Journalism VS English Major

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I am unsure about whether I should become an author or a journalist. I love writing fictional stories, and I've enjoyed writing for Yearbook all four years. My English grades have all been in the A range.
Would an undergrad English major be more useful for me, since I'm slightly unsure? And are there any good colleges for either that I should take a look at? Here are my stats:
SAT: 1950
ACT: 31
GPA: unweighted is around 3.5, weighted is around 3.7</p>

<p>(Also, a smaller question...for the Common App, should I report both my SAT and ACT scores, or just my ACT score? Thank you!)</p>

2

<p>Both involve writing but are very different tracks. Both can result in great success or financial hardship, regardless of talent.</p>

<p>I can only suggest you pick the one you think you would like best, then switch if it doesn’t work out. I will relate W’s story - great writer, she started out in journalism, found the writing style very restrictive, switched to communications, and wound up with a law degree, where she writes corporate contracts all day for big dollars, though it’s not exactly scintillating reading. But she enjoys it. And when entering college she never, ever planned on going to law school. YMMV.</p>

3

<p>You can be a journalist with an English degree; regardless, you can always change your major.</p>

<p>Strong J schools include University of Missouri, Ohio University, Northwestern, Washington & Lee, Syracuse, University of Oregon, and University of Florida. Many, many others aside from that. Here’s a great list: [50</a> Best Journalism Schools and Programs at U.S. Colleges and Universities [Updated for 2013] : College Media Matters](<a href=“http://www.collegemediamatters.com/2012/12/04/50-best-journalism-schools-and-programs-at-u-s-colleges-and-universities-updated-for-2013/]50”>http://www.collegemediamatters.com/2012/12/04/50-best-journalism-schools-and-programs-at-u-s-colleges-and-universities-updated-for-2013/).</p>

4

<p>Former English major here, who’s been gainfully employed (for the most part) for the past 30+ years. In my experience, whether you major in English or journalism is less important than how much it costs you and what other coursework you take while in school. </p>

<p>I am the opposite of MrMom’s DW. Majored in English planning to go to law school, re-thought that decision when I realized how much debt I’d accrue, and instead loaded up on the most rigorous business, sociology and psychology courses I could handle to complement my English degree. </p>

<p>You may one day fulfill your dream of being a successful writer and/or journalist, but the odds are long and the pay, in general, is bad. My advice: Don’t saddle yourself with a lot of debt, pursue your goals, but hedge your bets! If you’re good at math/science, consider a minor or double majoring in math/economics/statistics.</p>

<p>I’ve had a wonderful career in nonprofit development, where almost all my coursework was relevant. Dream big, but be smart. There are plenty of jobs out there for good writers, but you likely will need to bring more to the table than just a degree in English or journalism.</p>