There is more journalism than ever. To tell the stories that we all yearn to hear in this more digital age, creative professionals are required. Journalism is a magic carpet that can carry you to locations you’ve never been to and experiences that many others will never have. Enjoy the journey of becoming who people want to see, advises a journalism student from Boston University, one of the top journalism institutions.
What is journalism?
The practice of journalism involves acquiring, analyzing, producing, and presenting news and information. Additionally, it is a byproduct of these actions.
Certain distinguishable traits and behaviors make journalism distinct from other pursuits and outcomes. These characteristics not only set journalism apart from other types of communication but also make it essential in democracies.
History demonstrates that society tends to have more news and information the more democratic it is. “News” is that aspect of communication that informs us about evolving events, problems, and people in the outside world. In order for citizens to make the best decisions for their lives, communities, societies, and governments, journalism must therefore give them the knowledge they need.
Someone has to report it, whether it’s the most recent news out of Washington, D.C., or a heartwarming piece on a case of generosity and love. Why not enroll in one of the top journalism bachelor’s programs if you enjoy writing stories for the world to see?
What Does a Journalism Bachelor’s Degree Entail?
The greatest place to begin your future journalism career is with a bachelor’s degree. Perhaps you might look at some of the top journalism programs ranked by their expected graduate salaries, program accreditation, and cost surely you will know it is a good place to start your professional journey from. Undergraduate degrees in journalism will give you abilities like:
Advertisements
critically analyzing
Meeting
Creativity
Proofreading
Multiple-media creation
Journalism programs provide a strong emphasis on this industry’s cutting-edge technology due to its ongoing transition into the digital era. Either a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Science, or a Bachelor of Journalism are offered by reputable journalism institutions. Programs in journalism must have at least 120 credits, including an internship that provides real-world experience. A final portfolio is also required by several journalism colleges.
The minimum criteria for admission to a journalism program are a high school diploma or its equivalent and a 2.5 GPA, though these requirements vary from institution to school. Strong communication abilities are also necessary, especially in writing.
Careers for Journalism Majors with a Bachelor’s Degree
Journalism, formerly seen as a “dying major,” has emerged from the grave and is currently flourishing. In reality, journalism is thriving as a result of the expanding digital channels on which we rely. It should come as no surprise that our world requires experienced journalists to convey our tales, given the abundance of internet media outlets available today.
There are various occupations you can pursue with a bachelor’s in journalism, which is good news. Of course, the most well-liked path is to work as a reporter and news writer. However, there is more. You can work in related professions like:
television news analysis
management of content
Editing
Photography
Public Affairs
Audio reporting
Production
With an undergraduate degree from one of our top journalism schools, you can explore more opportunities. A bachelor’s degree in journalism is highly valued for its transferable skills in the following fields:
critical analysis
powerful communication
outstanding writing
editing
Journalism Bachelor’s Degree Salary Potential
Now let’s speak about the pay for journalists. It depends, as is the case in many occupations. The prospective compensation for journalism depends on:
employment
adventure
region
You can earn a sizable wage working for a major media outlet in New York City or Washington, D.C., but let’s take a closer look. Your potential salary in this field depends on the type of journalism you pursue. According to the BLS, the average yearly salary for reporters, correspondents, and television news analysts is just over $49,000. The highest earners make more than $127,000.
Less than $25,510 is earned by the bottom diploma or is uncertified. Media and communication professionals also have a higher median compensation of over $60,000. Correspondents and reporters make about $49,000 annually. Remember that many media majors select careers in fields like public relations.
Marketing
Film
creators and editors of video
The sort of journalism you choose will determine your prospective earnings in this area. Our goal is to do everything we can to direct you toward a successful academic future. We wish to assist you in achieving your objectives since the goal of learning is a noble one.
The Moody College of Communication at UT Austin is one of the top journalism programs in the country. The Journalism bachelor’s degree from Moody’s offers a wealth of opportunities. More than 51,000 students and 482,000 proud alumni call UT Austin home. Former students include actors like Matthew McConaughey and journalists like Bill Moyer and Walter Cronkite.
Journalism students at Moody College of Communication are given “potent new instruments of the digital age.” They accomplish this by using journalistic techniques, writing, and critical thinking. Through this curriculum, you will finish a number of things, including major prerequisites, core curriculum classes, and electives. You can also go to London, the Czech Republic, or Austria to study abroad.
You will acquire a variety of experiences through employment and student organizations that will help you on the path to a future career in journalism. You can find all the information you need to apply to UT Austin on its admissions page, regardless of whether you’ll be a transfer student or a first-year student.
The “Gators” of Florida’s vision and purpose is global, with students and graduates from each of the 50 states and 135 other nations. With a Bachelor of Science in journalism, you can become a top-notch reporter for a major media outlet and even win the Pulitzer Prize.
You can choose to concentrate on journalism or sporting activities and media as part of the BS in the journalism program. Whatever your area of interest, you will hone your narrative skills as a journalism student to position yourself for a rewarding media career. Some notable courses are:
applied fact-finding for broadcast writing
Knowledge of Data for Communicators
entrepreneurial media
Three objectives are included in the program’s 124 credit-hour curricula: content, critical analysis, and communication. This top journalism program in the nation produces famous reporters, writers, editors, and other professionals. The Accrediting Council for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication has recognized the journalism program at the University of Florida as one of the best in the country.
The University of Maryland serves as both the state’s flagship institution of higher learning and the first “Do Good” school in the country. This indicates that they have a sincere dedication to social enterprise. The Philip Merrill College of Journalism at UMD is a top school for journalism. A journalism bachelor’s degree with three specializations is available here:
Broadcast
Investigative journalism
Sports
The Pulitzer, Peabody, and Emmy-winning journalists who work for the Philip Merrill College of Journalism, which is a few miles from Washington, D.C., are among the best in the world. The small class sizes will allow you to learn from internationally renowned experts and journalists. This journalism bachelor’s program focuses on the fundamentals of digital and video storytelling with cutting-edge methods.
In this journalism program, a capstone project and an internship are also required. The journalism program at UMD has a demanding admissions process and a small student body. Admission criteria for journalism students include “high school scholastic performance.” The greater your chances are, the better your writing abilities and SAT/ACT scores are.
Since its founding in 1848, UW-Madison has been “a catalyst for the extraordinary,” churning out almost 460,000 alumni who are transforming the globe! Through a single professor, Willard G. Bleyer, the journalism program at UW–Madison may be traced back to 1904. One of the first and top journalism schools in the country is UW-Madison.
You can obtain a Journalism Bachelor of Science or a Journalism Bachelor of Arts at UW-Madison (J.B.S.). Your preparation for journalism employment in the following fields is provided by this program:
Public relations reporting
Advertising
Marketing
electronic and social media
Effective communication or reporting
The same is true for certificates in digital studies and/or sports communication. The journalism program at UW-Madison prides itself on having a “nearly equal blend of practice and theory” and is known as a “brainy, academically high-powered department.” In other words, you learn the “why” and “how-to” of the journalistic industry. Through campus and local media options like internships and student organizations, you can develop your skills.
One of the top universities in the country is the Institution of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is regarded as the 15th best public university and the 47th best national university. It should come as no wonder that Illinois generates graduates that have a global impact given that it enrolls more than 47,000 undergraduates from all 50 states and more than 100 other countries. The dynamic Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Illinois offers five majors in addition to a strong foundation in journalism:
using multiple media
Investigative reporting
a news edit
Audio reporting
Video editing and design
You can choose two majors or one as a degree because we realize it might be difficult to pick only one. The one-on-one supervision and feedback provided in small classes in “functioning newsrooms” is a major benefit of Illinois’ journalism school. Some notable courses are:
News gathering on several platforms
Ethics in Journalism
Design and Editing
The average BS in a journalism program is 124 credits. One of the top journalism schools in the country offers its graduates a wide range of job opportunities, including corporate communications, television production, and radio production. According to Illinois, 83% of graduates are either working or pursuing further education (Illinois Journalism). Illinois has my attention because it gives results.
Ohio University The bobcat does not hibernate. Ohio is constantly progressing, whether it’s snowing or sunny. The Ohio University campus, also known as OHIO, is located in the “vibrant Uptown district” in the foothills of southeast Ohio.
One of the top journalism schools in the US, the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism in Ohio, emphasizes professional accomplishments. critical analysis and a commitment to society. The journalism bachelor’s degree has Two options news and information and strategic communication. Additionally, minors in advertising and public relations are offered.
As a journalism student at Ohio University, you’ll enroll in essential journalism courses like:
Future Media Ethical Issues
Society and the media
Universal Reporting and Writing
After that, you’ll focus on your electives, emphasis classes, and a minimum 200-hour internship. Ohio also offers the Carr Van Anda Program for students whose interests and career goals transcend the two options available.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was the first public university in the nation. It started running in 1795. The significant impact UNC has pushed journalism to its peak. The American Advertising Federation, The Daily Tar Heel, Black Ink, Blue & White, Society of Professional Journalists, and the Public Relations Student Society of America are all associated with UNC. Thus, we must not neglect to highlight programs for study abroad and internships! Through this prestigious journalism school, you might study in: Australia, Chile, Hong Kong, Spain, and London.
Arizona State University has won numerous honors. Being the leader of American inventions is one of them. One of the top schools for journalism in the US is ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Arizona PBS, the biggest media channel run by a journalism school in the world, is based at the Walter Cronkite School.
The Bachelor of Arts in journalism and mass communication is one of the professional, practical programs offered by the Walter Cronkite School. You will finish 120 credits in the journalism program, including courses like; Writing and Reporting News, Interactive Journalism, Videography, and Studying Public Relations. Additionally, accelerated programs for bachelor’s and master’s degrees can be completed in just five years!
Graduates of the ASU journalism program work in a variety of contexts:
Divisions of corporate and business communications
suppliers of content for digital media
worldwide news sources
Magazines
statewide and regional newspapers
You must have at least a 3.0 GPA and the necessary SAT/ACT scores, which are listed here, to apply to this prestigious journalism school. ASU also provides numerous substantial financial aid programs. All undergraduates receive financial support to the tune of more than 70%.
The Institution of Missouri, also referred to as “Mizzou” or “Missouri,” was the first public university to be founded west of the Mississippi River and opened its doors in 1839. It was also the first journalism school ever established! The widely respected Missouri School of Journalism offers courses that give you the opportunity to start working on your future job right away through a variety of practical experiences.
One of the top journalism programs in the country, Missouri’s bachelor’s in journalism gives you the option of concentrating on transdisciplinary studies or strategic communication. Courses in the journalism program’s fundamental requirements include:
Writing and Reporting News
Audiences and Influence
Journalism that bridges cultures
Additionally, you will enroll in classes in career-related and specialized fields like writing, reporting, and photojournalism. The six professional newsrooms in Missouri, including the NBC station and KOMU-TV, will allow you to obtain real-world experience while studying for a degree from one of the top journalism schools in the nation. Graduates in journalism from Missouri have a wide range of job options, including:
The flagship campus of the California State University system is Cal State Fullerton. It is regarded as the fifth most innovative school and the fourth-best public school overall. 110-degree programs, including a Bachelor of Arts in communication with a journalism specialization, are available across CSUF’s nine colleges and departments.
The College of Communication at CSUF is the second-largest college west of the Mississippi. Communication and journalism core courses are part of the BA in communication. The courses that are needed include:
Publishing in the Media
Mass media reporting I and II
Daily Titan Capstone New
Practical expertise is the foundation of this program.
Students studying journalism have access to the labs and facilities for communication, including: Television Studio CTVA, TV Studio Titan, and the Clinic for Speech and Communications. This prestigious journalism program equips its graduates with the skills necessary to “analyze, interpret, and disseminate fact-based information.” They can be multimedia platforms to present gripping tales to a range of audiences. Recent grads can be found working as anchors/hosts, editors, copywriters, journalists, and producers.
Since 1831, New York University’s 19 schools and colleges have combined an urban identity with a professional focus. One of the largest privately held research universities in the world is NYU. “For the inquisitive, the persistent researchers, the ones who never stop asking why,” says the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute at NYU. New York City is the ideal city to study journalism, after all.
The journalism bachelor’s degree program at NYU offers a well-rounded education. To personalize your degree, you can select from a variety of tracks. It is run by working journalists. You can select the broadcast track or the Print/Online track. Additionally, you are urged to select one of the more than 60 additional majors offered by the Colleges of Arts and Sciences to complement your current major. You’ll finish eight required courses, including these:
Investigative reporting
Journalism Research
Investigative reporting
The numerous chances for hands-on learning and internships at a renowned journalism school like NYU are its finest feature. There are publishing opportunities like Cooper Squared and Bedford + Bowery. The 14 locations for study abroad are also available. If you want to further your studies, NYU has a highly beneficial online master’s program in journalism.
The top private research university is the University of Southern California. The Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education both place USC as the 19th-best university out of more than 1,000 public and private universities and other institutions. You can obtain a Bachelor of Arts in journalism at USC Annenberg, the School for Communication and Journalism, which has solid fundamental values and expertise in multimedia storytelling.
Building on its “record of innovation in media education,” the University of Southern California touts its BA in a journalism degree program as being “reimagined.” You will learn and develop your abilities in:
Powerful reporting
Suitable writing
The ethics of journalism
belief in modern and emerging technology.
Through team-taught classes held in the Wallis Annenberg Hall and media center, you will gain knowledge from the industry’s top journalists. You must finish 44 units for the journalism major in addition to general education requirements, and you can choose to focus on one of the following areas:
The Bronx campus of the City University of New York is called CUNY Lehman College. Over 14,000 current students have access to exciting liberal arts and science programs through it. Lehman College, which offers more than 90 academic programs, is ranked No. 4 by the National Bureau of Economic Research for having the “highest mobility rate in the US.” One of the best journalism schools in the United States is Lehman. It provides a broad-based Bachelor of Arts degree.
A communications major supplies the required credits in core courses and 42–43 credits in either the journalism concentration or the multilingual media focus. You must demonstrate competency in a language other than English for the multilingual media track, and you must decide which two of the three alternatives you want to concentrate on:
Translation Proficient authoring
The dictionary and phonetics
One of the compulsory courses for a journalism degree is:
An Overview of Multilingual Media
Editing and proofreading for the media
You also finish 3–4 credits’ worth of capstone projects. It is possible and advised to take an internship to obtain practical experience. Through Lehman provides guidance for recent grads.
CSU Dominguez Hills, a member of the California State University system, is a college with a very varied student body. It offers “cheap, excellent, and revolutionary services.” According to the Equality Opportunity Project’s report’s Overall Mobility Index, CSUDH is now ranked #4 among all universities in California. A bachelor’s degree in journalism is available here. A capstone project, an internship, and 45–48 credits in communication are all included in this 120-credit journalism degree. Examples of courses include:
Media Writing
Journalism that bridges cultures
Obtaining and reporting news
You can select from a variety of optional classes that suit your interests, like broadcasting, sports, and entertainment reporting. The journalism program complies with ACES’ standards for journalism and mass media education (ACEJMC).
There are a plethora of employment opportunities available, and according to CSUDH, graduates are “competition for media careers domestically, nationally, and globally.” Graduates work in industries like reporting, editing, article authoring, broadcasting, directing, podcasting, and managing the media. To decide if CSUDH is the right place for you, watch this clip from the journalism department.
The capital of the country is where George Washington University is situated. Famous alumni from the school include CNN’s chief political journalist, Dana Bash. The School of Media and Public Affairs at GW offers a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and mass communication (SMPA). The university’s Foggy Bottom Campus, is situated. One of the top journalism schools in the country is the School of Media and Public Affairs at GW. Particular courses consist of:
Your ability to research and produce multimedia platforms will be enhanced with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication. Investigative journalism and database reporting are among the courses offered. The impact of journalism and the media on politics and civic life is heavily emphasized. There is no doubt that GW’s journalism students succeed. I never in a million years imagined that my name would be on The Washington Post’s top page, particularly while I am still an undergraduate, writes a 2019 alumnus. Almost 10,000 recent graduates from all over the world are enrolled at GW right now. Check out the entrance information on this page if you want to become a part of our vibrant community.
Northwestern University, a multidisciplinary empirical university and one of four exclusive US universities, is rated among the top 20 institutions for professional education in five different areas. Among the several notable graduates are ;Writer, producer, and comedian, Stephen Colbert. Gillian Flynn, an author, is a top-selling figure. Greg Berlanti is a producer/writer for television and film who is up for an Emmy.
The journalism bachelor’s program at Northwestern University is perfect for students who want to do research, prepare reports, and produce “journalism that counts.” The journalism department at Northwestern University claims that reporting and writing are just the beginning. The main objective is to experiment with “new media,” explore global journalism, and not simply aspire to reform the media, but to lead it. In core classes, you develop your writing, editing, and critical thinking skills.
A “student-focused, worldwide research institution,” Syracue University is renowned for its “academic rigor, richly diverse learning opportunities, and a culture of exploration.” SU has a long history of opportunity and innovation. One of the top journalism colleges for earning a Bachelor of Science in broadcast and digital journalism is Syracuse’s Newhouse School of Public Communications. Other courses include
What better way to learn than by practicing as a student of broadcast and digital journalism? Through practical classes and internships, you will dive into the world of a journalist through practical classes and internships.
You will study journalism at Syracuse and learn from the top professionals in the field. You will be a part of groups like NCC News, a student-run publication that reports on weather and breaking news in Central New York. Notable graduates from Syracuse University include: Bob Costas, an NBC sportscaster; Jeff Glor, Co-Host for CBS, Chris Licht, executive producer of Stephen Colbert’s late-night show
Boston University, a renowned private research university with 34,000+ students from over 130 countries, is a sizable institution. There are 17 colleges and institutes at BU. It provides more than 300 educational options, including a journalism bachelor’s degree. With this BS, you can combine pre-professional education in five different subject areas with a solid liberal arts education.
Northeastern University is a private research institution in Boston. NU believes in experience-powered learning and provides experiential learning opportunities. Among the 90 majors NU offers is a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism that can lead you into careers like:
Reporting
Public relations
Web producing
Multimedia specialty
Web-based journalism
televised journalism
journal journalism
Photojournalism
You will finish 128 credits’ worth of elective, core, and journalistic coursework. Examples of courses are: Since 1891, Stanford University has been operating. It has a lengthy and colorful history. Stanford has personality and mystery. As one of the top private research universities in the nation today, Stanford has a top-notch journalism program. There are four routes to obtaining a bachelor’s degree in communication:
digital media research
Internet psychology
Journalism
Communication in politics
As a student at one of the best journalism schools, Stanford University knows stories, and you will learn everything there is to know about:
Worldwide, NU alums hold prestigious positions in public relations and newsrooms. NU has a selective admissions process and seeks applicants who will enrich the community with their “various experiences, opinions, and interests.”
One of the most well-liked majors at Northwestern is journalism and for good reason. Numerous programs are in existence to make sure that students are adequately equipped for employment as journalists. These programs include, among others:
The Journalism Residency Program allows students to work as reporters or public relations professionals at media organizations across the nation (and sometimes even internationally).
The Media on the Hill Program: Students work as on-the-go journalists, providing timely updates on developments in Washington, DC.
Students in the Medill Investigative Lab research criminal justice concerns including probable erroneous convictions.
The school offers unusual electives like “The Googleization of America” and “Journalism in a Networked World,” among other unique courses. Last but not least, Northwestern is home to one of the nation’s best graduate journalism programs.
The journalism undergraduate and graduate departments of Mizzou, a sizable public university, are well-known. Undergraduate journalism students have access to over 30 different interest areas (i.e. concentrations), including ones like “Entrepreneurial Journalism” and “Magazine Publishing and Management.” You have the ability to create your own interest area if none of the preexisting ones satisfy your requirements.
Students in every interest area have access to hands-on experience in real-media laboratories. On campus, there are also a lot of relevant student organizations, such as the Student Society of News Design and the Association for Women in Sports Media.
The neighborhood surrounding Boston University (BU), a well-regarded institution in a thriving college town, offers plenty of opportunities. The institution itself combines a liberal arts education with extensive pre-professional training in the discipline and has produced 24 Pulitzer Prize winners.
Undergraduates can choose from a wide range of specialty areas, including magazines and online journalism. Students frequently work as interns at prominent Boston-area media outlets, including the Boston Globe. Last but not least, BU has a great master’s program in journalism, which suggests access to a ton of fantastic teachers and other resources.
A sizable, well-respected journalism school that prioritizes practical experience is offered by the College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida. Journalism students can work with clients from across the nation as part of class projects, cover breaking news at the 14,000-square-foot Innovation News Center (which produces more than 6 hours of broadcast content daily), and gain additional media experience by volunteering at one of the school’s seven TV or radio stations.
Although communication and media studies and digital communication are two of the many helpful auxiliary departments at UT Austin, journalism is a much-liked major there as well. All of UT Austin’s journalism students receive emphasis on training in digital skills. Journalism students can obtain internships and jobs at the school’s Specialty Communications Career Services Center.
In general, NYU is a highly regarded institution (with a highly-ranked creative writing program to boot). Media Criticism and Journalism are the two undergraduate concentrations available to journalism students at NYU. Both schools have a strong emphasis on journalistic ethics, media culture politics, the social function of journalists, and the value of craft.
Students must declare a second major in addition to their primary one. This is wonderful if you want to give your education a more liberal arts focus, but it’s not so great if you’re certain you only want to concentrate on journalism.
Large public institution Arizona State University is located in a big city with lots of opportunities for practical training. Four bachelor’s degrees are available from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Specifically, if you’re passionate about politics, American University’s location in Washington, DC, makes it the ideal place for aspiring reporters to get experience. American University also provides a special dual BA/MA curriculum in addition to the typical bachelor’s degree program.
By selecting specializations in subjects like news reporting, social equality, and emerging media, undergraduate students can customize their BA degrees to match their interests.
Boston’s Emerson University is a few steps from the state capitol. The program developed a new digital curriculum in 2011, demonstrating its commitment to being proactive in adopting technology advancements in the industry. Aside from journalism, prominent degrees at Emerson include digital communication, marketing, and cinema. There are numerous award-winning on-campus news organisations at the college.
Undergraduates at UCLA can major in “Communication Studies,” which is a far wider and more encompassing field than a specific undergraduate journalism degree (though still very applicable). There are up to 12 departments in which students can enroll in courses.
For students in their junior and senior years, the Communications Studies curriculum offers practical field study courses, which sound like a terrific way to gain experience in the sector.
Columbia does not offer a journalism major for undergrads either, but you can enroll in courses through their highly regarded graduate school. It benefits from the same geographic advantages as NYU because it is also located in New York, in addition to being a highly regarded Ivy League institution with an excellent creative writing program.
Students at Ohio University have the option of earning both liberal arts and a professional degree. According to the school’s mission statement, it is dedicated to educating students in ethical standards, rational reasoning, and responsibility. The value of media training is heavily emphasized while studying journalism. On campus, there are student media organizations including The Post, a daily newspaper, and Backdrop (a lifestyle magazine).
The Carleton School of Journalism was a small institution with only one journalism program and seven students. Today, it is a vibrant community with many different programs. They grant degrees in both bachelor’s and master’s journalism. In the fall of 2018, we added a Bachelor of Media Production and Design degree.
CSJ also grants the Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies, Master of Arts, and PhD in Communication degrees. You should look into each program’s core classes and available electives if you have any unique interests or even if you don’t. Investigate your options if that’s the case. Different institutions might also offer different concentrations or paths within their journalism degree programs. It’s not necessary to be enthusiastic about every subject, especially
The ESJC educates the top talent and equips its students with the skills they need to succeed in the media and communication industries. It was established in 2008 by media experts with a background in higher education journalism to address the labor market demands in Morocco. It instructs reporters for three years, and
