Overview

The Journalism programme at Northern Illinois University provides students with a robust foundation in contemporary media practices and ethical reporting. This degree is designed to prepare future professionals for the rapidly evolving landscape of news production, digital storytelling, and mass communications.

The curriculum is built to reflect the modern move towards convergence in the journalism professions. Students are encouraged to develop expertise in multiple areas of the field, ensuring they possess the versatile skills valued by today’s news media organisations. The teaching framework emphasises critical thinking and the vital role journalists play in a democratic society.

Accredited standards guide the non-journalism requirements, ensuring a well-rounded liberal arts education.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 10742 per semester
National fee: USD 5371 per semester
Local fee: USD 5371 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to cover writing, editing, and the societal impact of media. Modules may include:

Journalism Law and Regulation
Media Law and Ethics
Article Writing
News Reporting
Press Photography
Broadcast News
Television Newswriting and Reporting
Advanced Practices in Television News
Public Relations Writing
Editorial and Opinion Writing
Advanced Reporting
Advanced Photojournalism
Advanced Public Relations
Information Gathering in the Digital Age
Television News Producing and Directing
News Editing
Reading News Critically
Public Relations
Environment, Health, and the Media
Media Convergence
Media Management
History of Journalism
International News Communications
Mass Media in Modern Society
Journalism Ethics
News and Entertainment
Ethnic Minorities and the News Media

Careers with Journalism

Graduates of the Journalism programme at Northern Illinois University are prepared for diverse roles within the media and communication industries. The training provided supports careers in traditional newsrooms, digital media outlets, and corporate communication departments.

Potential career paths include roles such as news reporters, broadcast journalists, photojournalists, and public relations specialists. The focus on media law and ethics also prepares students for positions in media management and specialised press editing across various global industries.

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 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

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IELTS

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

DeKalb, United States

Disciplines

Journalism View 518 other Bachelors in Journalism in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

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.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

21484 USD / year

≈ 21484 USD / year
Out-of-State

10742 USD / year

≈ 10742 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10742 USD / year

≈ 10742 USD / year

Additional Details

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

Living costs

DeKalb

United States

1100 - 1500 USD / month

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.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

DeKalb

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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