Overview

Public relations is also a strong and growing career field that requires a deep awareness of journalistic skills and concepts.

The Journalism program at NIU provides students with a broad-based liberal arts education combined with an array of skills and theory courses. In addition, students have a high degree of success in obtaining internships and viable employment through our vast network of alumni (there are approximately 5,000 journalism and public relations alumni) and organizations with synergistic goals such as the Northern Illinois Newspaper Association.

The major in journalism prepares students to function effectively in a multimedia and multicultural environment, practice ethics in communication and maintain the professional standards of journalism.

Special topics courses in journalism or public relations are available as well. Students can often work individually with faculty members on independent study courses. You can also join several journalistic and/or public relations advocacy organizations, such as the National Association of Black Journalists, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and the Public Relations Student Society of America.

Mission

Northern Illinois University's vision is to be an engine for innovation to advance social mobility; promote personal, professional and intellectual growth; and transform the world through research, artistry, teaching and outreach.

The mission of Northern Illinois University is to empower students through educational excellence and experiential learning as we pursue knowledge, share our research and artistry, and engage communities for the benefit of the region, state, nation and world.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Basic News Writing

Issues in Journalism
Information Gathering in the Digital Age
Reading News Critically
Article Writing
News Reporting
Graphics of Communications
Press Photography
Principles of Public Relations
Environment, Health, and the Media
Fundamentals of Broadcast News
Television Newswriting and Reporting
Electronic News Gathering and Editing
Advanced Practices in Television News
Public Relations Writing
Television News Producing and Directing
Editorial and Opinion Writing
Advanced Reporting
Media Convergence
News Editing
Advanced Photojournalism
Photograph Editing
Advanced Public Relations
Public Relations Problems
Media Management
Transnational Communication and Media

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-08-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2026-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-10-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2025-12-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

IELTS

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PTE Academic

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TOEFL^® IBT

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Duolingo English Test

105

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

DeKalb, United States

Disciplines

Journalism View 569 other Bachelors in Journalism in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

IELTS

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PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

Start preparing for IELTS with Free Practice Tests.

Other requirements

General requirements

Students must fulfill the requirements of a minor or a second major, which must be selected in consultation with a department adviser. Since disciplinary academic standards limit the number of professional courses that journalism majors may take, students thinking of including major or minor work in communication studies (with courses, for example, in media studies or organizational/ corporate communication) are particularly urged to see a department adviser before proceeding.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Northern Illinois University and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

20462 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 10231 USD per semester during 48 months.
National

20462 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 10231 USD per semester during 48 months.
In-State

10230 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 5115 USD per semester during 48 months.

Local: $5,115.34 per semester National and International: $10,230.68 per semester

Living costs for DeKalb

1100 - 1500 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Journalism.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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