<p>Hello, I'm currently a freshman in high school. I am planning to apply for Bard College at Simon's Rock next year. This is a early college program. After two years I would want to transfer after I got my AA. I know I still have time, but I like to have a plan. The three schools I like for print journalism are the following: Northwestern, NYU, and USC. I picked these three for a couple of reasons. There all in big cities, and I think after coming from a small school I would need a change. I'm also a screen actor, so I need to be in a city where I could get work. Obviously, I'm leaning toward USC for that reason. I also have a small interest in screen writing, so I may just go for a MA for that. Or USC may a good place to double major in. I think if I went to NYU, I would double major. They actually have a program for this, while the others don't. The con is that NYC is more know for theater and Chicago is even worse in terms of film acting. I know that Northwestern has the best journalism program, but recently found out that they are now focused on all options of journalism. I have no interest in broadcast or photojournalism. I do love that new program that Columbia has with Science Po for a dual degree in print journalism. That is a master program though, but would it be hard going there from these schools? Which journalism school would be the best for me? I would be transferring at 18, since I start Bard at SR at 16. Any other idea's? I know I have time, but really it's only three more years. Thanks!</p>
<p>No offense meant, but print journalism is a dying field...to the point where even large papers like the New York Times may be dead within the year. Daily newpapers all across the country are slashing staff and struggling to stay alive. By the time you finished a degree it's possible that there won't be daily newspapers of any respectable size at all - and if they do survive their staffs are likely to be filled with reporters who have years of experience that you won't. You'd be wise to reconsider your career options NOW, or at least make sure you have some sort of back up plan.</p>
<p>I have two passions: acting and journalism. You can consider these the two worst fields to go into, because of the competition. The time I finish school it may be back to a good field. I don't care re: money, as long I wake up happy on Monday morning.</p>
<p>idk if you've seen this thread but just in case you haven't here it is...</p>
<p>Thanks abc, I checked this thread earlier today. Now that's my concern with Northwestern now, lol.</p>
<p>I would not go quite so far as bigredmed. But journalism as we once knew it is certainly a thing of the past. The field will likely never be what it once was - a heavily print/writing dominated profession with hundreds of buy-as-you-go newstand papers and magazines to choose from. Choices will likely thin dramatically to include select national players like the NY Times, WS Journal, Washington Post, Chicago Trib, etc. (some of whom may eventually expand staffs as market share increases) as well as local players that can successfully cater to a niche clientele. </p>
<p>When John Lavine started as Dean at Medill he was vilified by the print "purists" who objected to his expansion of the undergrad curriculum to include much more multimedia exposure and elective opportunities to study media as a business. Most of those early very vocal opponents have been silenced by the economic realities of the past two years. Lavine looks more and more like a visionary now. Despite the changes at Medill, you should know that the program remains, without question, the most writing/print dominant quality journalism program in the country. Significantly more than half of Medill undergrads still major in print - newspaper or magazine. You would have no reason to fear that somehow writing will be a weak division in the school. It still dominates. The Daily Northwestern and, more recently, North by Northwestern, provide great opportunities for print writers to hone their skills. Those pursuing print as a sub-major end up doing one term internships at some of the best newspaper and magazine venues in (and out of) the country and place very well in summer positions.</p>
<p>To address some specific concerns you have:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Know that transferring in as a junior to Medill is very difficult though not impossible. Few spots open up for non-Northwestern students. </p></li>
<li><p>The curriculum is fairly tiered with the required one term internship already mentioned usually pursued junior or early senior year. Completing all requirements in the major in just 2 years would be tough.</p></li>
<li><p>Columbia has a very strong jounalism grad school but undergrads are pretty disconnected from this. </p></li>
<li><p>If you'd transfer to another school as a junior, this is pretty late to first start courses in a new major like journalism. You'd probably be better served pursuing an english-writing and/or drama major, areas you also truly seem to enjoy, and try to get involved in ECs/summer internships that will provide exposure to journalism. You can always pursue a master's in the field if you ultimately feel the need.</p></li>
<li><p>Should you decide to major in journalism, especially in a quality program as prestigious as Medill, you should have few concerns about potentially changing career paths later in life. The writing skills and understanding of media you'd learn are very marketable. At least a third of Medill graduates eventually turn to careers elsewhere in law, marketing, PR, etc. and have little trouble making the transition.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>agreed with bigred. may the force be with you.</p>
<p>try to consider how your growth and life experience will affect your passions when you are tossed out into the working world. right now you might not care about money, but it does become an important factor in all of our lives whether we like it or not.</p>
<p>Thanks so much Bala! Would it be easier going to USC or NYU? I could take some summer courses if I go to Northwestern. You know Yale has a program in it now, but it's not a BA program: Yale</a> Journalism Initiative | The Writing Center | Yale College</p>
<p>What do you think of Columbia and Science Po dual program for a master later on?
I think NYU may be easier, since journalism is just a co-major.</p>
<p>Despite USC's size, their journalism program is fairly small and definitely not writing/print strong. I've recommended it in the past (and would do so still) but primarily for prospective broadcast majors, especially given the strength of USC's LA connections in the industry.</p>
<p>While NYU and USC are appropriately mentioned in the same breath when discussing nationally strong programs in drama, screenwriting, or acting, journalism and the overall tenor of the two schools are very, very different animals. Print journalism is not a particularly strong program at NYU.</p>
<p>Heading off to grad school in journalism is a contentious issue. It's an expensive option when pursuing a career that obviously has a lot more to do with passion for the field than remuneration. One advantage to an undergrad degree in journalism is that a master's becomes pretty redundant. Nonetheless, for liberal art majors these programs at places like Columbia and Northwestern (both of which are top notch) offer an opportunity to hone skills, network, and establish better opportunities when heading in to the workforce.</p>
<p>Thanks! Would It be possible for me to do the path at Northwestern called the Accelerated Master's Program? Also, how is Boston College in this and I could possibly get a free ride at UGA. Isn't Indiana University- Bloomington good? Would I qualify as instate if my parents still lived there?</p>
<p>Yes IU Bloomington has an excellent J school and as long as you are still considered a dependent you are in state.</p>
<p>lake: Can you rehrase your last part?</p>
<p>OK I'll rephrase - If your parents have their primary residence in Indiana, and you are listed as a dependent on their tax return, you are considered to be in state for tuition, as my daughter is, even though she boarded for high school in another state.</p>
<p>Look into the journalism major requirements though - it might be tough to come in as a junior and still graduate on time. Plus as a transfer you might be giving up some very attractive automatic scholarship money that you can qualify for at IU as a freshman. Is there a particular reason why you want to go to college early?</p>
<p>I just want to get a head start. I don't live in IN anyway.</p>
<p>bump........</p>
<p>well??????????</p>
<p>you do NOT need to major in journalism to become a journalist. I know for a fact, after asking a few professional journalists.</p>
<p>In fact try getting a degree in English, creative writing or communications. Those will give you more options and wont be as restrictive.</p>
<p>If I would get a BFA in acting could I still be a print journalist?</p>