Why so many folks are applying to journalism schools

While many journalism jobs are disappearing, j-school applications are up. Why?Forbes reports:

The Pew Research Center estimates 5,000 newspaper jobs were lost in 2008. Since 2001, more than 10,000 newspaper journalists have lost work, leaving the total count of those still employed at 47,000 nationwide. It’s getting worse, fast. Erica Smith, who runs the online layoff tracker Paper Cuts, counts nearly 7,500 newsroom jobs lost so far this year….

Columbia, Stanford and NYU applications increased 38%, 20% and 6%, respectively, from the previous year. Same thing at state schools. The University of Colorado (up 11%), University of North Carolina (up 14%) and University of Maryland (up 25%) all saw gains. “I’m amazed that enrollment continues to be so healthy,” says Associate Professor Stephen Solomon at NYU’s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute…..

What are all these people going to do for a living? Some may actually get jobs in journalism. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2016 the number of positions for entry-level reporters and news anchors will increase 2%, while those for experienced writers and editors will grow 10%. Expect trade publications, freelance work and digital media to supply the bulk of the jobs.

April 8, 2009 by 2 Comments
Filed Under: Education Tagged With: , , ,
  • http://beastbaptiste.blogspot.com/ Junior Jean-Baptiste

    I am a print journalism major at Kean University and as the years have gone by I myself get worried about hearing how so many newspaper companies and layed off employees in the past years. However, I’m still staying positive and believe that journalism can never die, it’ll take a new form of change.

  • http://ddurazo.wordpress.com Dan Durazo

    Journalism jobs aside, the value of a j-school education is undeniable. I do not work in journalism, but what I’ve learned in journalism school has been invaluable. I would not trade a j-school education for anything.