About Journalism
Our journalism major allows students who enjoy writing, the flexibility to tailor a program based on reporting and presentation of news and other journalistic writing through print, broadcast and online media. The program prepares students for careers in which research and interviewing abilities, accurate and objective reporting, legal and ethical insight, and competence in editing are central to professional practice.
Degree Information
Information is in Demand: Recent studies have shown that Americans are reading more news than ever before —on tablets, smartphones, computers, and other digital devices. In an age where information is in high demand, journalists are needed to provide rapid, high-quality content that can be accessed at the push of a button.
A Journalist's Profile: Journalism majors are not only prepared to write and report news; they are also employed in many other communication-related industries, such as marketing, public relations, and advertising. The profile of a successful journalism graduate is a person with a strong writing proficiency and a compelling use of language, good speaking and listening skills, keen ethical insight and legal awareness, and competence in presentation of information whether it’s written or visual:
- Advertising Copywriter
- Book Editor/Publisher
- Business Writer
- Foreign Correspondent
- Government Reporter
- Grant/Proposal Writer
- Investigative Journalist
- Magazine Writer/Editor
- Newspaper Columnist
- Photojournalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Publications Specialist
- Social Media Manager
- Sports Reporter
- TV Anchor/Reporter
- Technical Writer
- Weather Reporter
- Web Content Writer/Editor
Communication Honor Society: The Communication Honor Society is a student organization open to upper-division majors who meet eligibility requirements.
John Roneker Memorial Scholarship: This $500 scholarship, created by friends and family of a deceased journalism graduate, is based on financial need. Many more scholarships are available through the Communication Department.
Campus Newspaper: The Record is the student-run campus newspaper where students can serve as reporters, editorial writers, and editors.
Radio: WBNY 91.3FM, the student-operated radio station, is owned by the student government. The station broadcasts alternative music and information 24 hours a day.
Television: The student-run television station, BSC-TV, provides camps news, sporting events and other content of interest to student to Buffalo State dorms, classrooms, and offices.
Journalism students have numerous opportunities to intern in the editorial departments of area newspapers, magazines, radio stations, or television newsrooms:
- Bee Group Newspapers
- Buffalo News
- Empire Sports Network
- Lockport Union-Sun & Journal
- NBC News, London
- NBC Weekend Today Show, New York City
- Niagara Gazette
- The Challenger
- The Cheektowaga Times
Make an Impact
Do you love to be the first one in the know? Do you feel a duty to hold politicians and business owners accountable? Are you a stickler for grammar and a lover of punctuation? If so, you may be the perfect candidate for our Journalism Program.
Unique Accreditation
Ours is one of the only journalism programs within SUNY affiliated by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications. Only four other undergraduate programs in New York State are accredited.
Experienced Faculty
Our faculty averages 13 years of professional experience and 15 years of full-time teaching. In surveys, our alumni give high marks to our faculty
Prestige
Created in the 1970s as the Department of Journalism, Broadcasting and Speech, the Communication Department, where journalism resides, is one of the largest and most prestigious programs on campus.
Successful Job Placement
Graduates of the department have a high rate of success in obtaining jobs related to their major.
Optional Sports Concentration
Sports communication is a branded area of specialization designed to give journalism majors recognized credentials for careers involving sports-related journalism, public relations, and production.
Community Connections:
Through class projects and internships, the journalism program partners with local businesses and nonprofit organizations, linking educational mission with community needs.
Free Equipment Check-Outs
All journalism students who require equipment to complete class assignments may check out cameras, microphones, monitors, and software.
“It’s important to have people support you along the way and help you reach your goals.”
"Getting involved made my Buffalo State experience positive and worthwhile.”
“Being involved on campus means you meet a lot of staff, and you can see how much they can help you to grow as a person."
