Journalism

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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

85% employed or continuing education

71% employed after graduation

14% attending graduate school

$44,058 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: WCIA, Epic Systems, Digitas, ANA Educational Foundation, Cobalt Digital, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, WFRV, NBCUniversal, Lisinski Law Firm, WGN-TV View All

Sample grad school destinations: Insufficient survey data is available for sample grad school destinations. 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 Handbook

Graduation & Retention²

3.8 years to degree

100% returned for second year

87% graduated within 4 years

87% graduated within 6 years

Annual Program Costs³

Illinois Resident

Tuition: $14,032
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,558
Total: $38,772

Non-Resident

Tuition: $36,708
Fees: $5,182
Expenses:$19,898
Total: $61,788

International

Tuition: $37,750
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,898
Total: $62,830

Related Majors

Advertising - COM

Communication - LAS

Information Sciences - SIS

Media and Cinema Studies - COM

Political Science - LAS

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. 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.