What We Do
Academic advisors in the School of Communication and Journalism, along with the support of staff from Stony Brook's Academic and Transfer Advising Services, are committed to the success of our students.
Our mission is to empower undergraduate students by providing information that helps students make informed decisions about their academic journey and curricular opportunities.
Reaching out to an advisor as soon as possible is always your best bet. You should make it a point to see an advisor at least once a semester before your registration date.
Whether you're selecting courses for next semester, mapping your broader academic career, or considering changes to your major, minor or concentration, your advisor can help.
You should also connect with an advisor if you're thinking about dropping a class, using the G/P/NC option or withdrawing from courses in your major. Beyond academics, advisors can help you explore career paths and consider classes that will support a future profession. And if you're facing major academic, personal, family, or medical issues, including Academic Judiciary proceedings, your advisor is an important resource and advocate during challenging times.
Keep in mind that required, elective and concentration courses for your major or minor, as well as courses fulfilling SBCs, must be completed with a final grade of C or higher. Never select the G/P/NC option without consulting an advisor.
You should also note that JRN 106, JRN 208 and JRN 305 run as COM 106, COM 208 and COM 305, respectively. If you notice these courses listed with the JRN designator in your Degree Works, please fill out the Advising Inquiry form for a correction. Finally, COM 415: Data Analysis and Storytelling is no longer required for journalism majors, though it may still be taken as an elective. Otherwise, you must take a third elective.
All SoCJ undergraduate programs are overseen by Assitant Professor of Practice Irene Virag, who also serves as the undergraduate program director and advises both communication and journalism students. She, or another member of the advising team, works with students every semester to help them stay on track and graduate on time.
You should book an advising appointment at least two weeks before your registration date. Start the process here.
Please submit your advising and/or registration inquiry below before scheduling an appointment. Please note that not all inquiries require an advising appointment and may be handled via email. An advising team member will follow up with you about next steps.
Complete the Advising Inquiry Form
The Department of Communication and the Department of Journalism work closely with Stony Brook's Academic Transfer and Advising Services (ATAS) to ensure a seamless advising experience from admission to graduation. In addition to our undergraduate program director, we also have a designated ATAS advisor, , Meghan Sweeney, who works directly with our majors and minors.
Only transfer courses that have been reviewed and approved by the university can be evaluated for credit in your major or minor. You will see these courses listed in Degree Works as JRN 1XX.
To find out if your courses qualify or to submit a course for evaluation, please visit the Academic Transfer and Advising Services (ATAS) Transfer Credit Information page.
