questions and quandries in regards to Journalism

<p>Hello,
I just transfered from a California Community College into UC Berkeley at the junior undergraduate level. Very recently, I've become interested in going to graduate school for journalism, whether it be at Berkeley, Columbia, or some other top-notch school. Right now, I'm planning a undergraduate Rhetoric major at Berkeley, and I'm wondering if this will help or limit my chance to get in to a journalism program at all. While a rhetoric program would sharpen my critical thinking and writing skills, I'm afraid that I would be seen as a canidate that has a degree in persuasion, and that would be a negative thing for a journalist. </p>

<p>I'm more interested in Rhetoric because I think it will help me avoid manipulation in my writing, and help me more with critical thinking then a typical English major would. In a way, I feel like it will help me gain confidence in my writing.</p>

<p>Oh, I was also wondering, would joining the peace corps after the undergrad year, and then applying to Grad school after two years abroad help, or hinder?</p>

<p>I think the peace corps would greatly benefit your resume. EC's never hurt. Also, I don't believe that graduate programs discriminate in favor or against certain majors. If you're pursuing a degree in Rhetoric, that's only going to benefit your preparation and confidence level for entering a top journalism program.</p>