Choosing a school to attend for the field of photojournalism can be a very stressful task. Not only do you need a school publication to display your work, but the technology and training to educate you at the speed of the coming age. Many schools have programs or sequences designed specifically for "photojournalism," while others just have a school paper that comes out occasionally and general photography classes are available.
As with picking any career or educational institution, here are several things to ask yourself before entering into the realm of picking a school, college or university.
Of course, any discussion of education beyond a public school would be incomplete without a discussion of finances. A four-year university is a great way to begin in this field. You are almost guaranteed a thorough education and experience like no other, but the cost may be much higher than at a junior college, or community college. High school graduates will also benefit from entering a university with a dedicated program offering specific sequences in photojournalism. Students in such dedication photography/photojournalism prorams will be immersed into a group of students and teachers that have at least a couple years experience in that specific field and can offer ample amounts of support and knowledge.
Fine programs can be located throughout the country. There are top programs on the East Coast, the West Coast and in the Midwest and South. Picking a geographic location for a college is a very personal decision. It's always good to get experience in a new area and may provide you with opportunities you'll never get after graduation. Shop around. Call the advisers and instructors in their catalogue. Look them up on the internet. Call your local newspaper, they have most likely used a student from some school as an intern, clueing you in as to where some of the "better" students might be coming from. Make sure to ask the paper where they might recommend. Recent awards are one criteria often associated with a program that appears to be "on the ball." But this should not be the only reason to attend a school. You will be going to this school for an education. You want to be able to learn the basics as well as some of the latest in technology and technique. The most important thing to do when deciding is to visit the school. You will learn the most and get the best "feel" for the school by going there and meeting the students. Get a feel for the community and what it offers away from school. Awards, recognition and name are nothing if you're blown-off when visiting. Admissions counselors should go out of their way to show you around and answer all of your questions.
There are many, many, schools not on the map for photojournalism and still accomplishing amazing things. The key to finding them is calling a school you've heard of or are interested in, speak with the adviser and ask him/her to send you information and copies of their paper/special projects they've done recently.
