Student Life

Welcome to Columbia Journalism School

REAL-WORLD REPORTING IN THE HEART OF THE WORLD'S MEDIA CAPITAL

Here, students are collaborating with world-renowned faculty and industry professionals — honing their skills in a dynamic, hands-on environment, all while forging lifelong career bonds with their peers and future colleagues.

Students have endless opportunities to connect with their peers and become leaders in their community.

Society of Professional Journalists, Columbia Journalism School Chapter

The student government here is managed through the School's chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists — the world's largest journalism organization. An elected board of student officers organizes events throughout the school year with active participation from the student body.

Events include parties, field trips, panels and community service projects. In addition, the board serves as the official liaison to the faculty on student matters.

In 2024, SPJ has brought a number of guests to campus including the co-hosts of NYT’s The Daily and John Quiñones, '79 M.S. The student run organization also launched its own service project partnered with The Urban Assembly School for Global Commerce in East Harlem to conduct photojournalism workshops with students.

Students in the field

I will be leaving the program energized and with a renewed sense of my purpose and potential. I have also made some wonderful friends here who have made me feel so very welcome in New York, and I feel part of a very special community within the J-School and within Columbia at large.

Lotoya Francis, '24 M.S., 2024 SPJ President

Student Affinity Groups

Students in the field

CJS is directly involved in major international journalism organizations. Faculty and staff attend conferences annually, and students have the opportunity to join or found chapters.

The National Association of Black Journalists, the Columbia Journalism Climate Reporters Network, the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association and more are all represented in Pulitzer Hall.

Learn more about student affinity groups and associations at CJS.

Learn more about life as a CJS student

Students at work in the classroom
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Student asks question at a CJS event.
Events for Students
Students collaborating
Student Published Work
Students from the Covering Religion course in Dublin, Ireland
Course Spotlight: Covering Religion
Graduates outside Columbia's gates
Preparing for Graduation
Students gather outside Learner Hall on Columbia's campus
Admitted Students Day Video

Columbia Journalism School's lecture series enhances classroom and reporting work by offering opportunities to meet industry leaders, ask questions and network. Key programs include the Journalism Now Series, which features prominent journalists discussing current issues, and the Alfred I. duPont Center’s events and the Hearst Digital Media Lectures.

Additionally, the Delacorte Lectures on Magazine Journalism feature prominent magazine publishing figures. The Lorana Sullivan Lecture Series, honoring a pioneer in investigative journalism, aims to advance women in business and financial reporting. The Henry Pringle Lecture, endowed by alumni, provides a platform for a notable guest to address Washington politics and public affairs on Journalism Day.

Together, these programs provide a comprehensive view of the evolving media landscape while connecting students with influential figures across various journalism disciplines. By engaging with these events, students gain valuable insights and practical knowledge that complement their academic experience and enhance their professional development.

All students should be familiar with these important Journalism School policies and regulations.

Important policies and regulations of Columbia University

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