7 answers
5
Questions
Updated
808 views
What are some top colleges I should consider applying to as someone interested in journalism, communications, and media?
I am currently a junior in high school, and am at the point where I am making a college list to prepare for applications. I am open to studying in the U.S. as well as internationally, such as in the U.K. I would really appreciate some pointers or specific schools I should look into to receive a strong college experience within journalism. Thank you!
Login to comment
7 answers
Updated
Bill’s Answer
I was in the same position as you in the late 90s as I was looking to embark on my career as a sportscaster. I looked at a number of different schools in the northeast but I ultimately decided on Ithaca College. Not only did they have a top notch journalism school, but one of the distinct advantages was that from day 1 I was taking classes in my major so I could know that it was actually what I wanted to do. Thankfully it was so I continued on, but I had friends that decided by the end of the second semester that journalism wasnt for them based on the classes they had taken so they were able to change majors. At other schools you didnt get any classes in your major until year 3 so changing at that point could be more difficult. I doubt Ithaca is the only college that works this way, but I would suggest looking at ones that let you get that day 1 experience in journalism courses.
Thank you for the advice.
Leire
Updated
Bradley M.’s Answer
That's great to hear that you're exploring options for your college journey! Here are some pointers to help you find strong journalism programs both in the U.S. and internationally:
Research Top Journalism Schools: Look into reputable journalism programs known for their strong curriculum, faculty, and resources. Some well-regarded programs in the U.S. include Columbia University, Northwestern University, and the University of Missouri. In the U.K., consider universities like the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and City, University of London.
Consider Specializations: Think about what specific areas of journalism interest you the most, such as broadcast journalism, investigative reporting, or digital media. Look for schools that offer specialized tracks or concentrations in your chosen field.
Check Faculty Credentials: Investigate the faculty members' backgrounds and expertise in the journalism department. Professors with industry experience and connections can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.
Explore Internship Opportunities: Look for schools with strong internship programs and partnerships with media organizations. Practical experience through internships can be invaluable for building your skills and professional network.
Review Alumni Success: Research the career paths of alumni from the journalism programs you're considering. Schools with successful alumni in the journalism field can indicate a strong program that prepares students for real-world success.
Consider Location: Think about whether you prefer to study in a bustling urban center with access to media outlets and networking opportunities or in a more traditional college town environment.
Financial Aid and Scholarships: Investigate financial aid options and scholarship opportunities available at each school to help alleviate the cost of tuition and expenses. I'm not sure of your financial situation, however, you don't want to be burdened with student loan debt upon graduation.
By considering these factors and conducting thorough research, you can create a list of colleges and universities that offer strong journalism programs and align with your academic and career goals. Good luck with your college search!
Research Top Journalism Schools: Look into reputable journalism programs known for their strong curriculum, faculty, and resources. Some well-regarded programs in the U.S. include Columbia University, Northwestern University, and the University of Missouri. In the U.K., consider universities like the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and City, University of London.
Consider Specializations: Think about what specific areas of journalism interest you the most, such as broadcast journalism, investigative reporting, or digital media. Look for schools that offer specialized tracks or concentrations in your chosen field.
Check Faculty Credentials: Investigate the faculty members' backgrounds and expertise in the journalism department. Professors with industry experience and connections can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.
Explore Internship Opportunities: Look for schools with strong internship programs and partnerships with media organizations. Practical experience through internships can be invaluable for building your skills and professional network.
Review Alumni Success: Research the career paths of alumni from the journalism programs you're considering. Schools with successful alumni in the journalism field can indicate a strong program that prepares students for real-world success.
Consider Location: Think about whether you prefer to study in a bustling urban center with access to media outlets and networking opportunities or in a more traditional college town environment.
Financial Aid and Scholarships: Investigate financial aid options and scholarship opportunities available at each school to help alleviate the cost of tuition and expenses. I'm not sure of your financial situation, however, you don't want to be burdened with student loan debt upon graduation.
By considering these factors and conducting thorough research, you can create a list of colleges and universities that offer strong journalism programs and align with your academic and career goals. Good luck with your college search!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Leire
Updated
Rory’s Answer
Hello Leire,
If you’re passionate about journalism, communications, and media, there are several excellent colleges and universities to consider. Here are some top institutions known for their programs in these fields:
New York University (NYU):
NYU offers a wide range of undergraduate study areas across nine schools and colleges.
The Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute at NYU is prestigious for journalism and media studies.
Notable alumni include professionals in tech, finance, and entertainment.
Median SAT: 1520, Acceptance Rate: 12%1[51].
University of Southern California (USC):
USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism is renowned.
The university facilitates undergraduate research opportunities.
Postgraduation outcomes are positive, with a median salary of $79k.
Median SAT: 1510, Acceptance Rate: 12%1[52].
Boston University (BU):
BU offers over 300 programs of study across ten schools/colleges.
The College of Communication at BU provides strong journalism and media education.
BU’s location in Boston provides ample networking opportunities.
Median SAT: Varies, Acceptance Rate: 22%1[53].
Northwestern University:
The Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications is highly regarded.
Northwestern emphasizes experiential learning and practical skills.
Median SAT: Varies, Acceptance Rate: 8%2[67].
Columbia University:
The Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia is prestigious.
Columbia’s location in New York City offers unparalleled industry connections.
Median SAT: Varies, Acceptance Rate: 5.5%2[67].
University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley):
UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism is well-regarded.
The Bay Area provides opportunities in tech, media, and innovation.
Median SAT: Varies, Acceptance Rate: 16%2[67].
Remember to explore each institution’s specific programs, faculty, internship opportunities, and campus culture to find the best fit for your interests and goals. Good luck with your college search!
If you’re passionate about journalism, communications, and media, there are several excellent colleges and universities to consider. Here are some top institutions known for their programs in these fields:
New York University (NYU):
NYU offers a wide range of undergraduate study areas across nine schools and colleges.
The Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute at NYU is prestigious for journalism and media studies.
Notable alumni include professionals in tech, finance, and entertainment.
Median SAT: 1520, Acceptance Rate: 12%1[51].
University of Southern California (USC):
USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism is renowned.
The university facilitates undergraduate research opportunities.
Postgraduation outcomes are positive, with a median salary of $79k.
Median SAT: 1510, Acceptance Rate: 12%1[52].
Boston University (BU):
BU offers over 300 programs of study across ten schools/colleges.
The College of Communication at BU provides strong journalism and media education.
BU’s location in Boston provides ample networking opportunities.
Median SAT: Varies, Acceptance Rate: 22%1[53].
Northwestern University:
The Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications is highly regarded.
Northwestern emphasizes experiential learning and practical skills.
Median SAT: Varies, Acceptance Rate: 8%2[67].
Columbia University:
The Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia is prestigious.
Columbia’s location in New York City offers unparalleled industry connections.
Median SAT: Varies, Acceptance Rate: 5.5%2[67].
University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley):
UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism is well-regarded.
The Bay Area provides opportunities in tech, media, and innovation.
Median SAT: Varies, Acceptance Rate: 16%2[67].
Remember to explore each institution’s specific programs, faculty, internship opportunities, and campus culture to find the best fit for your interests and goals. Good luck with your college search!
Thank you, this is really helpful!
Leire
Updated
Martha’s Answer
This is an excellent question, Leire, and Rory has identified some great schools with undergraduate journalism majors. I put a link below to another list from a source I trust (there are other lists, but I can't vouch for the sources).
If you have not already done so, you should get some experience in the field, such as writing for your school newspaper - print or online. It is close to the summer now, but you could see if you could shadow or intern in a local TV station or newspaper.
Any experience you could gain and portfolio you could build up would be good.
Good luck!
US News list of undergraduate journalism majors - https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/journalism-major-0904
If you have not already done so, you should get some experience in the field, such as writing for your school newspaper - print or online. It is close to the summer now, but you could see if you could shadow or intern in a local TV station or newspaper.
Any experience you could gain and portfolio you could build up would be good.
Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for the resource!
Leire
Updated
Abigail’s Answer
Hi there!
I am biased, but I attend Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, where I major in Journalism, and it has been AMAZING. After completing internships in a variety of field-related roles, I can attest that my classes prepared me to excel in my job. The curriculum is based on an experimental-learning platform that encourages students to learn hands-on and learn through real-life experiences, which I find myself often talking about in interviews. The school has many perks such as over 500 campus organizations to be involved in and is affordable with many scholarship opportunities for those interested in attending.
I am biased, but I attend Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, where I major in Journalism, and it has been AMAZING. After completing internships in a variety of field-related roles, I can attest that my classes prepared me to excel in my job. The curriculum is based on an experimental-learning platform that encourages students to learn hands-on and learn through real-life experiences, which I find myself often talking about in interviews. The school has many perks such as over 500 campus organizations to be involved in and is affordable with many scholarship opportunities for those interested in attending.
Thank you so much, this is really helpful!!
Leire
Updated
Justin’s Answer
Hi Leire,
I am a bit biased, but my alma mater Quinnipiac University has a tremendous journalism and communications school. The professors all have real life experience and bring that into the fold when teaching their students. Quinnipiac also has incredible opportunities outside of the classroom, whether it be writing for the school newspaper, hosting the school's news broadcast, or following one of the many D1 sports teams as a student journalist. The university also has fantastic student career services, including requiring internships to earn credits. The school has so many connections with businesses across the country and has an office dedicated to connecting students with those businesses.
A few other schools with top communications schools are Syracuse, Villanova, Arizona State, and Northwestern. Just remember that the school you attend is a small portion of succeeding in the journalism and communications world - internships and other skill building opportunities are just as important!
I am a bit biased, but my alma mater Quinnipiac University has a tremendous journalism and communications school. The professors all have real life experience and bring that into the fold when teaching their students. Quinnipiac also has incredible opportunities outside of the classroom, whether it be writing for the school newspaper, hosting the school's news broadcast, or following one of the many D1 sports teams as a student journalist. The university also has fantastic student career services, including requiring internships to earn credits. The school has so many connections with businesses across the country and has an office dedicated to connecting students with those businesses.
A few other schools with top communications schools are Syracuse, Villanova, Arizona State, and Northwestern. Just remember that the school you attend is a small portion of succeeding in the journalism and communications world - internships and other skill building opportunities are just as important!
Thank you very much!
Leire
Updated
Emily’s Answer
I am biased, but I went to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and their journalism program is incredible. The college itself has internship programs where you can travel within the country and internationally and practice journalism. Although it's not an ivy league, I would seriously consider looking into UNL!
Thank you so much!
Leire