Journalism Degree

The journalism program at Western Illinois University 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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Western Illinois University

1431 N. Claremont, Chicago, IL

Western Illinois University provides a variety of program options for students to assist them in their growth and development. The school is located in Macomb, IL and publically funded. Around thirteen thousand students enroll at Western Illinois University per year.

A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:

• Security And Protective Services
• Liberal Arts And Sciences
• Education
• Communications And Journalism
• Biological And Biomedical Sciences

Students applying for admission are asked to submit an application, school records, test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by the school. Most students at Western Illinois University scored in a range of 18 - 23 on the ACT. 66% of applicants are accepted to Western Illinois University, of which 31% choose to enroll.

Tuition & fees at WIU are different for in-state and nonresidents. In-state tuition costs close to $11,000 per year with out-of-state tuition costing $15,000 for the year. On-campus housing is available for students, and generally costs around $5,700 per year. Some students at Western Illinois University may qualify for financial aid, which is generally provided as scholarships, grants, and loans.

The mascot for Western Illinois University is the "Leathernecks", and they participate in intercollegiate athletic programs through the NCAA. Athletic programs available may include:

• Baseball (NCAA Division I-AA)
• Basketball (NCAA Division I-AA)
• Track & Field (NCAA Division I-AA)
• Football (NCAA Division I-AA)

Contact information, tuition information, programs, and much more may be viewed on school's website at http://www.wiu.edu.

Students Enrolled in the Journalism Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Western Illinois University offers a bachelor'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).