Journalism vs. Public Relations

[jplunk85]

So, I'm now left with these two offers. I'm not sure which one will be better for me in the long run. For one, journalism is a dying field. But hey, it's Columbia. The education is amazing there, and it will be on my resume for life. I'm not a huge fan of journalism any more, but I could perhaps use a Columbia Journalism degree for something besides beat reporting, right?

Syracuse is equally good, and the chances are that public relations will pay more, and the connections are better at Syracuse (in my opinion). Besides being cheaper, the Syracuse curriculum and campus seem like more of a fit for me.

Total Costs

Syracuse - Public Relations, renowned program. 45k

Columbia University - Journalism, best program in world. 75k

Edited May 6, 2010 by jplunk85

[Jae B.]

Sssssssyyyrraaccuusseee!

Sorry, I had to do that. ...It's late.

(I don't think journalism is a dying field, exactly, but a challenged one, and we could use more talented people to help us cope....)

But, seriously, Syracuse sounds great for you and your preferred field. Especially if it's smaller -- 400 people are accepted to Columbia to get J-School degrees, and I'm guessing they're not all wildly successful just because they spent $75,000 on a top Ivy degree.... Even if they can use it for something else. I'd rather spend less money, have smaller classes, and, in your case, work in a subject I'm actually really interested in.

Good luck making a choice. Where are the other Public Relations / Journalism people?! Eh.

[fadeindreams]

Good luck making a choice. Where are the other Public Relations / Journalism people?! Eh.

Fleeing the Fourth Estate?

Good post, by the way Jae B.

[jplunk85]

Indeed, that is a GREAT post, JaeB.

I want to thank you also for replying to my other thread.

In so many ways, I think you're right. I'm definitely a better fit at Syracuse University. The program there is equally rigorous, and, yes, it's in a field that I want to pursue. At the expense of going to Columbia, I would have the personal satisfaction (this is incredibly important to me) of having accomplished so wonderful an endeavor as attending an Ivy League. In addition, I believe that the Master's in Journalism from Columbia could help land me in various other communications jobs.

I can't tell you how undecided I am. If it were completely about money (and a lot of it is), I would pursue Syracuse. If it were completely about name, I would pursue Columbia.

Most of my friends have said Columbia. My professors seem split and tell me to go "To the place that's best for me."