Suffolk Reporter

The School of Communication and Journalism (SoCJ) at Stony Brook University has announced the establishment of two new departments: the Department of Communication and the Department of Journalism. This change, effective July 1, 2025, signifies a significant step in the school's development.

Carl W. Lejuez, executive vice president and provost, commented on this milestone by stating, “Over the past several years, the SoCJ has grown in student enrollments and the number of programs it offers at the graduate and undergraduate level. I’m pleased to see the School enter into this new phase of its growth.”

The creation of these distinct departments follows strategic developments within SoCJ that have expanded research efforts, introduced five new degree programs, and attracted distinguished faculty and students. Dean Laura Lindenfeld expressed her pride in these advancements: “I’m so proud of the work we have done to grow the School to this level. The establishment of these two new departments will strengthen our ability to advance solutions-oriented work with real-world impact.”

The introduction of department chairs is expected to enhance faculty development and promote interdisciplinary research. A search for candidates from within Stony Brook University will begin immediately.

Originally established as the School of Journalism in 2006, it was renamed in 2021 to reflect its expanding academic scope. The newly formed Department of Communication will cover various fields such as interpersonal communication, intercultural communication, health communication, environmental communication, organizational communication, and mass communication. It will oversee programs including a BA in Communication, a BS in Mass Communication, and a BA in Rhetoric and Writing — developed with collaboration from other university departments.

Graduate offerings include an MS in Science Communication and an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Science Communication. Plans are also underway for launching an MA in Communication focusing on STEM and health communication.

Meanwhile, the Department of Journalism will maintain its respected BA and MS programs with a focus on solutions journalism — exploring responses to social issues. The BA program holds accreditation from the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication; similar accreditation is sought for the MS program.

In partnership with entities like The Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science along with centers dedicated to news literacy and international reporting training initiatives continue across both departments despite their separate identities.

While establishing separate leadership structures through departmental formation provides unique identities within each unit's purview at SoCJ—commitment remains towards fostering intellectual collaboration across disciplines contributing toward creating "a fairer more just more rational world through ethical effective communications."