The B.A. in Journalism major prepares students for jobs as news reporters and editors, magazine writers and social media managers. They develop professional portfolios to showcase their news, feature, and digital writing projects for prospective employers.
The degree program offers students a mix of journalism, digital media and communication courses, as well as opportunities to apply their knowledge in student media outlets including the 1851 Chronicle print and digital newspaper, Lasell Community Television (LCTV) and WLAS radio.
The program features many extracurricular opportunities to give students leadership/team experience and portfolio material. These experiences include:
The program culminates with students completing at least one required internship and a capstone experience in which they develop a digital portfolio to showcase their undergraduate projects and skills.
Students complete at least one internship and encouraged to study either abroad or domestically.
What You'll Learn
From your first day, you’ll take courses in your major and advance towards graduation with a yearly plan. Not sure what classes to take? We’ll help you create the perfect plan.
Lasell is home to several student-run publications, including: the 1851 Chronicle student newspaper; Tarnished, which celebrates the visual and written arts; and Polished, our award-winning fashion magazine.
Students have numerous opportunities to work at our state-of-the-art Lasell University radio station WLAS 102.9FM, in programming, production, and promotions - 25% of student shows are run by freshmen
Students have access to the studios of NewTV, Newton's community-access cable television station.
SOCA DAY
SOCA DAY, is a new twist on our annual COMDay event, reflecting synergies between communication and graphic design in digital media fields and within our school. This annual professional networking event provides students with opportunities to meet and network with industry experts in journalism, TV, radio, public relations, advertising, and sports communication, specifically with editors, contributors, and executives from the Boston Globe, Comcast SportsNet, Major League Baseball, Johnson & Johnson, and JetBlue. Featured guests have included:
Michael Rezendes - the Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo in Spotlight.
Alan Ives - Vice President of ABCNews and multi-Emmy winner.
Deborah Baldizar, M.F.A. Associate Professor of Art and Graphic Design Area of Expertise: intersection of art and education; sculpture; drawing
Janice Barrett, Ed.D. Professor of Communication Area of Expertise: conflict resolution strategies; political communication; journalism
Kenneth Calhoun, M.F.A. Interim Dean of the School of Communication & the Arts; Professor of Graphic Design, Program Chair of Graphic Design Area of Expertise: creative writing; design; creative direction; digital storytelling
Stephen Fischer, M.F.I.A. Associate Professor of Graphic Design Area of Expertise: fine art; photography; illustration; publications design; art direction
Margo Lemieux, M.F.A., M.Ed. Professor Emerita Area of Expertise: painting; drawing; printmaking; new media; graphic design
Meryl Perlson, M.F.A. Professor of Communication, Program Chair of Communication Area of Expertise: documentary, digital storytelling, video production & community-based media
Luis Lopez-Preciado, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Communication Area of Expertise: marketing; management; advertising
Javonte Santos, M.A. Assistant Professor of Communication Area of Expertise: professional communication, organizational conflict, business negotiations
Brian J. Wardyga, Ed.D. Professor of Communication; General Manager, 109.2FM, WLAS, & LCTV Area of Expertise: radio production; video production; video games; computer graphics; effective speaking
Kurt Wirth, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Communication Area of Expertise: digital strategies; publicity
Vladimir Zimakov, M.A. Diane Heath Beever '49 Associate Professor of Art, Director of the Wedeman Gallery Area of Expertise: design; illustration; package design; website development; branding corporate identity; exhibition curation
Learning Outcomes
Communicate clearly and effectively with diverse audiences through writing, oral and non-verbal methods in styles demanded by platform and discipline.
Critically analyze the content, functions, effects and ethics of media in a diverse, global society.
Formulate applied communication research questions and employ quantitative or qualitative methods to gather, analyze, and share findings.
Employ tools and technology within industry standards to produce accurate, engaging, news and feature content for print, broadcast and digital platforms.
Identify and articulate one’s skills, strengths and experiences relative to journalism career goals, and identify areas necessary for professional growth.
This course provides an introduction to the basic concepts of digital imaging as applied to Photography. Students combine traditional photographic methods with the latest digital techniques, using image manipulation software, scanning equipment and other computer-based tools. Students are responsible for providing their own digital camera.
COM208 - Public Relations
In this course, students explore the evolution, theoretical basis for, and practice of professional Public Relations. Students review the history and current practices of Public Relations and examine the differences between PR and advertising; press relations and public affairs; promotions and news events; marketing and media placements. Students gain insights into the Public Relations function for corporations, high tech companies, government agencies, politics, education, the entertainment industry, sports, and non-profit institutions. Lectures, case studies, readings, group work, guest speakers, and class discussions focus on techniques useful in such areas as local and national publicity, special events, and community and government relations for organizations. Prerequisite: COM101
COM209 - Journalism
Journalism is a fast changing industry and this course prepares students for the change. Students learn to report and produce a variety of news and feature pieces, for print and multi-media platforms, including Q and A interviews, news and feature stories, opinion pieces, reviews, photo galleries, social media campaigns and more. Assignments can be produced on sports, fashion, entertainment, arts and culture, business, politics and more. Students have the opportunity to publish their work in The 1851 Chronicle newspaper and website. Prerequisite: WRT102
COM306 - Broadcast Journalism
This class introduces students to the basic skills in writing for radio and TV news, including beat reporting, writing, interviewing, and editing. Students critically evaluate newscasts and are introduced to the components of producing them. They also examine ethical challenges that arise when manipulation of images and sound can distort reality and compromise journalistic integrity. Prerequisite: COM 209
COM314 - Magazine and Digital Content
The magazine industry is evolving from print only to multi-media and digital. The skills needed to produce this type of content are also changing. This course focuses on producing feature and entertainment-oriented content across platforms, including print, video, digital and social media. Students engage in connected learning projects and produce photo galleries and videos, blogs and podcasts, as well as the creation of an original magazine and a social media campaign to build its brand. Writing is emphasized as students improve their skills across platforms, learn to target audiences, and curate content. Students will write profiles, reviews, and 1st person columns, among other projects. Students will also be encouraged to submit feature work to The 1851 Chronicle website as well as Polished and Tarnished Magazines. Prerequisite: COM209.
COM324 - Investigative and Beat Reporting
This course requires students to do the work of the field by covering a campus or community beat like a professional reporter. Students learn how to come up with unique and powerful story ideas, how to cultivate sources, and how to tell stories across all platforms, such as print, digital, video and social media. This class also teaches students how to do the work of an investigative journalist, as portrayed in the Oscar winning “Spotlight” film. Students work in teams to research important campus issues to uncover the truth and produce multi-media packages to tell their stories. The course also examines global journalism trends. Prerequisite: COM209