<p>I intend to double major, with one degree in the realm of social studies (Political Science, Anthropology, or International Studies), and the other being either English or Journalism. My end goal is to be a journalist, but I am not entirely sure if I want to major in journalism. I have taken journalism courses throughout my high school career, and according to some returning college students from my school, journalism courses in college repeat much of what they learned in high school. What I love about journalism is the ideas that it can convey, not so much the study of journalism itself (the inverted pyramid, the Journalism Code of Ethics, AP Style, etc--which I am already familar with). I think that a major in English would be more personally-rewarding, because reading and analyzing literature really energizes me. At least from my experience in high school, I haven't found journalism to be nearly as fascinating nor as mentally-stimulating as my English classes. Since my dream is to be a journalist, however, my worry is that I might be not as competitive of a candidate for journalism jobs without a degree in this area. Since this is the age of "new journalism" I know I need to be competant in film and web, neither of which are my areas of expertise. A journalism degree could help me hone these abilities. I know traditionally, many English majors have gone on to become journalists, but with the competition in the field today, is this still a feasible plan? Do English majors have the same level of success landing internships at publications as a journalism major would? For people who have been there or are currently wrestling with the decision, is an English degree or a journalism degree the better route to a position in journalism?</p>
<p>I suppose it depends on how good you are and where you want to practice your craft—for good journalists/writers at the best publications, it probably doesn’t matter what they majored in. Perhaps, you should check out the bios of the reporters for media that interest you. I know for top broadcast outlets (e.g., CNN [CNN</a> Programs - Anchors/Reporters](<a href=“http://www.cnn.com/CNN/anchors_reporters/]CNN”>http://www.cnn.com/CNN/anchors_reporters/)), their folks majored in a broad range of fields. I suspect it’s similar for top print media (e.g., NYT). If you’re thinking in terms of local media, the j degree might give an edge in the beginning. Of course, these days, it helps to have some internships and a good portfolio.</p>
<p>Have you considered a creative writing (creative nonfiction) track within an English major? You could still take some journalism courses as electives. Even some Ivys (e.g., Princeton <a href=“http://www.princeton.edu/ua/departmentsprograms.uahus/[/url]”>http://www.princeton.edu/ua/departmentsprograms.uahus/</a>, Yale [Yale</a> Journalism Initiative | Yale College](<a href=“http://yalecollege.yale.edu/content/yale-journalism-initiative]Yale”>http://yalecollege.yale.edu/content/yale-journalism-initiative)), which don’t offer journalism majors, have sneaked some j courses in the backdoor.</p>
<p>What schools are you considering? At many schools, you certainly don’t have to be a major to take classes within the J department. I would suggest that you do get to know the faculty and the resources they have available to you, which should help you get internships and make connections. If you prefer English lit as a student, than by all means be an English major. Just know that you don’t have to choose between the two. No one will fault you on a job interview for being an English major rather than journo, especially if you can write on your resume that you took “a concentration of classes” within the J department.</p>
<p>I’m in the same boat as you…albeit 10 years older than you and 2nd time around for school for me. I’m doing English with Political Science minor. I have already done some editorial pieces, as well as IT, I am mostly trying to improve my writing quality and gain more knowledge of the topic I plan to write about. This would be mostly catered toward magazine/feature journalism, topics of social welfare, international relations, american politics, etc. I am more interested in doing this freelance and traveling for several places than holding down a 9-5 at a newspaper for instance, so taking on future J School debt is not really an option for me. An English degree from a good school would tell a future employer about your writing quality much more so than a Journalism or Communications degree in my opinion. But, to even get work, they like to see the degree as well as good clips. I am transitioning out of IT into journalism. Personally I think you can pick up the web stuff on the side and wouldn’t pay classes for it unless you are going to be paying anyway and need them to fill your electives… (it changes too fast anyhow) I generally do not like the “corp 9-5 stuff” and think I would dislike the restraints of academia as well… so that all led me to my decision. Maybe you have similar views, a lot of journalists do.</p>
<p>To summarize it for you, if I had to recommend, given my research and own interest in the subject. I would pull the English/Political Science major, and throw in journalism and web development classes on the side. Just so you are familiar with the standards, know how to use basic programs beyond generally knowledge, etc. Definitely focus rest of your time on building your portfolio, possibly already getting paid for some of it.</p>
<p>Just thought I would share</p>