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Journalism

College of Media

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What is Journalism?

Journalism is the process of gathering, verifying, and sharing news across a wide variety of platforms. These platforms range from television, radio, and newspapers to websites and mobile devices. In this major, you'll learn the skills required to succeed as a journalist and the news media's role in democratic life. Our program places a heavy emphasis on real-world, hands-on experience. This includes working at campus and local news outlets and on special projects with faculty and fellow students.

Career Options

  • Corporate communications
  • Editing & writing
  • Graphics & web design
  • Investigative reporting
  • Multimedia storytelling
  • Public relations
  • Political consulting
  • Speech writing
  • Sports reporting
  • Television & radio producing

Post-Graduation Success1

83% employed or continuing education

70% employed after graduation

13% attending graduate school

$35,828 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Leo Burnett, Mediacom Worldwide, Yelp View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, Chicago-Kent College of Law View All

Program Resources

College of Media Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

  • Strong English and humanities coursework and performance
  • AP English Language or AP English Literature preferred (if available at high school)
  • Experience in newspaper, yearbook, broadcasting, blogging, or using social media for promotion

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Guide

Graduation & Retention2

3.7 years to degree

92% first-year retention rate

80% four-year graduation rate

84% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $13,492
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,222
  • Total: $36,642

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $32,612
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses:$18,562
  • Total: $56,102

International

  • Tuition: $33,560
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,562
  • Total: $57,050

Related Majors

1 Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

2 Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

3 "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.

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