Special Opportunities

Stanford in Washington

The Stanford in Washington program offers a valuable opportunity to Communication students interested in public policy. The program selects approximately 35 undergraduates, in a competitive application process, to spend one academic quarter in the nation's capital.

The Communication Major and Overseas Campuses

Stanford overseas campuses rarely offer Communication courses. Nonetheless, a Communication major should be able to work a trip overseas into his or her program in the sophomore or junior year, and depending on the student's post-graduation plans, a stay during senior year may be accommodated. Decisions regarding overseas campus study should be fully discussed with the student's advisor.

Students take a five-unit seminar taught by visiting Stanford faculty and a five-unit theme tutorial taught by an expert on the topic. They also work in an internship, for which academic credit can be received upon completion of a paper. Internships, arranged by the program, are in government agencies, public interest groups, news media organizations, and others. Stanford students interested in communication have worked at the Los Angeles Times Washington bureau, at ABC News, at Congressional Quarterly, and in government agency press offices.

Research Opportunities

There are occasional opportunities available in the department for students to work with the faculty on their research projects. Credit can be arranged for interested students. Students should consult their advisor or individual faculty members for information about current research in the department.

Senior Project (Comm 190, 5-10 units)

Senior students interested in working one-on-one with a faculty advisor may apply to faculty of their choice for a Senior Project. If accepted, a mutually agreeable project will be fashioned. This may be a research project, such as literature review and analysis on a selected topic, or an experimental research project; or production of a finished piece of work in print or broadcast journalism, or in film. It may be possible, under some limited circumstances, to combine the senior project with an internship.

Other Opportunities

Please note the major and minor are not intended as specific preparation for professional careers in the media, or pre-professional training in journalism, television, or film production. However, the department does encourage students, where appropriate, to complement their knowledge of theory with an experiential component.

Journalism

Students interested in journalism can refine their skills through a number of campus publications such as The Stanford Daily, The Stanford Report, Stanford Chaparral etc. In addition, the department supports the Rebele Internship Fund that provides stipends for undergraduates who secure internships with weekly and community newspapers in the United States . Please note that Communication 104, Writing & Reporting the News, is the prerequisite to the 177/277 series of specialized writing courses, e.g. Literary Journalism, Commentary, Covering Silicon Valley.

Film

Students with an interest in film can check out the Stanford Film Society, or student organizations such as the Ram's Head Theatrical Society. Undergrads may also consider a minor or double major in Film Studies, which is housed in the Art and Art History Department. Contact Jill Davis for more information.

Radio

The department encourages involvement with KZSU Radio 90.1FM, the student-run radio station.

Television

Those considering a television career should investigate opportunities with SCBN, Stanford Student TV, and should check the internship and general notice boards on the first floor of Building 120 on a regular basis for temporary, part-time and full-time openings in the field.

Sources of Information

Information bulletin boards in McClatchy Hall (Building 120) carry notices about part-time and full-time jobs, internships, scholarships and awards, teaching jobs, and additional educational opportunities, including summer school programs, graduate schools, and communication-related seminars.