Northeastern University

Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Journalism at Northeastern University offers a unique blend of criminal justice studies and journalism training. This program emphasizes the importance of understanding the justice system while equipping students with essential skills in reporting, storytelling, and media ethics. Through integrated co-op experiences, you will engage with real-world issues related to crime, law, and public policy while honing your professional communication abilities.

What you'll study

The curriculum is meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of both criminal justice and journalism. It covers foundational concepts before moving into applied reporting, research methodologies, and ethical decision-making.

• Criminal justice & legal foundations: Courses include Criminal Due Process, Criminology, and studies on Corruption, Integrity, and Accountability, as well as Race, Crime, and Justice.
• Media, law, and public communication: Explore topics such as The First Amendment and the Media, along with the interconnections between Crime, Media, and Politics.
• Reporting and storytelling practice: Gain practical experience through courses like Journalism: Fundamentals of Reporting, Visual Storytelling in Journalism, and Digital Storytelling and Social Media.
• Ethics, analysis, and research: Delve into Ethics and Issues in Journalism, Criminal Justice Research Methods, and techniques for Analyzing and Using Data on Crime and Justice.

Experiential learning is a crucial component of this program, with integrated co-op placements that allow you to apply your classroom knowledge in professional environments, enhancing your skills in journalism, communications, or justice-related fields.

Capstone/major project: Typically, students will complete a capstone project that showcases their reporting and research competencies. Please refer to the program handbook or contact the admissions team for specific requirements.

Entry requirements

While specific GRE, GMAT, or GPA requirements for this program are not detailed, prospective students should refer to the admissions guidelines for information on academic qualifications and evaluation criteria.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Criminal Justice and Journalism program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in both fields. Potential career paths include roles in law enforcement, investigative journalism, public policy analysis, and media communications. The combination of skills gained through this interdisciplinary program opens doors to numerous opportunities in an ever-evolving job market.