Journalism: Where should I go?

[carlstreator]

Howdy all--

I've finally gotten my acceptance from NYU's News and Documentary program. That now puts me in a conundrum.

My end goal is to be a foreign correspondent; with that in mind, I've gotten into Missouri, NYU and Northwestern and was waitlisted at Columbia. I've already turned down Mizzou, since their program lasts 2 years. Medill's program is 4 quarters, 12 months, and NYU's program is 3 semesters, or about 18 months. As it stands right now, I'll be receiving $10,000 in aid from Medill, and nothing from NYU.

My question is: weighing reputation, cost of living, and potential internships/contacts, would I be better served going to Northwestern or NYU? Personally, I think I'd prefer to live in New York for school, based on the my visits to both and knowing that Northwestern isn't exactly in Chicago, but it probably isn't a great idea to be over $100,000 in debt when I graduate. I'm not sure what to do. In addition, there's the outside chance I could get off the waitlist at Columbia--but I will not be holding my breath over that one. Reaaaallllly not gonna hold my breath over that.

After I finish my MS/MA in journalism, I'm strongly considering getting a degree in IR. I'm currently putting together scholarship applications to do so the following year and will be applying to schools for 2010-2011 for and MA in IR, most likely doing so at a foreign institute. So that may factor into my plans as well.

Anyone who wants to weigh in on things would be greatly appreciated. I'm trying to figure things out. Thanks so much.

[Demetrios2011]

I worked with a women who was a recently retired journalist (and Northwestern alum.) She told me that if one was interested in pursuing international journalism as a career, one would be best served by getting an advanced degree in Economics, Polisci, IR, Public Policy, or even area studies. According to her; news organizations don't value an MA in international journalism nearly as much as they would value one of the above listed degrees, or better yet international work experience. I think the same thing is true domestically, just to a lesser extent. I am sure some people about to pursue journalism degrees will disagree, and she did not say it was impossible to get a job with an MA in journalism, but why not get a degree that is broadly useful and would make you stand out in a pool of applicants? You are either a talented writer or you are not, an MA in journalism is not going to change that. Just my take.

[swr22]

Also, read Michael Lewis' article for the New Republic about life at journalism school. Get an advanced degree and prepare to do a boat-load of work experience while you make contacts. Try and do some freelance on the side.

[cissy54]

Location may be much more important for journalism students.

[Lulubelle]

I work in journalism now, and I know this wasn't what you were asking, but I second what Demetrios was saying. I work with quite a few people who have a master's in journalism, and considering that we all do the same job and I don't have one, I've always been wary of those degrees. Having expertise in something and experience in the field would be much more valuable, in my opinion. 

 

Regardless, I know that location is important to getting experience, but you're certainly not going to be making nearly enough when you get out in order to pay down $100,000 in debt very easily. If you're coming straight from undergrad, this is particularly true, since the key to moving up in journalism is experience, not necessarily the degree.