Major Description
Journalism prepares students for varied careers in areas such as newspaper, magazine, broadcast, online journalism, and emerging media. Students learn the reporting, writing, editing, producing, and multimedia skills and concepts required to produce accurate, fair, and thorough journalism and to navigate the ever-changing news media landscape. The department aspires to prepare broadly educated professionals who eventually assume decision-making and leadership roles.
Courses That Introduce the Major
- JOUR 101—Interactive Media and You
- JOUR 200—Introduction to Journalism
Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.
Possible Career Opportunities
Journalism graduates are prepared to translate their work through the multimedia platforms of today and the emerging technologies of tomorrow.
Common Career Skills
- Computer skills
- Gathering information and data
- Interviewing skills
- Investigative skills
- Negotiating skills
- Oral presentation skills
- Working as a team
- Working with deadlines
- Writing skills
See more on the Media Career Resources website.
Common Career Titles
- Multimedia reporters
- Producers
- Editors and writers for online publications, newspapers, magazines, television and radio programs
- Web designers
- Corporate communications specialists
- Public relations
- Corporate business and technical writers
- Political consultants
- Speechwriters
See more information in our Illini Success Report.
Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.
Enhancing Your Academic Experience
- Participating in undergraduate research
- Applying for a study abroad experience
- Utilizing resources of The Career Center
- Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- National Association of Black Journalists: works to improve the quality of news coverage by promoting diversity and ethical reporting.
- Society of Professional Journalists: provides student journalists with networking, internship and future job opportunities. SPJ offers a place to socialize and connect with the campus’ journalism community, as well as supplements classroom work through extracurricular opportunity to practice journalism skills.
- The Daily Illini: The Daily Illini provides the campus community with its No. 1 source for news, sports, commentary and opinion in print twice a week and online. With its award-winning website, The Daily Illini covers campus 24/7. Students have the opportunity to gain experience through reporting, writing, editing and selling advertising with this campus publication.
Further Information
There are several professional organizations dedicated to Journalism. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Journalism. These organizations include News Leaders Association, News/Media Alliance, and National Press Photographers Association.