College Life

Private Schools That Are Well Known for This Major

• Boston University
• Northwestern University
• Washington and Lee University
• George Washington University
• University of Southern California

State Schools That Are Well Known for This Major

• University of California—Irvine
• Ohio State University
• Michigan State University
• Indiana University Bloomington
• University of Wisconsin—Madison

Classes in the Major

Journalism Ethics. Chances are you've seen a movie where someone "won't reveal their sources." What's the big deal? Isn't that what a bibliography is for? No, not those sources. Journalists abide by a code of ethics that will be covered in these courses. Sure, some are actual laws (about libel, slander, and all that fun stuff), while others are simply part of the integrity of journalists. Especially when it comes to big stories, people who give info to journalists often don't want to be named to protect themselves. They only agree to talk to journalists knowing they can remain anonymous. It might not seem like a big deal now, but believe us, if you want to make it as a journalist, it will be. If there's one rule you never break, it's this rule.

Digital Media and Culture. Imagine a world without technology. Go ahead. We'll wait. Without technology, you couldn't read Shmoop, check your iPhone, or post a new Tweet. Our lives would be totally different. Journalism majors need tech to research and get the word out when they write an article. These courses will help you understand the way technology is everywhere in today's society. It will also ask big questions about the effect of these emerging online worlds on popular culture. Journalism has changed a lot over the past twenty years with the changes in the digital world, and these courses will help you wrap your brain around it.

Writing. Okay, okay, so we bet you already know what writing is. But maybe you're not familiar with the writing courses you'll be required to take for a journalism degree. These will hone in on your writing skills and ask you to improve them to become even better. Plus, you'll have to practice writing for different audiences and mediums. You wouldn't use the same language and tone in a letter to your grandma as you would in say, a Tweet about your vacation, would you? Figuring out the best way to reach your audience through writing is key for journalism students.

Communication Studies. Where would we be without language? How would we order pizza, or complain about the hairy guy down the street that mows his lawn shirtless every Sunday? Yech. These sorts of questions—and many, many more—will be discussed in your communications classes. You'll learn about the rhetorical concepts and development of speech skills. Your professors will discuss the principles of argumentation, conflict resolution, and interpersonal relationships. If you're going to call yourself a Journalist, you'll need to learn how to communicate in diverse situations, and then some.

Sociology. We here at Shmoop think that the world would be a little bit better if everyone took a sociology course. Seriously, sociology takes ignorance and drop-kicks it over the fence. Journalism majors cannot be left in the dark about social issues—they need to know that our prison system isn't all it's cracked up to be, and what "reverse racism" is and who thinks it's a silly idea and why. Journalists are in a certain position where they have the responsibility of providing well-informed, researched opinions to the masses. Taking sociology classes makes for an excellent journalism student.

Political Science. As a journalist, you have to have a basic understanding about political science. Why? Just say you're reporting on the latest bill being signed or the new political party emerging in backwoods Midwest. You'll need to know the history and language of political science before writing an article or standing in front of a camera to talk about them. Otherwise, you'll just look ignorant. Don't worry, you'll quickly learn the lingo of constitutionalism, democracy, and leadership. These courses are particularly helpful for grads who want to head over to the law world when they're done with college.