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Top Journalism
graduate schools

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Top Journalism graduate schools

Looking for the top Journalism graduate schools? We put together a comprehensive list of the best graduate programs for Journalism, and put the results below. We include the acceptance rate, average GRE scores, and a brief description of each - all the information you need to kick start your research. Read on!

Columbia University Journalism school acceptance rate

Columbia University Journalism
ajay_suresh / Wikimedia Commons / "Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism - Pulitzer Hall" / CC BY 2.0
The Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, founded in 1912, is located in Pulitzer Hall on Columbia's Morningside Heights campus in New York City. It is one of the oldest journalism schools globally and the only Ivy League journalism school. The school offers four graduate degree programs and shares facilities with the Pulitzer Prizes. It also administers other prestigious awards such as the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award and co-sponsors the National Magazine Awards. The school is home to various centers focusing on digital journalism, media innovation, and journalism and trauma. Admission is highly selective, and the Master of Science program is a cornerstone, emphasizing newsgathering skills and specialized areas like data journalism and investigative reporting.

New York University Journalism school acceptance rate

New York University Journalism
Isabella Ruffalo-Burgat / Wikimedia Commons / "Washington Square Arch-Isabella" / CC BY-SA 4.0
NYU's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute offers a groundbreaking journalism education that diverges from traditional structures. The program responds to industry demands by producing well-informed journalists who specialize in their reporting subjects. With eight subject areas to choose from, students can focus on cultural criticism, science, or the environment. The small cohort size allows for personalized learning, and critical thinking skills are prioritized. Located in New York City, the program benefits from the city's dynamic atmosphere and provides numerous publishing opportunities. Many students secure competitive internships and publish in esteemed publications before completing their degrees. The program boasts two Pulitzer Prize-winning faculty members, and the Class of 2019 achieved an 84% internship rate and a 94% post-graduation employment rate.

Northwestern University Journalism school acceptance rate

Northwestern University Journalism
Madcoverboy at English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / "Fisk Hall at Northwestern" / CC BY-SA 3.0
Medill is a top-notch graduate journalism program that empowers journalists to excel in today's digital media landscape. With real-world reporting opportunities and immersive experiences through Medill Explores, students develop enduring skills, explore different subject areas, and engage with diverse cultures. The program's association with Northwestern University, a top 10 institution, adds to its reputation. Students can specialize in their passion, benefiting from a vast alumni network in journalism and other industries worldwide. Medill offers job search support, access to renowned scholars and professionals, and the opportunity to learn from influential guest speakers. Its coast-to-coast campuses provide a varied learning environment, and the MSJ program is STEM-designated.

Stanford University Journalism school acceptance rate

Stanford University Journalism
The original uploader was Ratiocinate at English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / "SHC Bowman" / CC BY-SA 3.0
The Stanford Journalism Graduate program transforms journalism by empowering students to produce multimedia, data-driven, and entrepreneurial work influenced by design thinking. With a mission rooted in respect and passion for journalism's core responsibilities in a free society, the program teaches students to uncover, verify, contextualize, and publish truths that inform citizens and hold government institutions accountable. They learn to tell accurate, compelling, and hard-hitting stories while developing tools for discovering important stories and lowering the cost of accountability journalism through data and algorithms. The program aims to advance investigative reporting, foster computational journalism, and prepare students to become future leaders in collaborative journalism communities. Ultimately, their mission is to serve the public's need for factual information in a just and self-governed society, providing a springboard to careers in influential media and technology companies.

Syracuse University Journalism school acceptance rate

Syracuse University Journalism
ZeWrestler / Wikimedia Commons / "Newhouse Communications Center III, Syracuse University" / Public domain
The Newhouse School's broadcast and digital journalism program equips individuals with the necessary tools to become part of the crucial free press in today's society. Additionally, graduate students can participate in the Washington Capstone, which offers a summer experience working in the nation's capital and serves as the culmination of their master's program. Newhouse alumni have found success worldwide, holding various roles such as anchors, multimedia journalists, meteorologists, producers, and on-air reporters. Furthermore, students in the program have garnered recognition and accolades in collegiate broadcast competitions for their exceptional radio and television stories. NCC News, the multimedia website of the Newhouse School, features student reporters who cover the latest news in Central New York.

University of California, Berkeley Journalism school acceptance rate

University of California, Berkeley Journalism
Gabriel Classon (gabeclasson on Flickr) / Wikimedia Commons / "North Gate Hall, UC Berkeley" / CC BY 2.0
Berkeley Journalism boasts faculty who are mentors, teaching and inspiring the next generation of journalists. Their students are vibrant, diverse, and driven, eager to report stories that matter in any medium. The accomplished alumni lead the way for current students, producing award-winning work. Berkeley Journalism emphasizes hands-on learning, offering platforms for audio, documentary, multimedia, and more. Located in the Bay Area near Silicon Valley, Napa Valley, and cultural activities in Berkeley, it provides an ideal setting. Diversity is a priority, with financial support for underrepresented minority students and collaboration with organizations promoting inclusivity in journalism.
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University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Journalism school acceptance rate

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Journalism
University of Illinois Library / Wikimedia Commons / "Gregory Hall (Communications Library)" / CC BY 2.0
The Department of Journalism at the University of Illinois offers a graduate program focused on preparing students for careers in digital media and newsrooms. The Master of Science in Journalism (MS) program caters to three types of students: recent graduates in journalism or related fields seeking specialization, mid-career journalists looking to enhance their skills, and individuals from diverse backgrounds wanting to combine expertise in other areas with journalism skills. The faculty comprises esteemed practitioners and scholars who teach a wide range of media subjects, including investigative journalism, data analysis, science writing, and social media. Students have access to top research institutes and opportunities to publish their work through professional newsrooms and media outlets. The university also provides hands-on journalism experiences through various media platforms.

University of Maryland, College Park Journalism school acceptance rate

University of Maryland, College Park Journalism
Wispeye / Wikimedia Commons / "A picture of the University of Maryland entrance by the Brendan Iribe Center for Computer Science" /CC BY-SA 4.0
Merrill College at the University of Maryland offers specialized education in journalism, media, and related fields at the master's and doctoral levels. With a curriculum focused solely on journalism, the college prepares students for careers in various sectors, including research, teaching, and media. Its faculty consists of esteemed professionals who have been honored with Pulitzer Prizes and Emmy Awards and have conducted significant media research. Merrill College provides immersive experiences, including the renowned Capital News Service, and offers small class sizes for personalized attention. Graduates leave with strong communication skills, technological proficiency, and a deep understanding of data analysis, preparing them for success in journalism and beyond.

University of Missouri, Columbia Journalism school acceptance rate

University of Missouri, Columbia Journalism
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The Missouri School of Journalism, the world's first of its kind, is a leading institution with 80 faculty members, 200 master's degree students, and 30 doctoral degree students. Its student body represents over 30 countries, with half of the graduate students being international. The School operates numerous media outlets and communications agencies, including newspapers, radio stations, magazines, and more. The Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute serves as a state-of-the-art research and development center. The School is also home to prestigious professional organizations. Graduates from Missouri hold key positions in prominent news organizations, advertising agencies, and magazines. The program offers excellent preparation for doctoral studies, and faculty members support students in publishing their work. Studying at Missouri means joining an esteemed community of accomplished journalists.

University of Texas, Austin Journalism school acceptance rate

University of Texas, Austin Journalism
Andman8 / Wikimedia Commons / "Jesse H. Jones Communication Center" / CC BY 3.0
The Journalism and Media graduate program at The University of Texas at Austin is highly regarded and offers three different degrees: a Ph.D., a Master's Research and Theory, and a Journalism Pro-track Master's degree. The School of Journalism, which started in 1914, has evolved into Texas' largest and most significant program in its field. It now offers a wide range of courses, covering topics from mobile app development to international reporting in the digital era. Graduates from this program have gone on to work in esteemed media organizations worldwide, such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Reuters, and ESPN. The School boasts a strong network of successful alumni and partnerships with news organizations, providing students with valuable internship and job opportunities in major media markets locally and nationally. The program's excellence is exemplified by the numerous Pulitzer Prizes won by its faculty and alumni.

Conclusion

And there you have it - the top graduate schools for Journalism. These are some of the best schools in the country for this field, and admission into any of them would be a great accomplishment that could set you up for a strong career.
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