Leading Journalism Colleges and Schools in the United States
Higher Education Articles January 8, 2013Aspiring journalists can earn a bachelor, master or doctoral degree in journalism at various schools in the United States. Coursework in these programs covers different forms of mass communication including radio, television and newspapers. Over one hundred programs across the nation are accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications. In this article, we will look at some of the leading journalism colleges and schools in the United States.
Northwestern University – Evanston, Illinois
This four-year private school has about 21,000 enrolled students, of whom, about 9,500 are doing undergraduate programs. Located in Illinois, to the north of Chicago, Northwestern University was rated the 12th best in the United states, in 2012 (source: U.S. News and World Report). A one-year Master of Science in Journalism (MSJ) and a four-year Bachelor of Science in Journalism (BSJ) are among the programs offered at the Medill School of Journalism that was founded ninety-one years ago. Coursework includes subjects such as multimedia storytelling, quantitative skills, and ethics. Hands-on experience is imparted to students in their sophomore year. Students can garner experience in digital, broadcast, web and print media and have the opportunity to take part in internationals residency reporting programs offered at the school. Majors such as broadcast journalism, videography, interactive publishing, reporting, editing and magazine writing are available to graduate students.
University of Maryland – College Park, Maryland (UMD)
This public school, founded in 1856 is located in a suburban setting. About 38,000 students are enrolled at the University of Maryland, of whom, about 27,000 are undergraduates. The school was rated the 17th best in the United States among the best schools in 2012 (source: U.S. News and World Report). It was also rated 8th among up-and-coming educational institutions. Doctor of Philosophy in Journalism, Master of Arts in Journalism, Master of Journalism and Bachelor of Arts degree programs are offered at the Philip Merrill College of Journalism. Coursework includes training on producing and editing content in diverse media, reporting and news writing. The master degree programs are highly sought after, and the college restricts enrollments in each fall and spring semester to eighteen. Students who qualify for the Ph.D. program can get the requirement for a master degree waived. Participation in the school’s cable television station, a daily wire service and the Capital News service are among the hands on experience options available to students.
Columbia University – New York, New York
This is the only Ivy League school in the United States that offers a master degree program in journalism. Columbia University was rated the 4th best in the United States among national universities in 2012 (source: U.S. News and World Report). This school, founded in 1754, has about 26,000 students enrolled, of whom, about 8,000 are undergraduates. Ph.D., Master of Arts and Master of Science degree programs are offered at this urban non-profit school located in New York City, which offers study abroad and dual degree options.
A List of Excellent Journalism Colleges and Schools
| School Name | Location |
| Columbia University | New York, New York |
| Indiana University – Bloomington | Bloomington, Indiana |
| Northwestern University | Evanston, Illinois |
| Ohio University | Athens, Ohio |
| Syracuse University | Syracuse, New York |
| The University of Georgia | Athens, Georgia |
| The University of Kansas | Lawrence, Kansas |
| University of Maryland – College Park | College Park, Maryland |
| University of Missouri | Columbia, Missouri |
| University of Southern California | Los Angeles, California |
