<p>So, Im seriously considering applying to Columbia because I heard that it's a pretty good place for journalism. However, after some research, I discovered that you can't really "major" in journalism until graduate school. Is that true?</p>
<p>But if you can, what should I put for the why Columbia question? Especially considering journalism?</p>
<p>thanks!</p>
<p>Yes, no jrn major. You should give some serious thought about why you actually want to go to Columbia if they don't even have what you want to major in, not go on a message board and ask people how to fill out the application.</p>
<p>i want to do journalism too, but know they don't have it.. i didn't mention it in my "why columbia" b/c i ran out of room. but even though its not a major, if i'm lucky enough to be accepted i would major in english. it would help w/ writing and such. plus, when i visited the tour guide mentioned that although it's not a major, you can take courses at the journalism graduate school as an undergrad. plus, with all of the internships available in the city, columbia would be a good place to get started. sure schools like NYU has journalism as well, but theyre too much in the city for me.. that's why i like columbia (b/c it actually has a college campus)</p>
<p>They do have a great graduate school for Journalism though. I applied ED, and I think what drew me was the opportunity. From what I understand there are tons of different internships and undergraduate programs offered to students, and you can be a part of them while you are studying so by the time you graduate you will probably have a job in the field. Columbia just has so many connections.</p>
<p>exactly, so i don't understand why they DON'T offer it as a major? Is there any particular reason?</p>
<p>What majors did you all put in place of journalism? undecided?</p>
<p>And would it be inadvisable to talk about journalism in the interview?</p>
<p>You don't have to major in journalism to get into journalism...actually, many journalists have said that a major in journalism may not actually be the best thing. Any major that has you reading and writing a LOT would be a good major. Also, depending on what kind of journalism you'd like to get into, it could be good to major in that field (if you want to be a foreign correspondent or write on political matters, political science? or if you want to write about the economy or do economic news, economics? if you want to be a science writer, psychology or one of the natural sciences?).</p>
<p>The most important thing for getting into journalism is your portfolio/proven writing ability and experience/connections/internships. New York is the place to be in that regard; there are tons of journalism internships here in all media (broadcast, print, new media, etc). The school of journalism will be good in helping you find connections and internships, and like you mentioned, you can take graduate courses while you are an undergrad. Definitely get on the Spec or another print medium here if you want to go into traditional print journalism, and write write write write write. Collect your best clippings/articles into a portfolio and start looking for internships in the late winter/early spring. Many deadlines come in February and early March.</p>