Stony Brook J-school to add graduate program

Stony Brook University's School of Journalism will offer a new science- and technology-driven graduate program starting next June, making it first the master's degree in journalism in the SUNY system.

Journalism school directors received notice yesterday that the state Department of Education had given its final approval.

The new program will be geared toward science, health, technology and the environment, allowing it to fit in nicely at the research-driven university.

"Stony Brook has a huge amount of resources in terms of research, and we want to make the most of it," said Elizabeth Bass, interim director of the graduate program.

Classes won't start until the summer 2011 semester, but the school will begin accepting applications next month.