Media, Technology, Journalism and Religion
For Northwestern students pursuing professional goals in media industries, journalism, communications, and technology sectors, religious literacy is increasingly important. Our new Media, Technology, Journalism and Religion (MTJR) concentration equips students with critical analytical skills to navigate complex intersections of media, technology, and religion in the digital age.
Meeting the Demand for Critical Media and Technology Literacy
In today’s hypermediated world, understanding how media and technology shape—and are shaped by—religion is essential not just for scholars, but for informed citizens and professionals across industries. From the rise of religious influencers on social media to ethical concerns around AI and spirituality, students need media literacy and technological fluency to engage critically with these pressing issues. The MTJR concentration provides this foundation, preparing students for work in journalism, media analysis, public policy, tech ethics, and beyond.
Religion as a Powerful Force in Media and Public Discourse
Religious narratives, symbols, and institutions play a significant role in global media and journalism—whether in news coverage, entertainment media, or digital spaces. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for journalists, policymakers, and professionals working in media-driven fields. This concentration helps students analyze how religious traditions are represented, how religious communities engage with technology, and how emerging digital trends impact spirituality, ethics, and belief systems.
The Need for Religious Literacy in Journalism and Technology Industries
- Journalism & Media: Religion is often misrepresented or misunderstood in news and entertainment media. This concentration prepares students to report on religion ethically and accurately, fostering better-informed public discourse.
- Technology & AI: As AI-generated content, virtual religious communities, and ethical debates on human-machine interactions grow, professionals in tech industries need to understand religious and ethical dimensions of their work.
- Policy & Public Communication: The intersection of religion, media, and technology influences public policy, human rights, and global affairs. This concentration equips students to navigate these fields with sensitivity and expertise.
Why Northwestern?
Northwestern, with its globally prestigious reputation in journalism (Medill) and media (School of Communication) education, is well-positioned to lead in this emerging interdisciplinary field by combining the strengths of its Religious Studies, Journalism, Media Studies, and Science & Technology Studies programs. Supporting the MTJR concentration:
- Enhances student career preparation in high-demand industries.
- Reinforces Northwestern’s commitment to interdisciplinary education, bridging humanities and media/technology fields.
- Aligns with the university’s broader mission to equip students with the analytical tools to engage with complex global challenges.
- Embodies Northwestern’s “AND . . .” model.
Media, Technology, Journalism, and Religion (MTJR) Requirements
This concentration is designed for students interested in the intersections of religion, media, journalism, and technology. It provides a foundation for those pursuing careers in the television and film industry, journalism with a specialization in religion reporting, and/or technology fields with a focus on ethical considerations in human-technology relationships. Courses in this concentration explore how religious traditions have engaged with media historically and in contemporary society, the role of religion in news reporting and public discourse, and the ethical and philosophical questions raised by emerging technologies. Students will examine topics such as: religion and digital culture; religious representation in film and television; the ethics of artificial intelligence and religious belief; technology and spirituality; and the role of religion in shaping public narratives in journalism. This concentration prepares students for careers in media industries, reporting on religion for media outlets, technology ethics, and public scholarship.
All Religious Studies majors take the following core courses:
- Religion 170: Introduction to the Study of Religion;
or Religion 172: Introduction to Religion, Media, and Culture - Religion 395: Theories of Religion (*Offered every other year, so check with the DUS and/or our course schedule page, and plan ahead.)
- A capstone course designed for Religious Studies majors and minors but also welcoming of those with a strong interest in Religious Studies.
MTJR concentration students choose 3 courses from the MTJR concentration* from Religious Studies department offerings, take five additional Religious Studies courses (in consultation with a concentration adviser), and can choose in consultation with their advisor to take either 2 courses from Northwestern’s Medill School, 2 approved courses in Radio, Television, and Film, or take 2 approved courses from the Science and Human Culture Program that focus on the relationship of humans to technology. The student will complete the concentration with a total of 12 credits (two external courses and 10 Religious Studies credits, in keeping with the structure and requirements of the other three concentrations).
First-year (100-level) seminars do not count toward degree credit. All double counting policies apply.