What is the Mass Media Fellows Pathway?

The Mass Media Fellows Pathway provides opportunities for students who want to become confident, experienced media professionals. Whether your interest lies in journalism, broadcasting, video production, or public relations, this pathway offers access to real-world opportunities from your first semester at Baker.

Unlike at larger institutions, where students may wait until junior or senior year to contribute to student media, mass media students at Baker dive in early. Fellows graduate with three to four years of hands-on experience, a powerful portfolio, and valuable connections to mentors and employers.

“Baker’s size sets us apart from other universities when it comes to students learning mass media skills. At larger universities, students might have to wait until their junior or senior year to earn a spot working for student media. But at Baker, our students can start contributing in their first semester of their freshman year.”
—Dr. Joe Watson, Professor of Mass Media

Why Join the Mass Media Fellows Pathway?

The Mass Media Fellows experience is built on four pillars.

Mentorship

Partner with a mass media graduate mentor who shares industry insights and career guidance.
Build relationships with student mentors and, as a senior Fellow, guide new students entering the pathway.
Stay in touch with internship supervisors to build lasting professional relationships.

Research & Creative Activity

Take upper-level courses like MM 331: Mass Media Ethics and MM:376 Theory & Research Methods with built-in research projects.
In MM 476: Senior Seminar, complete a 20-page senior thesis aligned with a media topic of interest and career relevance.
Collaborate with faculty on content analysis, audience studies, or media trends research.

Service Learning

Collaborate with campus organizations to support branding, content development, and social media strategy.
Participate in community outreach projects through the Baker Orange or the PR Workshop.
Develop and release a limited-edition podcast or video feature spotlighting innovative campus organizations or departments.
Represent the program at the Majors Fair and BU Preview events.

Professional Development

Enroll in workshop classes to build experience in journalism, PR, or media production.
Produce content through the Baker Orange platform: web, print, video, or radio.
Develop client-based campaigns in the PR Workshop, working with real organizations.
Attend the National Student Media Convention if serving in leadership roles (editor in chief, managing editor, radio manager).
Complete at least one internship—two preferred—before graduation.

The Fellows Experience: Year by Year

Year 1: Build Your Foundation

Enroll in introductory coursework and media labs.
Meet your faculty and alumni mentors.
Start contributing to the Baker Orange or the PR Workshop.
Complete 10 hours of community-based service or media support.

Years 2-4: Deepen Your Experience

Join advanced production teams or take on client roles.
Present creative or research work in portfolio showcases.
Lead outreach projects and represent the department at recruitment events.
Complete senior research, internships, and capstone experiences.

Female student editing video on computer

Eligibility & Expectations

To apply:

Earn at least a 3.0 high school GPA.
Demonstrate a strong interest in journalism, PR, digital media, or media studies.

To maintain your fellowship:

Sustain a 3.2 GPA at Baker University.
Meet service, coursework, and internship benchmarks.
Remain active and engaged in department programming.

How to Apply

First: Apply to Baker University.

Next: Apply to a Fellowship Program.

Priority deadline: December 1

Final deadline: March 1

Fellows Application

Create & Lead Through Media

Start producing stories, building campaigns, and growing your professional network from day one. Develop the voice and confidence you need to lead in today’s media world.

Become a Mass Media Fellow at Baker University.