Is The Program For Me?
Although few news organizations hire specialists right out of graduate school, the research skills and substantive knowledge you gain in the environmental program will allow you to write better stories and build a portfolio that will help you achieve your career goals in environmental journalism.
Aside from the news media, many positions in the public and private sectors require people with well-rounded environmental knowledge and good communications skills.
Having a master's degree also opens up teaching opportunities, particularly for those graduates with extensive hands-on journalism experience. Going on to earn a doctoral degree is another option.
Journalism experience isn't necessary to be admitted into the SJMC. Most of the master's students do not have previous journalism experience. Extensive course work and an internship give students the skills to enter the profession of journalism.
Undergraduates also can pursue environmental journalism. However, because the prerequisite for becoming a good environmental journalist is first to be a good journalist, the fundamental requirements in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication's undergraduate curriculum do not leave room for an environmental specialization. Many students choose to earn dual degrees in journalism and another field such as environmental studies.
Undergraduates may also take the environmental reporting and science writing classes in their senior years, with instructor permission. They may further individualize their education experience through environmental journalism internships, seminars and independent study.