B.A. in Journalism

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 115.

ISU offers several scholarships and financial aid options for international students to help them pursue their academic goals. These scholarships are based on academic achievements, leadership skills, and other criteria. 

International Tuition Waiver: International students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and show promise for contributing to the ISU community may be eligible for tuition waivers. These waivers can significantly reduce the cost of tuition.

Redbird Academic Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to incoming undergraduate international students who have outstanding academic records. The scholarship amount varies depending on the student's academic achievements.

Redbird International Ambassador Scholarship: This scholarship recognizes outstanding leadership skills and contributions to the international community. Recipients of this scholarship serve as ambassadors for international students at ISU.

College-Specific Scholarships: Various colleges within ISU offer scholarships for international students pursuing specific academic programs. These scholarships are often based on academic performance and potential for success in the chosen field of study.

Study Abroad Scholarships: ISU encourages international students to engage in study abroad programs to gain global experiences. The university offers scholarships to support international students' participation in these programs.

International students interested in applying for scholarships at ISU should review the specific eligibility criteria and application deadlines for each scholarship.

Graduates with a B.A. in Journalism from Illinois State University have a wide range of career opportunities in the media industry and beyond. This program equips students with essential skills in writing, reporting, and multimedia production, preparing them for various roles in traditional and digital media platforms.

Reporter/Journalist: Journalists and reporters gather, investigate, and report news and information for newspapers, magazines, websites, television, and radio. They conduct interviews, research stories, and write articles or scripts, ensuring that the information presented is accurate, timely, and engaging.

Broadcast Journalist: Broadcast journalists work in television and radio, delivering news and information to the public. They may work as news anchors, reporters, or correspondents, covering live events, interviewing sources, and producing news segments for broadcast.

Digital Media Specialist: Digital media specialists create and manage content for online platforms, including websites, social media, and digital publications. They use multimedia tools to produce videos, podcasts, and interactive features, enhancing audience engagement and expanding the reach of news stories.

Investigative Reporter: Investigative reporters delve deeply into complex issues, uncovering information that is not readily available to the public. They conduct in-depth research, analyze data, and produce detailed reports that reveal hidden truths and hold individuals or organizations accountable.

Editor: Editors oversee the content produced by writers and journalists, ensuring it meets the publication’s standards for accuracy, clarity, and style. They may work for newspapers, magazines, online publications, or broadcast media, managing the editorial process from initial idea to final publication.

Photojournalist: Photojournalists use photography to tell news stories visually. They capture images that document events, people, and places, often working alongside reporters to provide a comprehensive narrative for news outlets.

Public Relations Specialist: Public relations specialists manage the public image of individuals, organizations, or companies. They create press releases, manage media relations, and develop communication strategies to promote positive media coverage and public perception.

Content Writer/Creator: Content writers and creators develop written and multimedia content for various platforms, including blogs, websites, and social media. They focus on producing engaging, informative, and relevant content that attracts and retains audiences.

Communication Specialist: Communication specialists work within organizations to manage internal and external communications. They develop communication plans, create content, and ensure consistent messaging across all channels, enhancing the organization’s public image and stakeholder engagement.

Social Media Manager: Social media managers oversee an organization’s social media presence, creating and curating content that aligns with brand messaging and engages the audience. They analyze social media metrics to optimize strategies and increase online visibility.

Freelance Journalist: Freelance journalists work independently, writing articles, producing multimedia content, and pitching stories to various publications and media outlets. This career offers flexibility and the opportunity to cover a wide range of topics and interests.

Media Consultant: Media consultants advise organizations on media strategies, helping them effectively communicate their messages to the public. They may work on media training, crisis communication, and strategic planning to improve the organization’s media presence.