Overview

The Public Affairs Reporting programme at Eastern Illinois University provides students with the essential expertise required to deliver high-quality news coverage of governmental affairs. This undergraduate option focuses on the vital role of the media in maintaining a healthy democracy by keeping the public informed about official actions.

Students enrolled in this course explore the inner workings of state legislatures, local governments, law enforcement, and the judicial system. The curriculum emphasises the impact of national and international events on local communities, ensuring graduates have a broad perspective on public interest issues. By learning to navigate complex public records, students gain the ability to document the activities of organisations and individuals effectively.

Why Public Affairs Reporting at Eastern Illinois University?

This programme is distinguished by its professional accreditation from the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. This ensures that the teaching standards and curriculum meet rigorous industry requirements. Students benefit from a structured learning path within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, which provides a robust foundation in both theory and practical application.

The university offers dedicated resources for journalism students, including facilities located in Buzzard Hall. These spaces support the development of technical skills in a professional setting. The programme's focus on state and local government reporting provides a unique niche for students looking to make a tangible impact on civic transparency and public discourse.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 13037 per year
National fee: USD 10430 per year
Local fee: USD 10430 per year

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Public Affairs Reporting
Journalism
Mass Communication

Careers with Public Affairs Reporting

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the news media and communication sectors. The skills acquired during the programme are particularly suited for positions as political reporters, investigative journalists, and news correspondents focusing on local or state government. The ability to interpret public records also opens pathways into roles involving public policy analysis and civic documentation.

Beyond traditional newsrooms, the training in precise writing and information management is highly valued in public relations and governmental communication offices. Alumni are equipped to work for newspapers, digital news platforms, and broadcasting organisations. The programme's emphasis on ethical reporting and critical thinking ensures graduates are ready to serve as informed observers in the public interest.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Journalism and Democracy

Writing for News Media

Journalism Practicum

Journalism Ethics

Journalism Capstone

Communication Law

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-15 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Charleston, United States

Disciplines

Public Policy Journalism Public Relations View 320 other Bachelors in Public Policy in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

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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
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Other requirements

General requirements

Official records (transcripts or mark sheets) beginning with secondary school. A minimum grade point average of a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale is required. All transcripts become property of this University.

English Language Proficiency Requirement

A completed International Student Financial Affidavit Form and a bank statement (submitted online via MyEIU account), documenting sufficient funding for the intended program of study.

A passport copy is required.

Non-refundable application fee of $30.00 U.S. in the form of a check, certified check or money order made payable to Eastern Illinois University, application fee is valid for one year.

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

13037 USD / year

≈ 13037 USD / year
Out-of-State

10430 USD / year

≈ 10430 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10430 USD / year

≈ 10430 USD / year

Living costs

Charleston

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 Public Affairs Reporting.

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

Living costs

Charleston

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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