Understanding the Impact of Journalism

Lately, we’ve been giving much attention to STEM fields like artificial intelligence, computer science, and medicine. Science, technology, engineering, and math are certainly worthwhile subjects that offer scholars the chance to land high-paying jobs, but make no mistake about it. We are staunch proponents of the power and influence of the humanities.

Those who are educated under this broad umbrella of subjects guide us on how to foster greater connection among different people groups, curate forward-thinking architectural design, and develop into politicians and teachers and leaders that fundamentally understand diplomacy and empathy.

One field of study within the humanities, journalism, offers us the ability to wield the powers of perception, research, and communication to influence not only those around us but also the world.

The Power and Influence of Journalists

To be a journalist is to have the power to influence the perceptions of masses of people and to wield that power responsibly. Those with the media and ethics training to do so can become reliable public informants that warn us about breaking news that could impact our daily lives. They keep us up to date on the latest entertainment news, expose wrongdoing at the highest levels of government and society, and hold accountable those leaders sworn to protect us as citizens.

Students interested in journalism have plenty of career path options, too. They could be photojournalists, sports journalists, broadcast news reporters, investigative reporters, political correspondents, columnists, editors, and so on.

Journalists can help nonprofits rally communities for the common good. Through their work, they can recognize everyday citizens for their good works, highlight the stories of overlooked individuals, and protect vulnerable populations from further harm. 

Over the decades, journalists’ dedication to documenting all aspects of the human experience hasn’t gone unnoticed. Each year, two dozen Pulitzer Prizes are awarded to professionals in this field for exceptional work. And there are plenty of other awards, too, like the Emmys and GLAAD Media Awards.

The true impact of journalism can be felt in how central network news, late-night shows, and legendary magazines like Vogue and GQ are to cultures worldwide. 

And you don’t have to wait until you’re a college grad to start leaving your mark. Check out the clubs and organizations available at your school, like the yearbook committee, the school newspaper, or the school literary magazine. You can start honing skills like interviewing, photography, videography, and writing to prepare yourself for what lies ahead in college.

Where to Study to Become a Journalist

There is no shortage of renowned journalism programs worldwide dedicated to training the next generation of writers and reporters.

New York University’s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute offers two undergraduate tracks: journalism and media criticism. Students striving to be hard-hitting investigative journalists will find a world-class education at NYU, studying under an award-winning faculty made up of top journalists from around the United States. NYU students are encouraged to double major to supplement their journalism education and can choose from more than 60 other majors to complement their studies.

The Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, a Top 10 institution, is a great choice for passionate students who want to participate in extensive research to report on “journalism that matters”. Popular concentrations for Northwestern journalism students include political science, foreign language, history, computer science, and more. Students can even participate in the Medill Journalism Residency program, working full time as a reporter or public relations specialist at a media outlet in the United States or abroad.

Other renowned schools include:

• University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism

• Boston University’s College of Communication

• Cardiff University’s School of Journalism, Media, and Culture

• Nanyang Technological University Singapore’s Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information

• Stanford University’s Journalism Program

Every program is unique, so it’s important to research which schools best align with your goals. As you start to curate a list of colleges to target, we can help make sure your academic profile is ready for the admissions season.

One of the best ways to enhance your high school resume is to demonstrate academic creativity and college readiness by participating in extracurricular activities related to your desired college major. In addition to joining the school yearbook or newspaper, you can participate in Scholar Launch research programs like these, which are geared toward educating future journalists:

• Writing for Change: Influence, Lead, and Create through Public Writing

• Social Injustice in Modern America: Understanding the Historical, Cultural, Economic, and Legal Factors behind

• Analyzing Humanitarian Interventions: A Toolkit for Understanding Humanitarian Action in the Past, Present, and Future

The possibilities aren’t limited to group research programs, either. Students can also participate in customized one-on-one research cohorts that are adjustable based on their interests, academic levels, learning goals, and schedules. 

Studying with Scholar Launch’s esteemed faculty and taking advantage of our resources is an excellent way for young journalists to gain entry into their dream schools and kickstart their careers. Journalism can open endless doors for any student with a passion for truth, expression, and writing, and we’re here to help in any way we can.