The BU College of Communication: Insider's Guide is part of the academic landscape at Boston University (BU) in Boston, Massachusetts. This guide provides perspective from students and alumni who have navigated these programs firsthand.

As a current BU student, I can tell you that the College of Communication (COM) is one of the university's most prestigious and dynamic academic programs. With its top-tier faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and renowned alumni network, COM offers students unparalleled opportunities to develop their skills in communication, media, and the arts.

The college is home to several renowned departments, including Journalism, Film & Television, Advertising, Public Relations, and Communication Studies. Whether you're passionate about breaking news, creating captivating visuals, or crafting strategic campaigns, COM has something to offer.

One of the standout features of the BU College of Communication is its location right on the bustling Commonwealth Avenue (Comm Ave) campus. This puts students at the heart of the action, with easy access to all that Boston has to offer - from internship opportunities to cultural events and networking mixers.

The curriculum at the BU College of Communication is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on, real-world experience.

Core Classes

All COM students take a set of core classes that cover the foundations of communication, media, and the creative process. These include courses like Media Psychology, Communication Research Methods, and Media Ethics.

Concentrations

In addition to the core, students can choose from a variety of concentrations to specialize in their area of interest. Some popular options include:

• Journalism
• Film & Television
• Public Relations
• Advertising
• Communication Studies

A hallmark of the COM experience is the emphasis on practical, applied learning. Students have access to state-of-the-art production facilities, including TV and radio studios, editing suites, and a full-service PR agency. Many courses also incorporate internships, client projects, and other opportunities to put classroom lessons into practice.

Faculty Expertise

The College of Communication is home to a talented and diverse faculty, many of whom are industry leaders and award-winning professionals in their respective fields. Students benefit from small class sizes and close mentorship relationships with their professors.

Being a COM student means being part of a vibrant, tight-knit community. Here are some of the ways that COM students get involved on campus:

Student Organizations

COM has a thriving ecosystem of student-run clubs and organizations, including the BU Journalism Society, BUTV10 (the university's television station), and the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter. These groups provide opportunities for networking, skills development, and hands-on experience.

Internships & Careers

With Boston's booming media and communication industries right at our doorstep, COM students have access to an abundance of internship and career opportunities. The college's dedicated Career Development Office works closely with students to secure internships, build professional networks, and prepare for life after graduation.

Campus Involvement

COM students are actively involved in the broader BU community, serving in leadership roles for student government, campus media, and various other organizations. Many also participate in the university's robust arts and entertainment scene, contributing their talents to BU's acclaimed performing arts programs.

Social Life

While academics are the top priority, COM students also know how to have fun. From trivia nights at local pubs to themed socials and mixers, there's no shortage of opportunities to unwind and connect with classmates.

One of the major draws of the BU College of Communication is its state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge resources. Here's a quick overview of some of the standout spaces and tools available to COM students:

Media Production Studios

COM students have access to fully equipped TV and radio studios, complete with the latest production equipment and technology. These spaces allow students to gain hands-on experience in all aspects of media creation, from scriptwriting and directing to editing and broadcasting.

Multimedia Editing Suites

The college's post-production facilities feature professional-grade editing workstations and software, enabling students to hone their skills in areas like video editing, graphic design, and audio mixing.

COM Commons

This collaborative hub serves as the central gathering place for COM students. The space features an open-concept layout with comfortable seating areas, group work spaces, and access to the latest digital tools and technologies.

Career Development Office

The COM Career Development Office provides a wide range of resources to support students in their professional growth, including career counseling, résumé workshops, and connections to internship and job opportunities.

One of the biggest advantages of the BU College of Communication is the strength of its alumni network. COM graduates have gone on to achieve remarkable success in a variety of fields, from journalism and entertainment to marketing and public relations.

Some notable COM alumni include:

• Anderson Cooper (Journalism) - Acclaimed news anchor and TV personality
• Geena Davis (Film & Television) - Academy Award-winning actress
• Bonnie Hammer (Advertising) - Former NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Group chairman
• Uzo Aduba (Acting) - Emmy-winning actress known for 'Orange is the New Black'
• Rebecca Jarvis (Journalism) - ABC News correspondent and host

These accomplished individuals, along with thousands of other COM graduates, form a powerful network of industry leaders and mentors. Current students can leverage this network to secure internships, build professional connections, and explore diverse career paths.

Admission to the BU College of Communication is highly competitive, with the program accepting only a limited number of students each year. The admissions process takes a holistic approach, considering factors like academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and evidence of creative and communication skills.

In addition to the standard BU application, prospective COM students may also be required to submit a portfolio, writing samples, or other supplemental materials depending on their intended concentration. It's important to review the specific requirements for your area of interest and start preparing your application materials well in advance.

Once admitted, COM students receive a world-class education that prepares them for success in a wide range of communication-focused careers. With its rigorous academics, state-of-the-art facilities, and prestigious alumni network, the BU College of Communication offers an unparalleled educational experience.

The Hub curriculum at BU is more flexible than it first appears. With strategic planning, you can satisfy multiple requirements with single courses—but this requires understanding the system early.

When evaluating The BU College of Communication: Insider's Guide, BU students should weigh both the benefits and constraints. No option is perfect for everyone—the right choice depends on your specific priorities, circumstances, and what tradeoffs you're willing to accept.