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Program Overview
The Digital Journalism program is infused with the spirit of investigative, explanatory journalism, a civic-rooted journalism that seeks to make good on H.L. Mencken’s call for journalists to “afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted.” Beyond informing the public, the young journalists in our program seek to engage citizens, create a public debate, and push readers and viewers to be more than mere spectators.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Digital Journalism in the English Department is a rigorous, 12-course program designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to understand and take part in today’s quickly changing, digital journalism world. The major includes a large focus on ethics, consistent with Fairfield’s mission, and a multidisciplinary approach that will draw on courses offered by other departments at Fairfield. It is inspired by the eloquentia perfecta approach to which the English Department aspires, consistent with Jesuit ideals.
Contact Us
Lei (Tommy) Xie
Associate Professor
English
x2793
Office of Undergraduate Admission
P: (203) 254-4100
F: (203) 254-4199
admis@fairfield.edu
Requirements & Curriculum
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Digital Journalism in the English department is a rigorous, 12-course program designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to understand and take part in today’s quickly changing, digital journalism world. The major includes a large focus on ethics, consistent with Fairfield’s mission, and a multidisciplinary approach that will draw on courses offered by other departments. It is inspired by the eloquentia perfecta approach to which the English Department aspires, consistent with Jesuit ideals.
Required Courses
| News Writing |
| News Writing II: Digital Design |
| Big Data Storytelling |
| Three (3) Literature courses |
| Two (2) Production Component Courses |
| Ethics of Communications |
| One (1) or more Tier I: Digital Journalism Creation Courses |
| Up to one (1) Tier II: Media Theory Course |
| One (1) Capstone Course |
| News Writing |
| News Writing II: Digital Design |
| One (1) or more Tier I: Digital Journalism Creation Courses |
| Up to one (1) Tier II: Media Theory Course |
| One (1) Capstone Course |
Visit our our academic catalog for detailed course descriptions and more information.
More About Digital Journalism
Life After Fairfield
Life After Fairfield
The Digital Journalism major, alone or in combination with other majors and minors, prepares students for professional careers in print and online journalism, broadcast journalism, technical writing, online writing, public relations, social media, marketing, law, and other fields. Students build proficiency in media literacy and develop the ability to navigate the digital media spheres in their roles as civic leaders.
A digital journalism degree opens doors to a wide range of careers where students’ creativity, writing, communication, and research skills are invaluable. Recent Fairfield graduates have gone on secure employment at a variety of professional organizations, including:
- Fox News
- IBM Watson
- Hearst Media
- NBC Sports
- New York Knicks
- Pepsico
- Zyper
Learn how Fairfield's Career Services can support your post-graduate goals, and how our tight-knit alumni network can build career and mentoring opportunities that last a lifetime.
Diversity and Inclusive Excellence
Diversity and Inclusive Excellence
As a Jesuit, Catholic university, Fairfield is dedicated to diversity and inclusion; to radical hospitality in service of racial, social, and economic justice.
Internships
Internships
An internship provides a continuous period of on-the-job experience in professional settings, accompanied by on-campus workshops and assignments related to workplace writing. These experiences can provide you with new skills and insights, new ways to think about your classes, a collection of writing samples, professional references, three academic credits toward your English major or minor, and contacts for future employment.
Internship opportunities are available in journalism, public relations, business writing, publishing, and other areas. Several of our internships support community projects related to social justice initiatives. You are not limited to the internships listed below, and are encouraged to propose an internship that fits your needs and interest.
In an internship, you will:
- Use the knowledge and skills you have gained in English courses in a professional setting
- Develop the “soft skills” needed in the workplace
- Have opportunities for reflection, critique, and social engagement
- Engage with government, non-profit, and private sector entities on behalf of the Department of English and the University.
Internship Requirements
- Senior or junior English major or minor
- Have at least a 2.8 overall GPA
- Have the Internship Application Form (Independent Study Form) approved by the faculty advisor and by the Chair of the Department
Internships in the Fairfield Area
- City of Bridgeport Internship Program, Bridgeport CT
- Center for Women and Families, Bridgeport CT
- Connecticut Post, Bridgeport CT
- Images and Details, New Canaan
- Moffly Media, Westport CT
- Morris Media, Ridgefield CT
- New Haven Register, New Haven CT
- Prosek Partners, Fairfield CT
- Webster Bank Arena/Harbor Yard, Bridgeport CT
- WWE, Stamford CT
Internships in New York City
- Hearst Publications (Cosmopolitan, O Magazine, Esquire, Redbook)
- Overlook Press
- Rizzoli Publications
For additional opportunities, check Ed2010 (magazine internships), bookjobs.com (publishing), and mediabistro (social media internships).
Summer Internships
A limited number of students may choose to do internships for credit during the summer. Additional tuition is charged.
For more information about our internship program, please contact:
Dr. Emily Orlando, Internship Coordinator
Department of English, DMH 113
Publications
Publications
Dogwood
Dogwood: A Journal of Poetry and Prose is an annual national literary journal seeking works from writers during its fall reading period of August 1-October 15 each year. We publish fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction of both contest winners and other writers every May. The literary journal is produced by the faculty in the Department of English at Fairfield University, and Fairfield undergraduate students gain hands-on experience in helping to edit and produce the journal by taking ENGL 3140: World of Publishing.
The Inkwell
The Inkwell is Fairfield's undergraduate literary magazine, written and edited by University students. Submissions in the categories of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry are developed and submitted by the student body. Open, bi-weekly meetings function as a forum for content creation and peer review. Editing and layout are performed by the magazine's undergraduate staff. Two editions are published per semester.
The Mirror
A weekly newspaper reflecting Fairfield culture since 1977, The Mirror aims to project an independent and accurate student perspective with professional journalistic integrity. The Mirror strives to be the primary and most extensive provider of newsworthy content for the Fairfield student body and surrounding community.
Faculty
Faculty
The College of Arts and Sciences at Fairfield University is home to a vibrant community of engaged faculty, dedicated staff, and accomplished scholars devoted to the process of invention and discovery and excited by the prospect of producing knowledge in the service of others. Meet the members of our digital journalism faculty.