Communication Degree Information
Journalism and Media Production, Media Studies
Develop Real-World Skills Your First Day on Campus
The major in Communication offers hands-on experience in online and print journalism,
radio, television, social media, political campaign coverage, and more. You will develop
and start to hone real-world skills while: editing video footage in a personal suite;
scouring the campus for breaking news; collecting data with a professional pollster
as part of our nationally-recognized political polling center; writing columns for
publication in the Boston Herald and local media; or interviewing live on Boston Herald
Radio. You will also learn how to analyze asthetics of various forms of media, as
well as the impact media has on opinion and culture.
Choose a concentration in Journalism and Media Production or Media Studies, and graduate
as a trained professional with the skills and talent to embark upon the communications
career you've always dreamed about—with the portfolio and social media following to
back it up. Or, choose to contiue your education at the graduate level in such areas
as film or media studies, journalism, health communication, public relations, or marketing.
A major and minor are offered.
Journalism and Media Production
The Journalism and Media Production concentration uses professional best practices to provide authentic learning experiences that prepare students for success in the
working world. Working collaboratively on a variety of projects, from numerous genres,
students create media messages for print, online, and broadcast media outlets.
Media Studies
The Media Studies concentration is designed to increase understanding of the relationship
between media and culture. It focuses on the close reading of media texts, on culturally
informed critiques of media content, processes and contexts, and on raising societal
awareness of the growing impact of media on individuals, diverse communities and the
world.
The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communication | Explore an array of opportunities in communications, media, and politics through hands-on
learning. Connect with communication networks that reach constituents on campus, within
the region, and beyond to the national arena. The "Fitz" provides you with the opportunity
to work with state-of-the-art equipment and technology, while gaining hands-on experience.
FPTV 25.1 | Produce and cablecast a variety of shows, entertainment, and news campus-wide from
this student-run television station.
WFPC-LP 105.3 FM | Host your own radio show on The Talon 105.3 FM. Play music or chat politics, sports,
and news.
Student Journalism Outlets | Write, edit, and print your own piece in the Pierce Arrow, a student-run newspaper,
or on The Exchange, a digital journalism platform that reports on campus, community,
and global issues and events.
Speakers and Lectures | The speaker series is modeled on the press conferences run by Marlin Fitzwater while
he was press secretary to two U.S. Presidents, and features media, government, political,
civic, and business leaders discussing the leading issues of the day.
Lambda Pi Eta | You have the opportunity to join Franklin Pierce's chapter of the honor society of
the National Communication Association if you meet national requirements for induction.
Alumni Success Stories
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"One of the greatest things that I saw carry over from Franklin Pierce was that mentality,
if you really want to do it that bad, go do it. There is not a lot of roadblocks in
your way to stop you." - Jay McCormack '95, '13
Jay McCormack '95, '13 & Erik Barone '95
ESPN Media Manager & ESPN Steadicam & Operations Specialist
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Nalina Shapiro is a News Reporter and Anchor for WIVB-TV CBS in Buffalo, NY and a
2010 graduate of Franklin Pierce University. In this video, she explains how her Franklin
Pierce education helped launch her successful broadcasting career.
Nalina Shapiro '10
News Reporter and Anchor
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Matt Berman and John Perry, 1992 graduates of the Communication program at Franklin
Pierce University, have gone on to successful Hollywood careers in TV and film. In
this video, they return to their alma mater to screen their newly released hit movie
"The Wedding Pact" and to share their career advice and experiences with students.
Matt Berman and John Perry '92
Hollywood TV and Film
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Communication graduates find their calling at the worldwide leader in sports.
Erik Barone '95, Rich Goode '96, and Jason Potterton '07
ESPN
Sample Career OpportunitiesFranklin Pierce graduates have gone on to enjoy careers and internships with such
companies as:
Jobs
- ABC
- CNN
- Paramount
- The New York Times
- Fox Studios
Internships
- Dateline NBC
- New Hampshire Public Radio
- Fox News
- ESPN
- Associated Press
Faculty
Our dedicated faculty are at the heart of providing academic instruction and a Pierce
education. Learn more about our knowledgeable faculty and their areas of study.
Visual and Performing Arts Faculty Bios
CONTACT
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