Illinois State University

Course Details

BA/BS in Journalism

Course Description

Journalists gather and report information on current events and trends, as well as offering analysis on important social situations, giving opinion through personal columns and editorials, reviewing a range of leisure activities (including theater and movies), and interviewing people about their issues and achievements.

Course Duration

NumberDuration
4year

Career outcomes

Related Fields Newspaper Publishing Reporting Editorial/Column Writing Investigative Journalism Editing Proofreading Photojournalism Circulation Marketing/Promotion Production Sports Employers Large circulation newspapers Local newspapers Wire services Trade newspapers Online publishers Strategies Obtain a summer job or internship with newspaper. Work with college newspaper, yearbook, or alumni publication. Take an active role, preferably leadership, in journalism organizations. Demonstrate curiosity, high energy level, ability to produce under pressure and withstand criticism. Develop excellent grammar and writing skills. Create a portfolio of writing samples, especially those that have been published. Seek opportunities for recognition and networking through writing contests and freelance writing submissions. Build relationships with campus and community leaders as well as athletes for interview opportunities and experience. Magazine/Newsletter Publishing Writing Editing Advertising/Sales Promotion Circulation Design, Art, and Production Investigative Journalism Photojournalism Employers Major publishers Consumer magazines News magazines Specialized magazines Technical and industrial publications Professional publications/associations Merchandising and trade publications Labor unions Academic journals Corporate in-house publications Religious organizations Strategies Secure internship with publisher. Work on campus publications. Find part-time or summer job with newspaper, magazine, or print shop. Obtain sales experience. Join a professional journalism organization. Demonstrate creative spirit, writing skills, verbal skills, and proofreading ability. Create a portfolio of writing samples. Consider obtaining a minor in photography for photojournalistic specialty. Book Publishing Editing Sales Promotion Publicity Production Subsidiary Rights Employers Publishers including: Tradebooks, Children’s books, Paperbacks, Textbooks Book clubs University presses Religious presses Technical, scientific, or medical presses Internet sites Strategies Attend summer publishing institute to sharpen skills and build contacts. Become familiar with word processing, desktop publishing and web page design. Gain knowledge of printing and production. Work with local or regional magazines and campus publications. Work as sales clerk or book buyer in campus or local bookstore. Supplement coursework with technical writing courses for opportunities with technical, scientific, and medical publications. Writing Technical Writing Creative Writing Employers Hardware and software manufacturers/developers Technical industries Technical publications (journals, magazines and websites) Research laboratories Government agencies Self-employed/Freelance Strategies Work on college newspaper or campus publication. Join professional journalism or communications organizations. Develop excellent word processing skills. Perfect clear and concise writing abilities. Demonstrate patience, flexibility, and creativity. Begin submitting manuscripts, essays, articles, etc. for possible publication immediately. Read widely in area of talent and/or interest (e.g., mystery novels, poetry) Business Advertising Public Relations Special Events Media Relations Fund Raising Business Writing Account Services Print Production Management Administration Employers Advertising agencies Corporate advertising or public relations departments Media companies (e.g., Turner Broadcasting) Non-profit organizations Colleges and universities Labor unions Strategies Work in sales at campus newspaper, television, or radio station. Obtain business experience. Complete internship at market research firm. Hone public speaking skills. Seek part-time or summer job with campus public relations or sports information department. Education Secondary Post-Secondary Publication Advising Employers Public or private high schools Colleges and universities Strategies Obtain state teacher certification for high school teaching opportunities. Consider obtaining certification to teach additional subjects such as foreign language, social studies, or English. Actively participate in campus newspaper and yearbook publications. Volunteer to assist local high school students and sponsors with publications. Obtain graduate degree (Masters and/or Doctorate) for college and university teaching opportunities. Other Professions Feature Writer Free-lance Writer Journalist Newspaper Reporter




BA/BS in Journalism Illinois State University