Communication/Journalism

Why Study C/J at Fisher?

Two main reasons: we offer a writing-based program with many opportunities to gain experience through on-campus activities and internships; and, we get to know each student as an individual. We help students work through their career choices, encourage them to try new things and help target their experiences to their interests and abilities. Many of our graduates have become our classroom guest speakers, our internship supervisors, and our friends!

A Program of High Praise

St. John Fisher College's Bachelor of Arts in Communication/Journalism Program (C/J) is a writing-based, hands-on curriculum that has won high praise from communication professionals. Fisher C/J graduates have found exciting careers at major public relations, advertising, news and media production firms, and have forged a network of success that stretches throughout Upstate New York and beyond.

If you are considering a career in broadcast, print, on-line news, or production; radio; corporate or non-profit public relations; or advertising, Fisher is the place to start. Every major broadcast station and newspaper in Rochester has recent Fisher C/J grads on staff working as reporters, sports writers, anchors, producers, sales representatives, and promotions executives. Major Rochester advertising and public relations agencies, corporations, hospitals, colleges, and non-profit organizations are peppered with recent Fisher C/J grads who are working as account executives, copy writers, sports information specialists, and special events coordinators.

C/J grads routinely contribute their skills to community service and non-profit enterprises, reflecting values fostered at Fisher.

Faculty: Professionals!

Fisher's C/J faculty combine media experiences with their classroom presentations. As a result, C/J classes offer students a strong theoretical perspective and a solid experiential base. Fisher's C/J faculty are known for their dedication to students and act as both teachers and mentors. Faculty also serve as advisors to student-run media, including the award-winning campus newspaper, The Cardinal Courier; the radio station, WFSH; and Cardinal TV.

More Than an Academic Program

C/J majors not only manage student-run media, they also participate in the publication of the campus literary magazine, The Angle, and the yearbook, JoRoffs. In addition, they staff the Media Center, gaining valuable production experience under the guidance of the center's professional staff. C/J majors participate in international teleconferences on media topics and attend special forums on media issues. They benefit from a series of career seminars titled, "Focus on Your Future," in which C/J alumni return to offer candid career advice to current students.

Fisher also offers experience and networking opportunities through PRSSA and the Ad Club.

Internships Galore!

Fisher's C/J students are among the most sought-after undergraduates in Rochester. The demand for Fisher interns outstrips the number of students who participate in the internship program each semester, giving students a wide array of quality positions to choose from. Although major Rochester media organizations routinely sponsor Fisher students in closely supervised work settings, students may opt to compete for an internship at a national media outlet, or to work at a hometown firm. Some students have even combined study abroad with a C/J internship!

A partial list of the internship opportunities available include:

Broadcasting

13 WHAM News
R-News, Time/Warner Communications
Clear Channel Radio

Advertising

Dixon Schwabl Advertising, Inc.
partners + napier
Roberts Communications

Public Relations

American Red Cross
Highland Hospital
Seneca Park Zoo Society
United Way of Greater Rochester

Print Internships

Messenger Post Newspapers
Rochester Democrat & Chronicle
Next Step Magazine
RC Anderson Associates

Special Facilities

Fisher students majoring in C/J enjoy a close relationship with the TV Lab, with access to the audio studio, the television studio, portable video equipment, digital editing labs, and the multimedia lab. Students are encouraged to learn and use as much technology as they can in their coursework to help in the transition to the working world.