Boston College vs Northwestern: Comparing communications programs?

Hi all, I'm deciding between Boston College and Northwestern for a communications major. Which university has a stronger reputation for communications and is known for providing better opportunities in terms of internships and job placements?

Hi there! Both Boston College and Northwestern have exceptional communications programs, but they do differ in some ways.

Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism, Media, and Integrated Marketing Communications is a top school that focuses on journalism and media with a strong reputation. Medill offers a variety of curriculum tracks, such as journalism, digital media, advertising, and marketing. They also have the "Medill Mafia," an informal network of alumni who help Medill students and recent graduates find internships, jobs, and career advice. Northwestern is known to have excellent internship and job placement rates and offers a unique program called "Medill Explores," in which students get opportunities to visit media organizations in different cities over their winter break.

Boston College's Communication Department also offers a strong program, but it is known for having a more theory-driven approach. It has a broad curriculum that focuses on various areas of communications, such as public relations, advertising, film, marketing, journalism, and digital media. Boston College has a strong alumni network but may not be as well-known in communications as Northwestern. Despite this, the school's location in the Boston area provides numerous local internship and networking opportunities at media companies, news outlets, and more.

Ultimately, the choice between Boston College and Northwestern will boil down to your personal preferences and the learning environment that suits you best. Northwestern may have a stronger reputation in communications and a more practical, hands-on approach, which may lead to better opportunities in internships and job placements. However, if you prefer a theoretical approach to communications and appreciate Boston College's location, that could be the better fit for you.

Good luck with your decision!