No shortage of journalism students
I asked some leading journalism schools about their freshman class numbers for fall 2012. Their reports:
From Columbia Graduate School of Journalism admission and financial aid director Leon M. Braswell:
This year we experienced a 4.4% drop in applications across our three degree programs. However, our yield remains strong (the number of people who responded affirmatively to our offers of admission) which is a testimony of the strong interest in journalism. Our overall yield is 75% which is quite high. So, while the applications number dropped a bit, Columbia’s programs continue to enroll serious students who are interested in the profession.
In terms of young people’s interest, I think it is increasing. Even though we had a drop, we continue to see growth among those who are just graduating from college. Our enrolling class is getting younger, suggesting that people who have jobs may be delaying or completely forgoing any advance training via graduate school.
Medill chief marketing officer Michael Dizon:
Historically, interest in Medill’s journalism program among high school seniors has been high, and we see that continuing.
Regarding the number of applications, I’m unable to share that with you. As you know, we’re a private university, and we compete with other journalism schools around the country. We will not be making those numbers public.
From Missouri School of Journalism:
There were 2,380 incoming freshman applications for fall 2012 classes vs. 2,256 in 2011 and 2,208 in 2010.
I’ve asked for stats from other schools and will post them if they come in.
The follow up to ask is how many are enrolled in journalism (declining) as opposed to public relations and advertising.
All huge wastes of money. And based on the semiliterate writings that emerge from students with these degrees, it’s clear that these places are not doing the job.