Illinois State University United States

Journalism (B.S.)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon May 2027

Course Overview

The Journalism (B.S.) at Illinois State University is designed for aspiring storytellers who want to master the dynamic landscape of modern media. In an era where news breaks across multiple platforms, you will develop the essential skills to gather, verify, and disseminate information effectively, whether through traditional print, broadcast, or digital channels. This undergraduate degree provides a comprehensive foundation in journalistic principles, preparing you to tackle complex stories and engage diverse audiences with accuracy and integrity. You will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools and technologies shaping the future of news dissemination.

You will study this program full-time on campus over four years, immersing yourself in a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with practical application. Through courses in reporting, media ethics, and digital storytelling, you will build a robust portfolio. The program encourages deep engagement with university media outlets like TV-10 and WGLT, and you will gain experience in the Social Media Analytics Command Center. You will graduate prepared for diverse career paths in journalism, media production, and communications, equipped with the versatile skills demanded by today's fast-paced information environment.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Journalism program provides a comprehensive foundation in journalistic principles and practices. Students will engage with core communication courses, general education requirements, and university-wide electives throughout their first two years. Subsequent semesters focus on specialized professional applications, senior-level theory, and advanced coursework to prepare graduates for diverse careers in the field of journalism.

1 First Year - Fall Semester (15 credit hours)

ENG 101 or COM 110 General Education
General Education course
General Education course
General Education course
University-wide elective

2 First Year - Spring Semester (15 credit hours)

ENG 101 or COM 110 General Education
General Education course
General Education course
General Education course
General Education course

3 Second Year - Fall Semester (15-16 credit hours)

COM 111
COM 161
General Education course
General Education course
Foreign language course 111-level or University-wide elective

4 Second Year - Spring Semester (15-16 credit hours)

COM 180
Foreign language course 112-level or University-wide elective
General Education course
IDEAS course or University-wide elective
University-wide elective

5 Third Year - Fall Semester (15 credit hours)

COM 165
COM 167
Professional Applications elective
B.S. - SMT or B.A. language
University-wide elective

6 Third Year - Spring Semester (15 credit hours)

COM 297
Senior level Professional Applications elective
Senior level Professional Applications elective
Senior level University-wide elective
AMALI course or University-wide elective

7 Fourth Year - Fall Semester (15 credit hours)

COM 361
300-level Professional Applications elective
Senior level Professional Theory elective
Senior level University-wide elective
Senior level University-wide elective

8 Fourth Year - Spring Semester (15 credit hours)

COM 374
Senior level Professional Applications elective
300-level Professional Theory elective
Senior level University-wide elective
Senior level University-wide elective

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 24,132.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 24,132.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 24,132.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 24,132.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 96,528.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,000.00 - USD 1,600.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,000.00 - USD 4,560.00
Transport USD 600.00 - USD 1,200.00
Utilities & Bills USD 960.00 - USD 1,800.00
Estimated Total USD 4,560.00 - USD 7,560.00

Living cost estimates are based on Illinois Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

91%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Amusement & Recreation ServicesAviation Maintenance & RepairCriminal LawDigital Media & Online PublishingEmployment & Labor LawGaming & Interactive MediaMedia Research & AnalyticsMuseums & Cultural HeritageSpace Exploration & Satellite TechnologyTax & Financial Law

Top Employers Hiring for this course

ESPN

FOX Corporation

Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)

Warner Media

Why Study Journalism (B.S.) at Illinois State University

What makes this program stand out

May 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in May 2027

Very Fast Application response time

Illinois State University typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at Illinois State University in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Journalism (B.S.) at Illinois State University

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the term, and full-time during breaks. Off-campus work may be permitted after the first year with university approval.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet English language requirements, international students can submit scores from tests like Duolingo (minimum 105), TOEFL (overall 79), IELTS (overall 6.5), or PTE (overall 53). Make sure to check specific scores for each section.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Potential job titles include Journalist, Editor, Multimedia Specialist, Social Media Manager, and Broadcast Producer.

What will I actually study in this course?

Journalism is changing rapidly in the 21st century, with stories moving across a range of platforms – from television and the web to radio, newspapers and magazines, as well as across social networks like Twitter and Facebook. This means that the budding journalist needs to know not only how to gather facts and write informative stories, but also how to work with audio and video clips, create and use web sites, and be adept at distributing news through social media.

Journalism Majors

When can I start — what are the intake months?

You can apply for the Journalism (B.S.) program in May, June, or August. Ensure that you submit all necessary documents by the application deadlines.
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