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.
Calendar
Don't miss an important date or deadline
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
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service
Operate telephone business systems equipment or switchboards to relay incoming, outgoing, and interoffice calls. May supply information to callers and record messages.
Median Annual Wage
$38,630
Wage Range
$29,990 – $59,470
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
High school diploma or equivalent, Post-secondary certificate, Post-baccalaureate certificate
Business Operations Specialists, All Other
All business operations specialists not listed separately.
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product o
Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.
Median Annual Wage
$133,660
Wage Range
$63,300 – $286,240
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent, Some college, no 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
Media Programming Directors
Bright OutlookDirect and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.
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, Some college, no degree
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