Journalism (B.S. or B.A.)
Why Study Journalism at NIU?
As a student in our journalism program, you’ll experience a broad-based liberal arts education combined with an array of skills and theory courses. Our students have a high degree of success in obtaining internships and professional positions through our vast network of alumni (approximately 5,000 journalism and public relations) and organizations such as the Northern Illinois Newspaper Association.
A journalism major will prepare you to work in a multimedia and multicultural environment, practice ethics in communication and maintain the professional standards of journalism.
Careers with a Journalism Degree
Depending on the classes you choose, you may pursue a career in broadcasting, print journalism, photojournalism or public relations. With a journalism career, you can travel, meet people and be on the forefront of breaking news and popular culture.
Journalism Faculty
Our dedicated faculty specialize in a variety of fields, such as:
- International Communication
- Sports Journalism
- Media Sociology
- Strategic Communications
- Public Relations
- Social Media
- Automated Journalism
Hands-on Learning Opportunities
You can personalize your course of study by choosing from a variety of classes including newswriting, press photography, broadcast news and media management. We offer special-topics courses in journalism and public relations, and you can work individually with faculty members in independent study courses.
Outside of the classroom, you can join several journalistic and/or public relations advocacy organizations such as:
- National Association of Black Journalists
- Students in the Illinois News Broadcasters Association
- Public Relations Student Society of America
Want to see your name in print? Work at our student-run newspaper, The Northern Star, and apply your writing, photography or editing skills every day.