HUB XC 473 and COM JO 573 Justice Media co-Lab

Applications are OPEN for Fall 2026 | Fridays from 11:15 – 2:00 PM*

Overview

The Justice Media co-Lab is an application-only course offered in fall and spring semesters in partnership with the BU HUB Cross-College Challenge. Students from Journalism, Computing, and Data Sciences team up to report and publish data-driven investigations with established news partners.

Student teams in the course have published in a variety of prestigious news outlets, including the front page of the Boston Globe and local television stations, among others.

Who Should Apply?

If you are studying computer science, data science, computer engineering, mathematics, statistics, information systems, data analytics, or journalism disciplines, HUB XC 473 or COM JO 573 will match you with computational journalism projects provided by external media partners (such as the Boston Globe, CBS Boston, GHB, and USA Today).

You will work on computational investigations focused on issues of justice and accountability, guided by veteran faculty practitioners in journalism and computer science. Since publishing in one semester is not always possible, projects are graded on progress toward a written, publishable, data-driven, investigative story with visual elements.

Two Course Options

As of Fall 2027, students can participate in the Justice Media co-Lab while being registered for either HUB XC475 or COM JO 573. Both courses meet at the same time and place on Fridays from 11:15 – 2:00 PM, but serve different curricular functions:

  HUB XC 473 COM JO 573
Best for Undergraduate students fulfilling Hub requirements Graduate students and select undergraduates exploring computational journalism
Hub Credit Yes (fulfills CRI, RIL, TWC, WIN) No
Repeatable? No Yes—ideal for students participating across multiple semesters
Key Note Primary pathway for journalism and CDS majors Gateway course for the anticipated MS in Computational Journalism (pending approval for Fall 2027)

Qualifications 

These courses are designed for students with backgrounds in:

  •     Journalism
  •     Computer Science
  •     Data Science
  •     Computer Engineering
  •     Mathematics
  •     Statistics
  •     Information Systems
  •     Data Analytics

While a technical or journalistic background is required, no prior experience working on data driven journalism projects is required—we welcome students eager to learn and contribute to meaningful investigations.

Apply Here

 

How to Apply

Application Process:

  1. Submit an application

  2.  Add the course to your Class Scheduler — Note: This course requires Department Permission; you will NOT be able to register yourself

  3. Rolling review — Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis (we encourage you to apply as early as possible; seats fill up quickly)

  4. Receive notification — Spark! will notify you of your application status

  5. Get registered — Successful applicants will be registered for the course by Spark!

Important Notes:

  • Priority enrollment for XC473 only: Juniors and seniors will be given priority for HUB XC 473

  • If not accepted: We encourage you to reapply next semester; this course fills quickly, and we love seeing returning applicants!

  • Deadlines: Applications will close once all seats are filled. Apply early to secure your spot.

*Course offerings and times are subject to change.