Masters in Journalism?

[Darorinag]

Are there any universities that offer M.A in journalism? (or is it just B.A?) Does anyone know? And are there any 'good' schools/departments (univ) of journalism in Cali?

Also, does anyone know if a degree in journalism is a necessity for a career in journalism? Is it possible to jump into journalism with say a degree in English?

Thanks.

[Inna]

Even though its not in Cali: I know that UNC-Chapel Hill has a good undergraduate Journalism program. I dont know if the graduate is as good though, but i know it offers it. check out gradschool.unc.edu

[Darorinag]

Thanks, Inna. I will check it out. I think Indiana U has some sort of journalism program too.

Apparently though (and I read this on a couple of career websites), you can become a journalist even if you don't have a degree in it (which is quite logical). It would help you PERSONALLY to study journalism, but it's not required. What you need though is a strong background in the things you will be covering, some idea about photography, and of course, knowing the language of the country you will be covering news in would be a plus. Of course, you don't get sent on a foreign reporting mission immediately. You have to work your way up there. You start with getting small news stories published, then use those as sample published work to get better jobs, etc. well, sort of like every other career..

Anyway, I have 1) a degree in English Lit. (well, will be getting it next year anyway) 2) know Arabic, which is where I want to be practising journalism (Middle East) 3) know the basics of photography and own a professional camera.

All I need is "experience." I'll be moving to the Middle East next year (and most probably pursue a Master's degree in polisci/political phil), and there are many newspapers in English in the region, so I'll be trying my luck there. I don't think I'll go with a degree in journalism (I would've done it if I had thought about it 3 years ago, but not at this point).. hmm..

Is anyone else interested in journalism? Just curious.

[SagGal]

Apparently though (and I read this on a couple of career websites), you can become a journalist even if you don't have a degree in it (which is quite logical).

It's true.

Maybe these sites will be of some help to you:

http://mindy.mcadams.com/jaccess/schools.html

http://www.universities.com/Distance_Learning/Degrees_Masters_Degrees_Journalism.html

http://www.sean.co.uk/a/journalism/careers.shtm

I am very interested in journalism and I was actually going to make it my major, but I became more interested in something else.

[Darorinag]

Haha, I had checked out that third website, actually! heh, thanks for the links.

What are you majoring in now?

Hmm, U of Cali @ Berkeley doesn't sound like a bad idea. I might just apply.

[SagGal]

I'm going to be majoring Psychology.

Hmm, U of Cali @ Berkeley doesn't sound like a bad idea. I might just apply.

You should. Great school and the campus is very nice.

[Darorinag]

Hmm.. Interesting. I like psychology, but it's not something I would want to major in (it bores me at times hehe)..

So where exactly is Berkeley in relation to LA? Is it too far away?

[jilbagh]

Berkeley is in Norther Cal...near Frisco