Medill is committed both to the best of journalism -- journalism that contributes to an informed public, better lives and a better society -- and to continuing our tradition of preparing the best-qualified journalists. The new undergraduate curriculum is designed to strengthen the high level of journalism skills, knowledge and ethical standards that characterizes graduates of Medill, while equipping students to adapt to and excel in today's ever-changing media landscape.

Fact Sheet about the Medill BSJ (in PDF format)

Core Reporting Skills, Multi-Media Storytelling
The program requires six hours per week -- twice as much as before -- for core skills. It also now allows and encourages students from sophomore year on to take additional reporting, technique and integrated marketing electives. Multimedia storytelling is integrated through all reporting classes, and quantitative skills and ethics are woven throughout the curriculum.

As early as sophomore year, Medill students are immersed in real-world reporting at storefront locations in diverse Chicago neighborhoods. As upperclassmen, they spend a full quarter working as reporters and editors through the Journalism Residency program, formerly known as Teaching Media.

Opportunities to Practice Journalism Abroad

In addition to the Journalism Residency, South Africa program, undergraduates may apply for grant money through the Eric Lund Global Reporting and Research Grant. This fund was created to provide opportunities for students with financial need to pursue research and reporting experiences abroad, particularly in underreported parts of the world. Lund, who lives still in Evanston where he once was editor of the Evanston Review, earned a bachelor's degree at Medill in 1949 and was a long-time adjunct at Medill.

Accelerated Master's Program

The Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP) offers Medill undergraduates the opportunity to earn both the BSJ and MSJ degrees in less than five years.  Admission is highly selective and the eligibility criteria for application are quite specific. Interested students should contact both the Office of Student Life to determine if this is a possible option for their individual situations, as well as the Office of Graduate Admissions to learn about the application process.  Students should also refer to their Medill Handbooks for a complete description of policies regarding the program.