Bachelor of Science In Journalism

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Northwestern University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Journalism at Medill, Northwestern University, prepares students to become skilled storytellers who can report, investigate, and communicate news across print, digital, audio, and visual media. The program combines journalism fundamentals with hands-on reporting, multimedia production, media ethics, and opportunities to explore specialized interests, making it suitable for students who are curious about current affairs and passionate about storytelling.

Curriculum Structure:

First Year:

Students build a strong foundation in reporting, writing, editing, and critical thinking through courses such as Fundamentals of Reporting and Writing News and Journalism Values, Practice and Trends. They learn news gathering, interviewing, ethical decision-making, and how media technologies and audience behavior shape modern journalism.

Second Year:

Students deepen their reporting skills through Journalism in Practice, which can include hands-on reporting in the Chicago area or faculty-led international reporting experiences. Media Law and Ethics introduces the legal and ethical responsibilities of journalists, while Fundamentals of Video Journalism helps students develop multimedia storytelling skills.

Third Year:

Students can build expertise through electives such as Knight Lab: Data Analysis & Visualization for Journalism, Health and Science Reporting, and Audio Storytelling. They can also complete their Journalism Residency, working full-time for one quarter as a reporter or public relations specialist at a media outlet in the United States or abroad.

Fourth Year:

Students can refine their professional interests through advanced electives and practical reporting projects. Courses such as Storytelling: Magazine & Feature Writing, Documentary, and Media Presentation: Video Producing for Broadcast & the Web allow students to develop a portfolio and strengthen their skills in long-form writing, video production, and multimedia journalism. The exact course sequence varies according to students’ choices and course availability.

Focus Areas:

News Reporting and Writing, Video Journalism, Audio Storytelling, Investigative Journalism, Data Analysis and Visualization, Health and Science Reporting, Sports Journalism, Magazine and Feature Writing, Documentary Production, Media Design, Global Journalism.

Learning Outcomes:

Develop accurate and ethical reporting skills, conduct interviews and gather information from diverse sources, write and edit news stories under deadlines, produce video and audio journalism, analyze media trends and audience behavior, understand media law and journalistic ethics, use multimedia storytelling techniques, build a professional portfolio of published work.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

Medill’s Bachelor of Science in Journalism is a STEM-designated degree, with the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code 09.0702. The program emphasizes professional journalism skills, including reporting, writing, editing, multimedia production, and ethical decision-making. The undergraduate program does not identify a separate professional journalism accreditation.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Northwestern University is recognized for its strong academic reputation, and Medill offers students access to an alumni network of more than 18,000 professionals working in journalism, media, communications, and other industries worldwide. Graduates have gone on to work for prominent media organizations and companies, including the Associated Press, BBC News, Bloomberg, CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Business Insider. Medill also highlights the practical value of its Journalism Residency and the opportunity to build a portfolio of meaningful published work. These are examples of alumni destinations and program opportunities, not a specific employment rate or ranking for the Journalism degree.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Medill’s Bachelor of Science in Journalism at Northwestern University emphasizes hands-on reporting and multimedia storytelling, allowing students to apply classroom learning to real news and media projects. Students gain practical experience through reporting assignments, video and audio production, data journalism, and a full-quarter Journalism Residency. Medill’s Knight Lab also gives students opportunities to explore digital storytelling and emerging media tools, while reporting experiences in Chicago and international settings can help them develop a broader perspective on journalism. Students can build practical skills through the following program-specific opportunities:

• Journalism Residency: Students work full-time for one quarter alongside professional journalists at media organizations in the United States or abroad. They report, write, and produce content across multiple platforms, gaining experience with real assignments, editorial feedback, deadlines, and newsroom practices.

• Journalism in Practice: Students participate in hands-on reporting experiences in Chicago or faculty-led international reporting trips. These experiences help them develop interviewing, research, and on-the-ground reporting skills while covering real-world stories.

• Knight Lab: Students collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to explore how technology can transform journalism. They can develop digital storytelling tools and work with resources such as TimelineJS, which creates interactive timelines using Google Sheets.

• Medill Investigative Lab: Students work alongside experienced journalists on investigations involving issues of national importance. The lab provides opportunities for real-time, on-the-ground reporting in locations such as Chicago and Washington, D.C.

• Video Journalism and Production: Through Fundamentals of Video Journalism and Media Presentation: Video Producing for Broadcast & the Web, students practice reporting, interviewing, writing for video, on-camera presentation, and video editing. They work with current events and produce stories under deadline conditions.

• Audio Storytelling: Students learn to gather sound, conduct interviews, script stories, and produce audio pieces such as news spots, vox pops, and news features.

• Data Journalism and Visualization: Through Knight Lab courses in data analysis and visualization, students explore ways to use data and digital storytelling techniques to communicate complex information clearly.

• Global Journalism Experiences: Students can take part in short-term international reporting programs, visit media organizations abroad, or pursue quarter-long study opportunities at locations such as Northwestern’s Qatar campus and partner institutions.

• Professional Networking and Guest Speakers: Medill regularly hosts journalists, newsmakers, authors, and media professionals who share industry experience and provide opportunities for students to learn about different journalism careers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Medill, Northwestern University, prepares students for careers in reporting, multimedia storytelling, digital media, and communications. Through practical journalism training, the Journalism Residency, and opportunities to build a professional portfolio, graduates can develop skills for working in newsrooms, media organizations, and other communication-focused industries.

Potential career paths: Journalist, Investigative Reporter, Multimedia Producer, Digital Content Editor

Students can explore professional opportunities and prepare for their careers through the following resources and outcomes:

• Career Guidance and Employment Support: Medill’s career services team provides personalized career advising throughout the degree. Students can receive resume and cover letter reviews, mock interview practice, job-search guidance, internship support, and access to Handshake, where they can explore job openings, internships, fellowships, and employer events.

• Employment Outcomes and Salary Information: According to Medill’s official BSJ Class of 2025 outcomes, 99% of graduates with known employment status were employed within six months of graduation. Of the 186 graduates, Medill knew the employment status of 164. Their reported destinations included news reporting and writing (20%), communications, public relations and marketing (18%), broadcast or production (14%), and business and law (23%). These figures include full-time and part-time positions, fellowships, internships, and freelance work. A specific salary figure for the undergraduate Journalism program was not available in the reported outcomes.

• University–Industry Partnerships: Medill has developed relationships with hundreds of employers and media organizations. Its Journalism Residency connects students with professional media partners for an 11-week, full-time placement, where they gain newsroom or communications experience. Employers may include organizations in newspaper and online journalism, broadcasting, magazine production, and marketing communications.

• Accreditation and Long-Term Value: Medill’s Bachelor of Science in Journalism is STEM-designated. This designation can offer eligible international graduates the possibility of applying for an extended Optional Practical Training period in the United States, subject to immigration rules and individual eligibility. The program does not identify a separate professional journalism accreditation.

• Graduation Outcomes: Medill graduates enter a range of industries, including journalism, communications, public relations, business, and media production. Employers listed in the Class of 2025 outcomes include The Associated Press, Bloomberg News, CNN, NBC News, NPR, The Washington Post, and The New York Times. Medill also has a global alumni network of more than 18,000 professionals.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Bachelor of Science in Journalism, students can pursue postgraduate study in journalism, media studies, communications, documentary production, public policy, or related fields. Depending on their interests, they may consider a Master of Science in Journalism (MSJ), a specialized master’s degree, or doctoral study for careers in research and academia. Medill itself offers a graduate journalism program for students who wish to deepen their reporting expertise or specialize in areas such as investigative journalism, data journalism, or multimedia storytelling.