Why Choose Journalism & Professional Writing at UMass Lowell?

Student holds a microphone inside a newsroom.

Study the ways in which writing and communication impact a digital world. 

With the journalism and professional writing concentration, you'll prepare to work in fields like journalism, editing and publishing, environmental writing, marketing, technical communications and digital content creation.

Writing Courses

Our program boasts an outstanding faculty who study and practice in many different areas of writing. They offer coursework and support undergraduate research in everything from cutting-edge writing technologies to consequential social movements, pursuing the most enduring questions about how writing can and should shape the world. 

Sample courses include: 

  • Introduction to Journalism
  • Intermediate Professional Writing
  • Writing about Video Games
  • Environmental Writing
  • Reading and Writing New Media
  • Writing a Book
  • Grammar and Style
  • Science Writing
  • Grant Writing
  • Social Media Management for Nonprofits

Internships

Interested students are guaranteed an internship through a 3-credit course. This course provides a supportive learning community that boosts career preparation and builds confidence. You can propose a new internship or take part in high-quality, prearranged internships with: 

  • Nonprofits
  • Government agencies
  • K-12 schools
  • Industry 
  • Campus offices 

Portfolios

Build a digital portfolio to collect and polish your best writing samples, create an online presence and reflect on who you are as a writer. You'll begin in the introductory foundation course and continue to build throughout your time in the program. 

Career Options

Career Areas

  • Advertising copywriter 
  • Attorney 
  • Book publicist 
  • Broadcaster 
  • Communications specialist 
  • Digital content creator 
  • Editor 
  • Educator 
  • Fundraiser 
  • Grant writer 
  • Instructional designer 
  • Journalist 
  • Librarian 
  • News producer 
  • Publishing production 
  • Public relations account executive 
  • Project manager 
  • Screenwriter 
  • Social media marketing 
  • Sports correspondent 
  • Technical writer

Where Our Graduates Work

  • Allegro Microsystems
  • Boston Globe
  • Candlewick Press
  • Cell Press 
  • City of Boston Mayor’s Office
  • Dräger
  • EBSCO Information Services
  • Fidelity Investments 
  • GE
  • Google
  • Harvard Business Publishing
  • Incompass Human Services
  • iRobot
  • LinkedIn
  • Lowell High School
  • Media Results
  • Meta
  • Michigan Immigrant Rights Center
  • Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
  • National Grid
  • NBCUniversal
  • New England Sports Network
  •  Northeastern University
  • Project Learn
  • Quickbase
  • Teledyne FLIR
  • Town of Reading, Human Resources
  • Twitter/X
  • UMass Lowell
  • Viewstream
  • Walsh Bros.
  • Wiley Publishing
  • WBUR (National Public Radio) Morning Edition
  • WFZT Boston 25 News
  • ZOLL Medical Corp

Hear From Our Students

“The journalism and professional writing major at UMass Lowell has molded me into the professional that I am today. During my time on campus, my professors exposed me to the real-world application of my degree by connecting me with internship opportunities that allowed me to bridge the gap between academia and my professional aspirations.”
— Monique Reye

“My positive experience in this program was truly invaluable, especially since it prepared me for life after college. Currently, I hold a full-time position at a family-owned advertising agency where I have worked my way from being a strict content writer to a versatile digital marketing associate. The sky is the limit for effective communicators, and I can confidently say that the journalism and professional writing program at UML afforded me the skills necessary to find success in the workplace.”
— Nicholas Driscoll

“This program helped to open more doors for me than I ever could have imagined. From intro classes to internships (that led to job offers!), I felt supported every step of the way, and I knew I had the tools around me to create a future.”
— Autumn Kleiner