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 Advising

Internship Coordinator

Applying to Illinois State

Illinois State's preferred filing period for freshman students for the fall semester is September 1-November 15. Applying early is encouraged, as the University must limit enrollment due to space at the University and in specific majors/programs. Visit the Office of Admissions to apply today!

Plan of Study

This information is based on requirements for the academic year(s) indicated. Students should consult the catalog year they were admitted under for their academic requirements.

• Plan of Study

Applying to Illinois State

Illinois State's preferred filing period for fall transfer students is September 1-January 15. For the spring semester, the preferred filing period is from April 1-August 1. You are encouraged to apply early in the preferred filing period for best consideration for admission into competitive majors. Visit the Office of Admissions to apply today!

Minimum GPA

2.70

Middle 50% GPA

2.53 - 3.44

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)

Plan of Study

This information is based on requirements for the academic year(s) indicated. Students should consult the catalog year they were admitted under for their academic requirements.

• Transfer Checklist (2019-2020 Catalog)

Academic Advising

Middle 50% GPA

2.53 - 3.44

Plan of Study

This information is based on requirements for the academic year(s) indicated. Students should consult the catalog year they were admitted under for their academic requirements.

• Plan of Study

Application Period

September 1 - October 1, February 1 - March 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

Attend a Mandatory Information Session

All applicants must attend one Information Session during the application period in which they are applying. We recommend attending an Information Session before you submit your major/minor application. All information sessions  last approximately 50 minutes.

If you were previously denied admission to a Communication major and are applying again, you do not need to attend an Information Session.

Spring 2020 Information Session Dates/Times

All sessions take place in Fell Hall, room 446.

• Thursday, February 6, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
• Wednesday, February 12, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
• Monday, February 17, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
• Wednesday, February 19, 11:00am - 12:00pm
• Thursday, February 27, 10:00am - 11:00am
• Friday, February 28, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Write Goals Essay

Essay Prompt: Provide a vision for your future career and explain how this major is best equipped to help you get there. More details for the essay and resources will be provided during the Information Sessions.

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