<p>I’d say it’s good for journalists to have a background in an area i.e. history, bio whatever over having a strict journalism education as an undergrad. Look at Charlie Rose for ex. he tried business and law schools and, before that was heavy into politics. Having that understanding of those fields is part of why he’s a great journalist. </p>
<p>You have to know what you’re talking about or, at least you used to. As the Scarecrow said: It seems a lot of people doin’ a lot of talkin ain’t doin a lot of thinkin.</p>
<p>On journalism: If you look at writing in a very narrow way [I.E. I want to write for a paper or, be on TV] it will be harder than saying I’d like to take these skills and apply them to something I find compelling. </p>
<p>Again - Do consider that as NSM said most students in a period of exploration change their minds (or, if she’s been dedicated to this since age X, then maybe not).</p>
<p>I went to grad school for Journalism at USC back in the 80’s with full tuition and a generous living stipend in exchange for teaching one section of Freshman Composition each semester. Have no idea if that would still be possible, but I’m sure there are still freshmen taking that class, and someone has to teach it.</p>
<p>Has she looked at the Television and Broadcast Journalism program at Chapman University in Orange? It’s part of the recently built Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. At least in film, I know that Chapman has forged strong ties with the industry in L.A. for internships and placement. </p>
<p>As a graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism, I can answer some of the questions here. Yes, Mizzou still owns the local NBC affiliate TV station, as well as the local NPR station and a daily citywide morning newspaper that competes with a privately-owned afternoon paper.The “Missouri method” has always been to provide journalism students with a real, hands-on experience for credit and to hire former professional journalists as instructors.</p>
<p>That being said, the daily newspaper is in financial jeopardy. The University wants it to be profitable which is laughable in this day and age for nearly any newspaper. J-School student, faculty and alumni consider it a “laboratory” for the major. Lab labs in other majors aren’t required to break even, so why the J-School’s “lab?”</p>
<p>Stepping off my soapbox now…</p>
<p>The fastest growing major in the school is convergence media. In this major, students cover a story for both print, broadcast and Web use. They are prepared for all methods of reporting, writing and production.</p>
<p>The school does not begin until junior year, but incoming freshmen can guarantee admission by entering with a 29 ACT and maintaining a 3.0 average during their first two years. Without the 29, you can still gain admission as a junior but it is not guaranteed.</p>
<p>The “Mizzou Mafia” in the nickname for the network of graduates who prefer to hire other graduates. Thirty-three years my graduation, I can still attest to the effectiveness of the “Mafia.”</p>
<p>Mizzou’s J-School is an awesome program. But it’s not the only way to go. My cousin is a senior correspondent for CNN and attended a small single-sex liberal arts college with no journalism program. You need excellent writing skills, an inquistive mind, an attention to detail, the ability to work under deadline–and thick skin.</p>