additional letters of recommendation, up to three

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

• MacArthur Foundation Grant Making Programs
• American Association of University Women
• Fulbright International Scholarship Program for non-US students

The Hampshire College Bachelor of Arts in Journalism is a distinctive program designed to foster critical thinking, innovative storytelling, and ethical journalism practices. At Hampshire College, the journalism course emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to engage directly with real-world media environments. Students have the opportunity to develop their skills in reporting, editing, and multimedia production through hands-on projects, internships, and collaborative initiatives. The program promotes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating perspectives from political science, sociology, art, and technology to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of journalism in society.

Hampshire College's emphasis on individualized education allows students to tailor their academic pathways according to their interests within journalism, whether it pertains to investigative reporting, digital media, broadcast journalism, or community media. The faculty includes experienced journalists, media professionals, and scholars dedicated to mentorship and exploring innovative journalistic practices. The curriculum typically covers core topics such as media ethics, journalism fundamentals, storytelling techniques, media law, and media literacy. Students are encouraged to critically analyze media content and investigate current issues, fostering a nuanced understanding of the responsibilities and impact of journalism.

Throughout the program, students are given access to state-of-the-art media production facilities and are encouraged to produce original work for publication or broadcast. Hampshire’s collaborative learning environment and emphasis on social engagement prepare graduates to pursue careers in journalism, media, communications, or related fields. The program also aims to instill a commitment to social justice, community engagement, and responsible journalism. Employment opportunities post-graduation include roles such as reporters, editors, multimedia producers, communication specialists, and media consultants.

Hampshire College’s approach ensures that graduates are not only proficient in traditional journalistic skills but are also adaptable to the rapidly evolving media landscape, equipped with digital literacy and multimedia competencies. The program’s interdisciplinary nature enhances students’ ability to critically evaluate information, understand diverse perspectives, and contribute meaningfully to public discourse. An emphasis on ethical standards and social responsibility prepares students to navigate the complexities of contemporary media and to advocate for truth and transparency in their future careers.