<ol>
<li><p>Many journalism majors double major. I think it is safe to say that almost all of the very best J-students double major. Economics is a popular double major, but certainly not the only one.</p></li>
<li><p>The biggest draw of out-of-state students of all programs on campus is the journalism school--by far. As a group, journalism students are the strongest students. I recommend making sure you enroll in the honors program, so that at least some of your basic liberal arts courses are available in small class/seminar form.</p></li>
<li><p>The acceptance rate for MU is very high because political considerations prevent MU from restricting access to its flagship campus. It is a controversial issue. </p></li>
<li><p>The picture for jobs in journalism is pretty dismal at the moment. I'm sure the OP is aware that the situation for print media is extremely volatile now. Smart students will put their academic program together with a clear eye on the future, and make sure they have options.</p></li>
<li><p>Wherever you decide to go, make a point of getting to know some professors in non-journalism fields. (Remember, honors college.) Some of them are very good sources for internship recommendations that will combine journalism with applied fields.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Enjoy your trip to Columbia. Shakespeare's for pizza, Flat Branch Brewery for a wide variety of fare and outdoor seating, Heidelberg for burgers, Kaldi's for coffee....lots of other restaurants and coffee shops within easy walking distance of the J-school. Actually, the J-school abuts the downtown. And don't forget the Candy Factory for homemade chocolates, also downtown. </p>
<p>Final note: I find it hard to believe MU's journalism school is unknown anywhere among those in the business. I guess the world is changing quickly, but back in the days when all broadcast news was via the big networks, the vast majority of anchors and reporters were MU J-school grads.</p>
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[quote]
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?!
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Just had to respond to this, after all. I spent most of my adult like on the east coast, getting multiple degrees and researching and teaching at universities. Eventually, I got sick of this sort of foolish, narrow-minded parochialism and returned to the midwest.</p>
<p>I sincerely hope the OP makes an informed decision without resorting to the sort of regional prejudices that are rampant in parts of the northeast.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I sincerely hope the OP makes an informed decision without resorting to the sort of regional prejudices that are rampant in parts of the northeast.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Trust me....I plan on it. People are speechless when I tell them I might pass up Newhouse for some school in Missouri. But I really think Mizzou could be an awesome experience. I'm being very open-minded about it. Much more so than my mother.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I'm a former SU student (transferred out) who knows a lot about the school. What type of insight are you looking for?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I was really just wondering about the Newhouse curriculum and the overall experience of being a student there. One thing that jumped out at me was that at Syracuse you are a "Newspaper" or "Magazine" major as opposed to being a "Print Journalism" major at Mizzou. Do you think this limit's the graduate's options coming out of school? Also, it seems tough to take more than one Newhouse class per semester at Cuse. Is this the case? What kind of access do incoming freshmen have to the school's various media outlets (newspaper, radio station, etc.)? </p>
<p>What is the overall experience like at Syracuse, etc. All of your help would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>The J-school at Missouri does offer plenty of jobs even in this environment. Four of my friends, all j-school grads finishing off in May are headed to different major companies at competitive salaries that surprised me.</p>
<p>Just to update everyone (/bump the thread I suppose), I figured I’d let you all know that I visited Missouri over the weekend and I am beyond impressed. The campus and town were both amazing and the journalism program seems remarkable. A lot of the things that I wasn’t so sold on about Syracuse was right on the mark at Mizzou. Seems like a really cool place and an exciting place to be. </p>
<p>That said, my decision is not made yet. Making a second and more extensive visit to Syracuse next Monday. I didn’t think I was going to get into Newhouse when I went, so I didn’t put a lot into the visit. Now I’ll be checking out the surrounding area and spending the same amount of time there as I did at Mizzou.</p>
<p>I would still love some more opinions/insight if anybody has anything valuable to add. Thanks again for everyone’s input already.</p>
<p>Gee, the weather in Columbia was really bad all weekend. It is a pretty good sign that you enjoyed the town and campus despite the crummy weather. </p>
<p>Well, I got in on Friday and it was absolutley gorgeous weather so I guess that set a good tone. That said, maybe I’m biased against Syracuse because it was a blizzard the first time I went up. Guess another visit will “level the playing field”.</p>
<p>A slight concern of mine (and many other people in my position) is the difference between the overall academics at Syracuse and those at Mizzou, which are widely considered to be inferior. If I do attend Mizzou, however, I will be in the honors program, which should bolster the quality of my academic experience. Any thoughts on the overall academics/honors program?</p>
<p>If you take advantage of the honors sections of what would otherwise be huge lectures during your freshman year, I think you will not be disappointed. Once you get past freshman year, there should be a lot of upper level choices, and the students are pretty much self-selected. Will every student you meet fulfill your expectations? No. But there will be plenty who will.</p>
<p>My S would agree with midmo on this, and also on honors sections. I don’t think that overall, Syracuse is “widely considered” to be dramatically better than Mizzou in academics. (I am not a believer in rankings.) My S has had some good teachers and a smart, engaged group of friends.</p>