Effective Fall 2025, DGS will become the Division of Exploratory Studies. Same mission; new name.

Journalism

Major Description

Journalism prepares students for varied and long-term careers in areas such as newspaper, magazine, broadcast, and online journalism. The primary professional aim is to train students as public affairs journalists by providing them with the skills, knowledge, and understanding required for success. The department aspires to prepare broadly educated professionals who eventually assume decision-making and leadership roles.

Courses That Introduce the Major:
  • JOUR 101—Interactive Media and You
  • JOUR 200—Introduction to Journalism

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities:

Journalism graduates are prepared to translate their work through the multimedia platforms of today and the emerging technologies of tomorrow.

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  • Computer skills
  • Gathering information and data
  • Interviewing skills
  • Investigative skills
  • Negotiating skills
  • Oral presentation skills
  • Working as a team
  • Working with deadlines
  • Writing skills
  • Multimedia reporters
  • Producers
  • Editors and writers for online publications, newspapers, magazines, television and radio programs
  • Web designers
  • Corporate communications specialists
  • Public relations
  • Corporate business and technical writers
  • Political consultants
  • Speechwriters

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience:
  • Participating in undergraduate research
  • Applying for a study abroad experience
  • Utilizing resources of The Career Center
  • Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
    • National Association of Black Journalists: works to improve the quality of news coverage by promoting diversity and ethical reporting.
    • Society of Professional Journalists: provides student journalists with networking, internship and future job opportunities. SPJ offers a place to socialize and connect with the campus' journalism community, as well as supplements classroom work through extracurricular opportunity to practice journalism skills.
    • The Daily Illini: The Daily Illini provides the campus community with its No. 1 source for news, sports, commentary and opinion in print twice a week and online. With its award-winning website, The Daily Illini covers campus 24/7. Students have the opportunity to gain experience through reporting, writing, editing and selling advertising with this campus publication.
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Further Information:

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Journalism.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Journalism.  These organizations include News Leaders AssociationNews/Media Alliance, and National Press Photographers Association.