Journalism

Journalism is changing rapidly in the 21st century, with stories moving across a range of platforms – from television and the web to radio, newspapers and magazines, as well as across social networks like Twitter and Facebook. This means that the budding journalist needs to know not only how to gather facts and write informative stories, but also how to work with audio and video clips, create and use web sites, and be adept at distributing news through social media.

Journalism Majors at ISU are taught this wide range of essential skills. At the same time, they are encouraged to get involved in our own award-wining campus news, entertainment and sports outlets: 

• Television station TV-10
• Radio station WZND
• National Public Radio affiliate WGLT
• Campus newspaper The Vidette

Students will also learn to tap into what’s trending in our ground-breaking Social Media Analytics Command Center.

Why Study Journalism?

In our complex world, smart, skilled and ethical journalists are needed more than ever. After graduation, our students take on a wide range of journalism careers including:

• Print, online, and TV news
• Sports writing
• Political correspondence
• TV and movie reviews
• Photography
• Graphic design

Related Skills

• Develop excellent writing and grammar skills.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, interpersonal skills, team work, integrity, good judgment, and intelligence.

Being Successful in the Field

• Experience with campus publications is a must.
• Choose the most writing intensive coursework possible.
• Read extensively in areas of interest.
• Begin cultivating creative talents as soon as possible. Develop a portfolio of creative materials related to career goals. Internships are crucial in obtaining experience, building relationships and reality testing career choices
• Be prepared to begin a journalism career in a small market, performing entry-level tasks before moving to larger markets and positions with more creative freedom and responsibility.

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 proof reading ability.
• Create a portfolio of writing samples.
• Consider obtaining a minor in photography for photo journalistic 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 journalismor 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

Career Industry Liaison

Internship Coordinator

Applying to Illinois State

Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!

Applying to Illinois State

Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!

Minimum GPA

2.50

Middle 50% GPA

2.81 - 3.53

Required Courses

None

Recommended Courses

To find the course equivalencies at an Illinois community college, please review our Course Articulation Guides.

• Introductory-level Composition (ENG 101)
• Introductory-level Speech (COM 110)
• Introduction to Communication Theories (COM 111)
• Convergent Media Writing (COM 161)
• Print & Online Newswriting & Reporting (COM 165)

Academic Advising

Minimum GPA

2.50

Middle 50% GPA

2.81 - 3.53

Application Period

September 1 – October 1, February 1 – March 1 & May 1 – June 1

Application Information

Current students can use the Apply to Your Program tool on My.IllinoisState.edu.

Major Requirements

To apply, students must be in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and above.

Students who are currently a declared major in the School of Communication and are looking to switch their major to another communication major need to complete the Internal Major Transfer Request Form. Contact your academic advisor for a copy of this form and to discuss the process in detail.

Application Process

Write Goals Essay (2-3 pages, double spaced)

Essay Prompt: Provide a vision for your future career and explain how this major is best equipped to help you get there.

Research the major and provide your finding of:

• Career opportunities in the field
• Necessary skills for success

Connect your goals to your findings. How will this major help you reach your goals? What can you bring to the major?

Essay Tips:

• Make sure the major aligns with your goals
• Discuss your academic performance as a student, including areas where you excel and areas that are challenging
• Explain relevant experiences (internships, RSOs, and COM classes)
• Make a clear connection from major to career and demonstrate a passion
• Have multiple drafts reviewed (proofread)
• Demonstrate your best writing ability and make sure your essay does not have grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors
• Keep within the three-page limit
• Do not provide your biography or a lengthy description of the major

Submit Application

Choose your desired program/sequence and complete all sections of the online application form. Students can only apply for one major/sequence during each application period.

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed by a committee of Communication faculty members in each area. The Faculty Selection Committee base their decisions upon the following criteria:

• GPA & grade trends: a typical successful candidate is academically above average
• Quality and accuracy of Goals Essay
• Career goals are consistent with the major

Selection decisions will be made approximately three weeks after the deadline. A response will be sent to each student through their ISU email account.

If admitted, you should schedule an appointment with your designated academic advisor.

Denied Admittance

Meeting the minimum requirements and going through the application steps does not guarantee you will be admitted.

Faculty decisions are final and cannot be reversed.

Once the selection responses are sent, the School has filled all available seats and cannot accept any more students.

Academic Advising