<p>Hi all. I am planning on being a Journalism major at either Syracuse or Missouri-Columbia in the fall. I was accepted to both (despite being rejected from my top choice of UNC-CH) and am having a very tough time deciding between the two. I was hoping that somebody here could possibly help me determine which one has a better Journalism program. I am most interested in print journalism, but do also have some interest in internet and broadcast. Please let me know if you have any thoughts or insight about either of these programs.</p>
<p>Also, I've kinda dismissed them, but are Penn State and Indiana in the same discussion as these two as far as journalism goes?</p>
<p>Syracuse and Missouri-Columbia are essentially equal when it comes to journalism-they are easily two of the top J-schools in the country. Penn State and Indiana are also good, but they are a step below the first two when it comes to journalism.</p>
<p>Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either Syracuse or Missouri-Columbia. Syracuse is more well known for broadcast, with Missouri well known for print. But honestly you should be fine regardless of which one you go to.</p>
<p>I know it is easier to say than to do, but try to visit the campuses. I don’t know Syracuse’s facilities, but MU has had a very large amount of money donated in recent years to the J-school and it shows in the facilities. The J-school operates its own television station, broadcasting throughout the region, so broadcast students have good opportunity for hands-on training.</p>
<p>FWIW, my niece’s husband transferred out of Syracuse to attend MU and major in broadcast. He has been working in the field for some time now, has a position as a reporter/anchor with a TV station in a mid-size urban market. (The hours really stink, but I guess you know that going in…)</p>
<p>FWIW, when I visited Syracuse last year I got a good look at their J-school facilities. Last year they opened their third journalism school building, Newhouse III, and that place is insane. Really high-tech, nicely designed, and right in the heart of campus. Of course, Newhouse I and Newhouse II are still there as well. Like MU, Syracuse operates its own TV station and also a radio station I believe.</p>
<p>My daughter is at Newhouse; did not apply to UMissouri but you may want to contact geezermom by PM; her son is there and chose it over Newhouse…</p>
<p>as others have mentioned, Newhouse is very strong in broadcast as well as advertising/public relations…but UMissouri is apparently amazing for journalism, especially if one wants to be in the midwest; they are apparently 100% tied in to all the TV, newspapers and radio stations for miles around and are actually funded by some of them</p>
<p>So, if you were my child, I would tell you the following: if you ABSOLUTELY want to be in NYC after graduation, Newhouse’ alumni network would probably win out…If you want to be in the midwest or elsewhere, UMissouri is amazing…GL</p>
<p>I plan on visiting Mizzou within the next month or so. I have already visited Syracuse. Newhouse seems extremely high-tech and the campus is pretty nice. As someone more interested in print, however, I don’t care as much about all of the fancy computer labs as some of the broadcast majors/graphics people might. Still, I liked what I saw at SU. </p>
<p>2 Factors that really play into my decision as well:</p>
<p>-Syracuse is significantly more expensive
-I live on Long Island, so while Syracuse is a few hours by car, Mizzou is a major trek.</p>
<p>^^^And as you will discover, Columbia does not have a major airport, so transportation may be a big factor for you. There is a local airport that is trying yet another carrier, and I gather it is more successful than other recent attempts, but ALL flights go through Memphis. If you want direct or non-stop flights east, you need to trek down I-70 to St. Louis (or Kansas City).</p>
<p>Columbia is quite nice as college towns go. (I’ve lived in a lot of them.) Most students do not find it hard to stay entertained. However, it is two hours east or west to a larger urban area. Some easterners find that hard to take, while others enjoy the change of pace. Glad to hear you plan to visit, though.</p>
<p>Not really sure to be perfectly honest. I guess it would be nice to know that I’d be able to stay in NY if I decide that’s what I want, but I’m not sure.</p>
<p>The Missouri alumni network is much bigger than the Midwest. You can check the journalism school’s website to get an idea of where alumni are working. For internships, there are Washington and New York programs, as well as an extensive study abroad program. If you want to return to the New York area after college or have internships in NYC, you wouldn’t have a problem finding contacts.</p>
<p>^^ I should have added that Syracuse also has an excellent alumni network. I just didn’t want the OP to think that Mizzou only opens doors in the Midwest. Nothing against the Midwest–spouse of Midwesterner here!–but maybe the OP wants wider options.</p>
<p>btw, had no idea there were no direct flights into Columbia, MO…sounds like similar situation for east coasters who attend Arizona where they eliminated all direct flights to TUscon recently…just a minor consideration, though, for most…hi geezermom!! Hope all is well!!</p>
<p>Eliza: as a matter of fact, no…my knowledge is really limited to geezermom’s posting and a mention of UMizz by the dean of Newhouse last year…this school is definitely not on the radar around these parts of NJ…anybody know why???</p>
<p>UPDATE: I just scheduled my visit to Mizzou for a “Meet Mizzou Day” on 4/18. I’m hoping this will give me a better idea what it’s like there. I am absolutely ecstatic</p>
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<p>It is absolutely not on the radar on Long Island either. If I go to Mizzou, I will be the first in my high school’s history. When I told my guidance counselor I was applying, he literally laughed in my face. Everyone else I’ve told has either laughed or given me puzzled looks. And my favorite is this conversation I had with a kid from school today…</p>
<p>Him: So I heard you got into Newhouse…are you going?
Me: Maybe…I’m choosing between Syracuse and Mizzou
Him: What the hell is Mizzou
Me: Missouri
Him: MISSOURI?! Is that a joke?
Me: It’s a great journalism program
Him: IT’S IN MISSOURI! ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?!</p>
<p>So needless to say, it is not on the radar at all around here either.</p>
<p>Question: Does anybody have any idea about the level of overall academics at either/both of these schools? I was shocked to see an acceptance rate up around 85% for Mizzou, but both schools have about the same SAT range according to the sites I’ve seen. Syracuse is ranked 53 on the U.S. News Rankings, while Mizzou is ranked 96. Should any of these numbers factor into my decision?</p>
<p>Missouri journalism school freshmen have higher numbers than the university average. I’m not aware that they publish the specific information, but you might try asking them when you visit in April. Personally, I’m not big on rankings, especially with large universities where the quality of schools and departments may vary a lot. My son says he has been satisfied with the academics so far.</p>
<p>I’m going to rain on this parade a bit. D goes to Mizzou. One of her best friends is a graduating journalism major who can’t find a job. She says that she and her graduating journalism friends are praying that they will find jobs that pay $12.00 an hour, and she has no idea how she is going to pay back her 40k in loans.</p>
<p>She says that she wishes she would have double majored in journalism and business to give herself more options. </p>
<p>After we heard this, my husband and I pushed hard for my stepson, a journalism major with only fair grades at South Dakota Sate, to pick up a minor. He is minoring in desktop publishing.</p>
<p>Not trying to be a dream killer here. If journalism is your passion, go to Mizzou, but consider a double major to really be ready to take advantage of your education and make a living.</p>