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Journalism and Public Policy Concentration

Boston is a great place to study public policy and journalism. Northeastern School of Journalism, in partnership with the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, has designed a graduate program specifically for journalists who want to specialize in public policy reporting and writing.

The Journalism and Public Policy concentration is primarily for those with some journalism experience or journalism education who want to understand how public policy is made and how government and politics interact with the press. In the past, many who have worked in journalism or studied it have made the transition to public relations at some point in their working lives. Often this work has been in government or politics. Now, with profound changes in technology and the way journalism is practiced and funded, students may be working in different settings earlier in their careers and more frequently. Today, there is work in political consulting, blogging, or in political campaigns. Students also can end up on the staffs of government officials, where they shape positions or write about policy choices. Good writing and reporting skills are essential.

For students without journalism experience, it is strongly suggested that they successfully complete Intensive Reporting.

Graduate students selecting the public policy concentration will take Introduction to Public Policy Reporting along with other journalism requirements. Other courses required for this concentration are Enterprise Reporting with an Urban Reporting Focus; First Amendment in the Digital Age; Research Methods; and Perspectives on Journalism and Professional Ethics. Selected students can take the Seminar in Investigative Reporting with Walter Robinson, former Boston Globe Spotlight Team editor, as one of their electives. They will also select among electives offered by the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs.

For more information about the Journalism and Public Policy Concentration call Professor Belle Adler at 617.373.3221 or Carol Medige in the journalism office at 617.373.3236.  For a more complete list of requirements and course descriptions for the Public Policy Concentration click here.>>

To learn more about the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs visit the school's Website.>>

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