<p>I want to pursue journalism later in life (a la National Geographic, New Yorker, The Atlantic). At most schools there are journalism majors, and I could find no such thing at Duke. I was wondering what I could major in (other than the typical English) at Duke to best prepare me, or should I just do English and wait for Journalism graduate school?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>English would probably be best, but there are courses in other departments that might be helpful. You need to check out the Center for Documentary Studies, not far from East Campus.</p>
<p><a href="http://www-cds.aas.duke.edu/%5B/url%5D">http://www-cds.aas.duke.edu/</a></p>
<p>Keep in mind that UNC Chapel Hill has an excellent journalism program and that you're allowed to take one class per semester there.</p>
<p>Sanford Institute of Public Policy has a Policy Journalism and Media Studies certificate (<a href="http://www.pubpol.duke.edu/centers/dewitt/curriculum-certificate.html)%5B/url%5D">www.pubpol.duke.edu/centers/dewitt/curriculum-certificate.html)</a>. William Raspberry and Judy Woodruff both teach courses as well. There is also a Center for Documentary studies at Duke (<a href="http://cds.aas.duke.edu/)%5B/url%5D">http://cds.aas.duke.edu/)</a>. And, of course, there are plenty of opportunities to write for the Chronicle and Towerview.</p>
<p>Yeah - most people I know who seriously want to do journalism major in English, write for the Chronicle, and get the Policy Journalism & Media Studies certificate. If you REALLY want to look impressive, try to become the editor of the Chronicle - just be forewarned that I've heard (and I'd assume) it's a very demanding job.</p>
<p>really strongly look into the policy journalism and media studies certificate-- im v. familiar with it if you want to pm me any questions. ken rogerson (who runs the program) is the coolest man ever. since it's home is in sanford, public policy studies has a lot of journalism based courses -- which is a major to consider on top of english (but you will need econ and stats).</p>
<p>definitely work for the chronicle. this year's edit staff is incredible, and i'm excited to see what they produce. becoming editor of the chronicle is easier said than done-- there's a rigorous application process (lots of interviews, a 15ish minute formal speech before q&a session and then a multiple hour deliberation by the rest of the staff) and that's before spending your summer before junior year working at the chronicle all summer and taking classes since you have to underload all year.</p>
<p>The Duke Chronicle is a really famous college newspaper (made even more famous because of the LaX situation)</p>
<p>I've seen, on a variety of television shows, reporters and editors and one amusing columnist on Nancy Grace. I think its cool that members of the staff go on TV and argue with famous talking heads. I've seen a reporter on CSpan talking about liberal bias as well on campus. I guess very few of the interviews have been positive in nature, but still impressive to see college age students go on national media.</p>