Best Journalism Schools
Do you enjoy storytelling and research and have a knack for writing? Are you a critical thinker who aims to make a change? A journalism major might be an excellent choice of study. To catapult your career, consider attending one of the best journalism schools.
At the best schools for journalism, you’ll develop essential skills such as interviewing and multimedia production and get hands-on experience in the field. The top journalism schools will also have experienced faculty to help you prepare for a career.
If you’re interested in a journalism degree, this article will introduce you to some of the best journalism schools in the country. Specifically, we’ll look at:
- What you’ll study as a journalism major
- Reasons to earn a journalism degree
- How to find a great journalism program for you
- 10 of the best schools for journalism
- What you can do with a journalism degree, and more!
First, let’s take a look at what you can expect to learn when studying journalism in college.
What will you study in a journalism program?
When you think of journalism, your mind may flash to television reporters on the front lines of the biggest news stories. However, there are plenty of different facets to journalism. Whether you’re interested in being on camera or behind the scenes writing the copy, journalism offers something for most personalities.
You should know what you’ll be studying during your years at one of the best journalism schools or best broadcast journalism schools. Journalism courses will aim to develop and enhance your communication skills, both verbal and written. No matter what type of journalism you go into, you’ll still take many of the same courses.
Journalism programs often center around storytelling, research and fact checking, and ethics in media. Many programs also cover multimedia production and editing; your specialization will determine your electives.
Here are some examples of classes you may take while attending top journalism schools:
- News Writing and Reporting
- History of Journalism
- Feature Writing
- Copy Editing
- Digital Storytelling
- Investigative Reporting
- Broadcast Journalism
- Multimedia Production
Similar to all fields, journalism offers a wide variety of niches. Whether you’re interested in beat reporting for a newspaper or editing videos, the best colleges for journalism will offer plenty of relevant courses.
Why get a journalism degree?
Studying at one of the best journalism schools will provide you with a well-rounded education, preparing you for a myriad of career paths. Journalism students learn to be adaptable problem solvers, who think critically about real-world issues. Storytelling plays a large role in journalism and the skills you develop while studying go far beyond a simple narrative.
Here are some of the core skills you will develop while studying at top journalism schools:
Journalism Major Core Skills
Communication
Whether interviewing or public speaking, communication underpins pretty much every aspect of journalism. You’ll learn to master these skills.
Digital proficiency
Most people get their information from some sort of digital platform. You’ll need to know how to edit, SEO optimize, design layouts and websites, and create social media friendly content.
Research
Investigation and research are vital to these majors. You’ll learn how to find, verify, and report facts with accuracy. No fake news here!
Storytelling and writing
Naturally, a large part of journalism has to do with crafting a compelling and informative narrative. You’ll learn how to do this for various media, whether print or digital, written or video.
Critical thinking
An integral skill to this major, but also any field. Critical thinkers are able to analyze information and find suitable solutions. In the journalism field, this will allow you to understand media coverage, your audience, and bias.
After studying at one of the best colleges for journalism, you’ll be prepared to take on careers in various fields. With knowledge, skills, and passion, you’ll have a way to make a real societal impact.
What to look for in a journalism program
The best journalism schools will develop and deepen your understanding of the field. At the same time, they’ll hone the skills required to succeed in your future career. While all top journalism schools will do this, the best program for you is a personal decision that depends on various factors. Let’s take a look at some things you can look at when deciding which journalism programs to apply to.
Top Factors in Journalism Programs
Hands-on training
When studying at one of the best journalism schools in the U.S., anticipate gaining some practical experience. Top journalism schools will build hands-on training into their programs. However, you should research what type of experience that is, depending on the program and your personal interests and career goals.
Faculty experience
Top schools tend to have faculty with ample experience and accolades in their fields. Do some research on the faculty in your programs of interest. You may find journalists you look up to or whose work has had some impact on you personally.
Class sizes
When you have smaller classes, you will receive more personalized attention and gain a deeper relationship with your professors. Beyond fostering an optimal learning environment, this can even lead to future career opportunities.
Digital and multimedia skills
We’re long past the days of simply watching the 5 o’clock news or reading the Sunday paper. Now, everyone has access to information constantly, usually within reach at all times. As the one behind this information, you’ll need to understand how to convey these stories and information through digital platforms.
Ethics curriculum
Top journalism schools will stress the emphasis on ethical reporting. Fact checking, research, and unbiased storytelling and reporting should be a top priority in these programs.
Specializations
If you have an area that you know you want to specialize in, or a few areas of interest, be diligent. Make sure that the programs you’re looking at provide courses and experience on these topics. While you can get experience through internships — and you should! — having specific courses in these areas will only deepen your knowledge.
10 Best Journalism Schools
The best journalism schools will provide students with a top-tier education in the field. That includes real world experience, specialized classes and attention, and a well-rounded curriculum. Here are some of the best journalism schools in the U.S.:
10 Top Journalism Schools
1. University of Missouri – Columbia
The Missouri School of Journalism uses what they call the “Missouri Method” to educate their students. The program focuses on hands-on experience in six professional newsrooms, ranging from an NBC affiliate to a digital community newspaper. While learning and developing your skills, you’ll also put them into practice by writing, interviewing, and reporting in professional environments. Students are led by a faculty of experienced journalists who push students to be the best journalists they can be — before even graduating!
2. Northwestern University
The Medill School of Journalism offers an undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Journalism. Students will learn to research, report, and produce meaningful journalism. As a top 10 university, Northwestern students benefit from its reputation as well as its large alumni community in journalism, media, and communication. If you’re interested in double-majoring, that’s definitely possible at Medill. In fact, in the Class of 2025, 92% of graduates double-majored, minored, or earned a specialized certificate.
3. University of Florida
The College of Journalism and Communications (CJC) at the University of Florida prepares students for their dream jobs in journalism. At CJC there are four undergraduate departments for students to choose from: Advertising, Journalism, Media Production, Management, and Technology, and Public Relations. Students will also gain hands-on experience led by industry professionals. Students could do anything from producing news, to designing campaigns for national brands.
4. Boston University
The Department of Journalism within the College of Communications at Boston University, is among the best in the nation. Students will learn by doing — and they learn well! In fact, students have been regularly acknowledged for their reporting with regional Emmys and Pulitzer Prizes. This may come as no surprise as students gain experience and guidance from top professionals. As of the time of writing, the faculty in the BU Journalism Department has 21 Pulitzer and Emmy winners.
5. Syracuse University
Students at Syracuse University will study in the Newhouse School of Public Communications, earning a B.S. in Journalism. Passion and preparation are pillars of the school, which aims to set students up for a successful and meaningful career in media. Journalism students will focus on mastering the fundamentals of reporting, writing, and communication law and ethics.
6. University of Southern California
USC Annenberg offers three Bachelor of Arts options: communication, journalism, and public relations and advertising. Interested students will learn develop “foundational journalistic values and ethical standards.” Technology is embraced at USC Annenberg as students will learn how to produce news across various digital platforms. Course areas include coding for storytelling, law and ethics for the digital age, and media literacy.
7. New York University
The Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute at NYU is meant for passionate students aiming to do everything they can to get to the truth. Students will delve into political, theoretical, ethical, and social aspects of journalism. This deep understanding of the field is both practical and academic. Alumni go on to work at NBC News, the New York Times, Washington Post, Vanity Fair, and other major news organizations.
8. University of Maryland—College Park
The Philip Merrill College of Journalism offers a Bachelor’s Degree in a variety of fields. From entertainment journalism to public affairs and politics, students will develop a variety of pertinent skills. Some course requirements include Journalism Law and Ethics, Interactive Design and Development, and Introduction to Storytelling with Code.
9. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media offers programs that allow students to develop skills to excel in the ever-evolving media environment. Two concentrations are offered at the Hussman School of Journalism and Media: Advertising and Public Relations and Journalism. Furthermore, students can specialize in fields such as business, fashion, health, politics, and sports, enhancing their career opportunities and employability.
10. UT Austin
The School of Journalism & Media within UT Austin’s Moody College of Communication educates students to be world-changing storytellers. Students are encouraged to push themselves to the limits, get creative, and discover all the different forms of media while studying. Curiosity is key to excelling in UT Austin’s journalism program.
Though they aren’t on this Best Journalism Schools list, elite universities such as Columbia, Stanford, and Harvard also offer excellent graduate journalism programs. The best schools for journalism listed above all offer undergraduate degrees. However, it’s worth mentioning that many other renowned universities offer journalism degrees at the graduate level.
Communications vs. Journalism: What’s the difference?
You may have noticed from the best journalism schools list that plenty of programs are closely related to communications. Indeed, some of the best journalism programs are housed within colleges committed to communication. So then, what’s the difference between journalism and communication? And, which is the better choice for you?
Communications is a broad term that envelops various information sharing methods. This can include public relations, advertising, and marketing. Communications is strategic about the way that information is shared, with a specific goal of keeping a certain message in mind. The objectives can often be to make sales, entertain, influence perception or even build brands.
On the other hand, journalism falls into the larger communications category. It is a specialized field that focuses on reporting facts to the public. Journalism should be unbiased and uphold certain ethics and values. Often, the end goal is to shine light on the truth through storytelling. More specifically, journalism informs the public through interviews, fact-checking, writing, ethics, and investigative research.
Whether journalism or communication is better suited to you depends on your interests and career goals. Do you want to market a brand and create strategy? Or would you rather do some digging to find and inform on a crucial topic? Consider the differences between the two areas when looking at programs. A degree in either would open up plenty of opportunities. However, journalism is ultimately a much more specialized field, while communications is quite broad.
Careers in Journalism
If you’re considering studying at one of the best journalism schools, research careers that might come from earning a journalism degree. While journalism is a specialized course of study, graduates can go on to have extremely versatile careers. Depending on your specific goals and interests, you’re certain to find a profession of interest.
Here are just some journalism careers you could go on to have after studying at the best journalism schools:
- Reporter
- News Editor
- Journalist
- Broadcast Journalist
- Communication Specialist
- Editor-in-chief
- Editorial Assistant
- Sports Writer
- News Producer
- Photojournalist
- Proofreader
- Public Relations Assistant
- Website Content Writer
- Columnist
- Advertising Copywriter
Creativity, writing, and research are huge parts of any journalism program. As such, it may be unsurprising to see that you can go on to have quite diverse work after studying journalism. Whatever path you choose to take, the skills you develop at the best colleges for journalism will prepare you for the real world. All the while, you’ll be jumpstarting your career — whatever it may be!
5 Best Journalism Schools in the World
Many students interested in the best journalism schools might consider an international career. After all, truth seeking and story telling has no borders. As such, we’re going to take a look at some of the best journalism schools in the world outside the U.S.
Top International Journalism Schools
University of Amsterdam
As a top university in the Netherlands, the University of Amsterdam doesn’t offer a specific journalism bachelor’s degree. However, they do offer two programs in media studies: Media and Culture and Media and Information. The Media and Culture program focuses on preparing students to work in academia, media, and cultural institutions. On the other hand, Media and Information focuses on digital forms of media such as digital archiving, citizen journalism, and big data.
Sciences Po
France is home to the last of our international best journalism schools. The Sciences Po Journalism School has its own newsroom where students learn what it’s like to be in a real-world news environment. Students will master researching, writing, and interviewing during their degree, as well as using digital tools and multimedia techniques.
City St. George’s, University of London
Moving over to the UK for another of the best journalism schools in the world is the University of London. City St. George’s offers seven different master’s programs in journalism, even including podcasting. Additionally, they have two bachelor’s degrees: Journalism and Journalism, Politics, and History. Students will gain an excellent education in one of the top international cities and universities.
Carleton University
Across the pond, Canada has one of the best journalism schools in the world outside the U.S. At Carleton University, students can earn a degree in the School of Journalism and Communication. Journalism students will learn how to create impactful, accurate stories in a myriad of media landscapes.
University of Hong Kong
China is home to our next one of the best journalism schools in the world: the University of Hong Kong. The university offers a Bachelor of Journalism, Media, and Artificial Intelligence. Meant for the digital age, this journalism degree will prepare students to be leaders in digital journalism. The University of Hong Kong also offers various Masters degrees in journalism.
Should I study journalism?
Clearly, there are plenty of best journalism schools for students interested in pursuing this area of study. However, deciding your major is a personal decision. You should consider your skills, interests, and career goals.
If you have a passion for storytelling, and investigating a lead, then journalism could be an excellent major for you. As a journalism major you’ll develop your research, writing, and communication skills. Students should be critical thinkers who are adaptable to different environments. Graduates can go on to work in traditional newsrooms or digital media, making an impact on the world with their reporting.
However, keep in mind that journalism is a competitive field. You’ll need to be ready to adapt to the ever changing digital landscape in order to stay relevant in the field. If you do choose this career, the best journalism schools can give you the skills to keep up with new technologies.
How to apply to journalism school
Applying to top journalism schools will vary depending on the individual requirements. At some of the best colleges for journalism, you may not even need to declare your major when applying. However, you should always check the specifics at each of the best schools for journalism as programs will vary. For example, the best broadcast journalism schools might look for more specific qualities in applicants than more general journalism programs.
Aim to show strong academics, writing skills, and relevant experience when applying to the best schools for journalism. Partaking in your school newspaper or interning while in high school will enhance your application. Additionally, you’ll want to develop both your written and verbal communication, research, and critical thinking skills. The best journalism schools in the U.S. have a holistic application review process. Make sure your academics, extracurriculars, and essays all tell a cohesive story.
5 Tips to Choosing the Best Journalism Schools
We’ve looked at the best journalism schools in the U.S. and some of the best schools for journalism internationally. However, as mentioned before, choosing the best schools for journalism for you is a personal decision. Indeed, there are certain factors you can look at to determine the top communication schools, and specifically, the best colleges for journalism. Here are some tips to help you choose the best schools for journalism.
5 Tips to Choose the Best Schools for Journalism
1. Check program specifics.
Whether you’re looking for the best broadcast journalism schools or the best digital media journalism schools, check each school’s program offerings. Make sure that the program offers classes and specializations that interest you. Additionally, the best schools for journalism should offer a core curriculum that includes multimedia storytelling, research, fact-checking, and ethics.
2. Make sure they offer practical training.
You might have noticed that the best colleges for journalism allow students to gain hands-on experience while studying. Many of the best journalism schools in the U.S. have their own newsrooms or partner with news organizations. These resources grant students access to these work environments before even graduating. Top journalism schools will also likely have mandatory internships so deepen your understanding of coursework.
3. Research the faculty.
The best schools for journalism will have experts in their industry. Make sure to look for programs with experienced journalists as professors. Ideally, faculty should have both academic and practical experience in their field.
4. Look at alumni networks.
When leveraging connections in your career, it’s less about who you know than about who knows you. Journalism is no different: a strong connection with an alumni mentor can jumpstart your career. The best journalism schools will offer an extensive alumni network who can support with mentorship and job opportunities.
5. Consider the location and size.
As with choosing any school, think about the environment in which you’ll be able to learn best. Consider where you want to be and how large of a campus you want to be on. Also, consider class sizes in the best schools for journalism — while they tend to be smaller, you always want to double check.
Are the top journalism schools worth it?
The best journalism schools will usually provide name recognition, large alumni networks, and hands-on experience, making them highly esteemed. Of course, your best journalism schools may be different from someone else’s. For example, a student looking for an online journalism degree have different criteria than someone looking at the best broadcast journalism schools.
The best journalism schools will give students a well-rounded education that focuses on the ever-evolving media landscapes: digital and print. Students at the best schools for journalism learn to research, fact-check, and write compelling and meaningful stories. Of course, it’s worth mentioning that some professionals in journalism have studied other undergraduate degrees like political science, English, and law.
Consider cost, curriculum, and your personal interests and career goals when deciding if the best journalism schools are for you.
Best Journalism Schools – Final Takeaways
In this Best Journalism Schools article, we’ve covered several topics. We listed some of the best journalism schools in the U.S. and even some of the best journalism schools internationally. We’ve looked at various reasons to study journalism and media studies at top communication schools and best journals schools. We’ve even given you some tips on how to choose the best journalism schools for you.
While we didn’t dive into specifics on an online journalism degree, there are accessible ways to study most majors. If you need to look for an online journalism degree, there are options. However, whether studying in person at one of the best schools for journalism or pursuing an online journalism degree, hands-on experience is crucial. Seek out internships and work experience on your own or with guidance from faculty at the best journalism schools.
When seeking out the best journalism schools or wondering how to set your application apart, there’s a lot to think about. It can be difficult to keep track of college lists, application deadlines, and interview preparation. CollegeAdvisor offers personalized one-on-one advising throughout every step of your application journey. Schedule a free consultation with us today!
This article was written by Sarah Kaminski. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.
