Hey all, I'm a junior really passionate about journalism. I've been the editor of my school's newspaper for the past two years and want to pursue it in college. What are your recommendations for great journalism schools? I really want a strong program where I can learn a lot and be well-prepared for a career in journalism.
Sure thing! For journalism, you couldn’t go wrong with schools like Northwestern University and Columbia University. Columbia does not offer an undergraduate degree in journalism, but you can study English or Comparative Literature and gain robust writing and analytical skills.
Northwestern’s Medill School, however, specifically offers an undergraduate degree in journalism. They have a very hands-on approach with their "Medill Method" of teaching journalism, which emphasizes a lot of practical experience. Additionally, Medill has a fantastic national reputation and lots of connections in the industry.
Outside of these schools, the University of Southern California (USC) also has an Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism that is highly regarded. Furthermore, the University of Missouri-Columbia is often recognized for its strong journalism school. It's one of the oldest journalism schools and established the standard of having a hands-on 'Missouri Method' teaching approach.
Of course, remember to consider more than just the program—you should also factor in college size, location, financial aid, and overall campus culture to ensure it's the best fit for you. Look for student publications where you could work in your free time, as this can enhance your college experience and provide additional practical experience - a key aspect of building a career in journalism.
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