Journalism Undergrad Programs: What Are the Best Ones?

Hi everyone! So I'm currently a junior and looking to apply for college next year, I have a strong interest in journalism and am wondering which schools have the best programs for that? Any suggestions or experiences are welcome!

Hi there! It's great to hear you're interested in journalism. There are quite a few colleges with strong journalism programs. Here are some top journalism schools to consider.

1. Northwestern University (Medill School of Journalism): The Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern is considered one of the best in the country. It offers a practical and hands-on curriculum covering areas such as reporting, writing, multimedia storytelling, and more. The program also has an impressive alumni network and internship opportunities.

2. University of Missouri (Missouri School of Journalism): Known as the world's first journalism school, founded in 1908, the Missouri School of Journalism has a long history of success and prestige. With a focus on experiential learning, students work in real newsrooms, advertising agencies, and other professional settings.

3. Syracuse University (S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications): The Newhouse School at Syracuse offers a comprehensive journalism program that emphasizes digital storytelling, ethics in journalism, and the evolving world of news media. Students benefit from a strong alumni network and numerous opportunities, both locally and internationally.

4. University of Southern California (USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism): USC Annenberg is a highly-regarded school with an innovative journalism program. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, as well as internships at local and national publications. They also offer a unique nine-month specialized Master's in Journalism program for those who already have an undergraduate degree in another field.

5. Columbia University: While Columbia doesn't have an undergraduate journalism program, they do offer a unique undergraduate major called "Creative Writing - Nonfiction" which covers journalism and storytelling techniques. The prestigious Columbia Journalism School and its resources are available to undergraduate students, making it a valuable option to consider.

6. New York University (Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute): NYU’s journalism program provides students with opportunities to learn all aspects of journalism, from reporting and storytelling to data analysis and multimedia production. Being located in the media capital of the world, students have networking and internship opportunities with various news organizations.

7. Indiana University (The Media School at Indiana University): With an emphasis on innovation and storytelling, The Media School at Indiana University offers a journalism program that focuses on multimedia production and strong reporting skills. Students benefit from hands-on experiences and networking opportunities within the industry.

Don't forget to consider factors like campus size, location, financial aid, and additional extracurricular opportunities when making your final decision. Good luck in your college admissions process, and I hope you find the perfect journalism program!