The Journalism and Media Studies Minor gives you the chance to dive into the world of journalism and its role in shaping society. By learning core journalistic skills—like asking the right questions, verifying information, and evaluating news sources—you’ll gain essential media literacy that’s valuable in nearly every profession.
Why Choose a Journalism and Media Studies Minor?
- Boost Your Media Literacy: Learn to critically analyze news and media sources
- Journalistic Skills for Any Career: Gain skills in researching, questioning and evaluating information that are useful across industries
- Enhance Your Degree: Whether you’re in business, law, or technology, media skills are an asset in every field
- Stay Informed: Understand how journalism impacts society and the role media plays in shaping public opinion
Enhance Your Understanding of Media and Journalism
The Journalism and Media Studies Minor equips you with the skills to analyze and navigate the media world—essential for informed citizens and professionals in every field.
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Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar
Admissions
Applying to UIS is simple
We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.
Review admission requirements
No specific admission requirements are listed at this time. Please contact the Office of Admission for more information.
International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.
Complete your application
An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.
Send your official transcripts
Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.
Submit required statements/writing sample
If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on your application status page.
Pay your application fee
You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.
Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;
International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.
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Courses & Catalog Information
At the University of Illinois Springfield, you'll find a wide range of courses tailored to your interests and career goals. Explore your program details and get all the essential information you need to plan your future.
Career Outlook & Potential Earnings
Graduates of this program may find opportunities in the following careers. Data sourced from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Public Relations Specialists
Bright OutlookPromote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.
Median Annual Wage
$74,750
Wage Range
$44,110 – $135,150
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists
Administer and maintain libraries or collections of information, for public or private access through reference or borrowing. Work in a variety of settings, such as educational institutions, museums,
Administer and maintain libraries or collections of information, for public or private access through reference or borrowing. Work in a variety of settings, such as educational institutions, museums, and corporations, and with various types of informational materials, such as books, periodicals, recordings, films, and databases. Tasks may include acquiring, cataloging, and circulating library materials, and user services such as locating and organizing information, providing instruction on how to access information, and setting up and operating a library's media equipment.
Median Annual Wage
$68,270
Wage Range
$43,660 – $103,990
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Master’s degree, Some college, no degree, Bachelor’s degree
Human Resources Specialists
Bright OutlookRecruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization. May perform other activities in multiple human resources areas.
Median Annual Wage
$75,940
Wage Range
$47,180 – $128,720
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree
Producers and Directors
Bright OutlookProduce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of a
Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.
Median Annual Wage
$90,360
Wage Range
$45,780 – $198,540
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent, Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
Public Relations Managers
Bright OutlookPlan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.
Median Annual Wage
$146,910
Wage Range
$82,410 – $284,990
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
Training and Development Managers
Bright OutlookPlan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization.
Median Annual Wage
$133,000
Wage Range
$79,550 – $233,600
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate
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