Overview

The Journalism major at EIU empowers students to become confident, ethical storytellers who inform and make an impact on their communities. No matter where your passion for journalism lies, you'll develop the writing, reporting, interviewing, and multimedia production skills employers value most. Through hands-on coursework, campus media, internships, and real-world reporting opportunities, you'll build a professional portfolio while gaining practical experience from day one. The School of Communication, Journalism & Theatre takes a personalized approach, and through small classes, dedicated faculty mentors, and meaningful opportunities to lead, create, and publish your work, you'll graduate with the experience, confidence, and connections necessary to launch a successful career in today's dynamic media industry.

The strengths of our ACEJMC-accredited journalism program are a combination of

• skills-based courses alongside training in history, law and ethics
• a dynamic alumni base helping us navigate a changing industry
• an award-winning faculty active at scholastic, college and professional levels to guide you through your Eastern journey
• award-winning student media that let you practice your craft, whether focused on writing and reporting, photography and videography, design or editing

Our majors are also active in organizations that add to the journalism conversation by honoring excellence and achievement and by celebrating professionalism in our field.

• Society for Collegiate Journalists
• Kappa Tau Alpha
• National Association of Black Journalists

At 48 credits, the journalism major provides students the flexibility to minor in multiple areas or easily double-major, especially within the School of Communication, Journalism & Theatre, where a second major can take as little as 27 additional credits. We encourage students to strategically pair majors and minors they are passionate about, creating educational experiences and career pathways that are uniquely their own.

Degree: BA

Completion time: 48 semester hours required for the major

Accreditation: Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications

Resources

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- Program Sheet
- 4-year Course Sequence
- Curriculum Sheet

Computer Requirements:

Journalism majors can check out any video or photo equipment they need directly from the School of Communication, Journalism & Theatre. Majors also have access to our computer labs during open lab hours throughout the week. 

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