America’s Top Undergraduate Journalism Schools

There was a time in American history when the country’s top journalists had no formal education. Frequently, these men, and to a lesser extent women, learned their craft through “the school of hard knocks.” They would start their careers on the bottom, as paper boys or mailroom workers and gradually, over time, learn everything they would need to know about being a journalist.

Call it a process of osmosis; the act of being around a real journalist, then watching, learning, absorbing … until the day arrived when the novice (former paper boy) was ready to assume the role of journalist.

That romantic vision of professional opportunity no longer exists in modern America although that scenario probably occurred over and over way back in the 1930s, 1940s, even in the 1950s. But, when the current generation of professional journalists reached college age, they went to school, courtesy of their well-meaning parents.

By strict definition, a journalist is both a news gatherer and a news reporter. He or she needs to know how to conduct research … and interviews … take notes  quickly and understandably in “shorthand” … and have superior writing skills, as well. It is no longer acceptable to work your way up from minor jobs to someday rise to the level of journalist … just because you’ve spent several years in or around the newsroom.

No, if you want to be a television or newspaper journalist today, you need the proper educational credentials to get the job. That means you must attend a good 4-year college or university … and graduate. An undergraduate degree should be enough to get you a job as a journalist at a small TV station or on a local newspaper.

You may be able to land a really big and prestigious job if you stay in school and complete a Graduate Program (advanced degree) in Journalism, but it is not, by any means, necessary. Your successful completion of an undergraduate journalism program – and receipt of a degree—can land you a quality job … and a solid opportunity to launch your career.

Are some colleges and universities that offer courses in journalism better than others? Apparently, yes. Currently, the best 4-year undergraduate journalism degree programs are available at such schools as Ball State University … Indiana University … The University of Florida … The University of Maryland … and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The schools offering this degree program have earned a nickname from journalism students – “J Schools.”

Of course, there are probably many other very fine colleges and universities that deserve mention, but the schools noted here are among the very best in the country. Now, entry into Journalism School is not easy.

Competition among graduating high school students is intense and many who deserve entry into a degree program frequently don’t receive it. If journalism is something that interests you, make sure your high school grades remain high, your SAT scores do the same … and that you apply early to the school or schools of your choice.

America will always need journalists. Perhaps the next great journalist can be you.