Journalism Degree

The journalism program at University of Illinois at Springfield prepares students for careers as a print journalist, local reporter, news editor, public relations assistant, advertising coordinate, news manager, or communication consultant. The program focuses on theory and the practice of gathering, processing, and delivering news. Program courses include: news writing and editing, reporting, photojournalism, layout and graphic design, journalism law and policy, professional standards and ethics, research methods, and journalism history and criticism. Get more details below including other Illinois colleges that offer journalism degrees.

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University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS)

3700 W 103rd St, Chicago, IL

About
University of Illinois at Springfield, located in Springfield, Illinois, was founded in 1969 as Sangamon State University. The school as established through a measure approved by the Illinois General Assembly with the intention of establishing it as an upper division university providing only the final two years of a four year education alongside graduate studies. Over the first two decades the school experienced steady growth both in enrollment and facilities, and by 1980 had build it first dormitories, providing residence for students. In 1995 the board of regents governing the school was removed and Sangamon State University joined the University of Illinois System, resulting in a name change to the current. In 2005 the school became a full four year institution having introduced a new general education curriculum and adding lower division studies, allowing students to enroll as freshmen for the first time the following year.

Academics
The University of Illinois at Springfield offers a variety of degrees in many majors, allowing students to choose the program of study that best reflects the student's needs and goals. Bachelor degrees are obtained over the course of four years through the completion of lower and upper division courses, general education classes and electives that allow for study of non major related subjects. Undergraduates may also pursue a minor degree. Minor degrees are obtained through a set course of additional study that provides the student with limited addition knowledge and expertise in a secondary field. The school also offers a number of master degree options. Master degree programs typically require a bachelor's degree to have been earned, strong GRE or other graduate exam scores, and an excellent academic record, additionally students may be required to meet additional criteria specific to the graduate program they are applying to.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Biology
• Criminal Justice
• Social Work
• Liberal Studies

Admissions and Financial Aid
Admissions at the University of Illinois at Springfield is decided through a combination of class rank, GPA and test scores. Students may apply online, providing the necessary information to allow the college to render a decision regarding specific student enrollment. Students must have completed a high school education or equivalent, in particular the core curriculum necessary for graduating. In addition a personal statement and essay will be used to further evaluate applicants prior to final decision. Students will be notified once the decision process is complete, with accepted students being provided the information necessary to begin their educational experience at the school.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance are required to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the resulting information from which will be used to determine need, aid program eligibility and monetary awards. Financial aid must be reapplied prior to the start of each academic year. Students may be randomly chosen to provide additional financial information in order to verify the FAFSA's accuracy due to new federal regulations for aid. Merit scholarships may also be available to residents of Illinois who demonstrate academic excellence in high school and continue to do so throughout their undergraduate years.

Students Enrolled in the Journalism Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. UIS offers a master's degree program in journalism.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Broadcast News Analysts

Description

Analyze, interpret, and broadcast news received from various sources.

Reporters and Correspondents

Description

Collect and analyze facts about newsworthy events by interview, investigation, or observation. Report and write stories for newspaper, news magazine, radio, or television.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, reporters and correspondents employment is expected to shrink at a rate of -8.5% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 940
  • Average Hourly Rate: $22.58
  • Average Annual Salary: $46970
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 70
  • Average Hourly Rate: $15.33
  • Average Annual Salary: $31880

Editors

Description

Plan, coordinate, or edit content of material for publication. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication. Includes technical editors.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, editors employment is expected to shrink at a rate of -5.3% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 3
  • Average Hourly Rate: $28.17
  • Average Annual Salary: $58580
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 70
  • Average Hourly Rate: $20.96
  • Average Annual Salary: $43600
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 180
  • Average Hourly Rate: $33.28
  • Average Annual Salary: $69210

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).