indiana university vs columbia college of chicago?
I am thinking of going to college to major in journalism and minor in photography. I would like to be a photojournalist. I know Columbia College of Chicago is a very good school for media and everything, but Indiana University also offers Photography and journalism. if i went to IU would my degree still allow me to be competitive when i go to find a job? or am i better off at Columbia? Any input is appreciated.
Higher Education (University +) - 3 Answers
People's Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
Neither of these schools nor any other university or college will enable you to become competitive to become a photojournalist or any other kind of journalist. Journalism is a contracting field. More journalists are laid off than are hired each week in the USA. Your competition will be experienced journalists with many years of paid experience.
Answer 2 :
Employment in journalism is decreasing although there is always room at the top. Job opportunities for photographers are increasing but possibly not as fast as the number of persons who want to enter that field. Also, are you sure you aren't getting Columbia College in Chicago mixed up with Columbia University in New York and University of Missouri - Columbia? IU is on at least some lists of "top ten J-schools" but Columbia College is not. Columbia U. and Mizzou both have well regarded J-schools. For photojournalism, you might consider Western Kentucky, whose students often place near the top in the Hearst Journalism Awards competitions. IMHO, one major advantage of IU is that you have so many options for other majors to explore including informatics, sport communication, telecommunications, communications and culture, etc. Wherever you apply, ask about what their recent graduates are doing and how many were able to get jobs in their field. Ask about availability of internships. Can every student who wants a internship get one? Finally, check with an adviser at IU to be sure, but I think that at IU you'd earn a bachelor of arts in journalism with a second concentration in photography (if permissible) rather than a major in journalism and a minor in photography. The Ernie Pyle School of Journalism has a "second concentration" requirement, which must be in a subject other than mass communications. I think Telecommunications and Communications and Culture would not qualify but I don't know if Photography would be OK or not.
Answer 3 :
Overall, certainly IU is a far, far better school than is Columbia College. It isn't a trade school, so the focus is likely to be rather different, but you should certainly still be competitive when looking for a job if you go there.
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