<p>I went to OSU for a year (as a comp sci student) and am now looking to major in English/journalism at a good journalism school somewhere in Ohio (besides OU). Right now I'm looking at Miami, Bowling Green, Kent State, and OSU. Kinda iffy on OSU since it's J-school has been going downhill (imo) for some time. Then it lost its accreditation and was absorbed into the communication school (cosmetic maybe, but ominously indicative). I'm interested in copy editing (maybe for publishing companies, maybe for newspapers) and I want to at least get some experience wherever I end up going, be it through internships or student media.</p>
<p>So of the 4 programs above, do any stand out from the others in overall quality? Are there any other programs (in Ohio, besides OU) I should be considering? Do any of them offer more internship or student media opportunities than the others? Would any of them offer any advantages to a wannabe copy editor as far as internships, curriculum, etc?</p>
<p>And just to be clear, I'm not asking for a handout. I'm reading up on each program online and will probably be visiting each and/or speaking with advisors/professors. But any advice you can offer (especially in regards to the above questions) will be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>The world is yours if you want to be a copy editor and have godd skills and some student newspaper or magazine experience. Copy editors are at the top of newspaper recruiters' lists. As long as you attend an accredited journalism program, you should be fine. Also look up the organization "ACES," which is the copy editing association, and look up the "Dow Jones Newspaper Fund internships." You should be able to get excellent advice from both places.</p>
<p>When you visit the colleges, take a close look at their student publications. It's best to be able to work on a daily (not weekly) student newspaper. Find out if their publications are award-winning, and learn where their students go on internships and for entry-level jobs. Also get advice from the copy desk chiefs at major newspapers in your state.</p>
<p>You might take a look at Kenyon. Although they don't have a journalism program, their English program is very well respected and offers some excellent copy editing opportunities (Kenyon review, student newspaper).</p>
<p>I'm just curious about why you dismiss OU, since the Scripps School of Journalism is very well regarded. Depending on who's doing the ranking, it consistently appears in the Top 10 (AP) or the top 5 (Magazine Writers Assn). Unlike many other depts at OU, there is a higher proportion of out-of-state students (because of the reputation).</p>
<p>Oh no, I understand that OU is a very very good journalism school. But even as a senior in high school it would have been difficult to get in there. And now with my not-so-good gpa at OSU, transferring would be even harder. And then I'd have to compete to get on staff at one of their newspapers/publications. I'm fine with competition, but not with some of the most die-hard journalism students in the country, especially when I'm not even sure yet if I want to end up in journalism (as a career).</p>
<p>At virtually any student or professional newspaper, there is always room for a good copy editor. You should not be afraid of the competition at OU. They'd probably welcome you on their staff.</p>
<p>If you try it out and don't like journalism, there are plenty of careers that welcome people with excellent grammar, research and writing skills. Your copy editing and journalism experience could open the door to, for instance, careers in law, business or advertising.</p>