What is the best journalism school in Canada?

What's a good undergrad degree to get before going to grad school for journalism?

• What's a good undergrad degree to get before going to grad school for journalism? I really want to be a broadcast journalist. Right now, my plan is to major in broadcast journalism for my undergraduate degree and minor in political science. After that, I want to get a master's degree in journalism. To my dismay, however, many people tell me that this is not a good idea, because jobs in journalism are scarce. I want to keep my options open though. Would it be a better idea to wait and study journalism in grad school only? If so, what would be a good major to take that would lead to a journalism education or career and also serve as a substantial back up plan if journalism doesn't work out? My parents are very supportive of my wanting to pursue and undergrad in journalism, and I also feel confident in my plan. However, people who don't know me very well are always criticizing my pursuit.

• Answer:

  Why not get your bachelor's degree in journalism first? Or since you're interested in broadcast, a double major in journalism and communications? A master's degree is fine, and no one will ever argue against having more education, but it's truly not necessary to get a job, and I'm not certain that it will increase your chances of getting one. What *will* increase your chances are a solid educational foundation in the appropriate subject area, and if possible, an internship. Do whatever is necessary to get an internship with a television station, or a radio station if that's all you can find. There is nothing better than real-life, on-the-job experience, and you'll meet lots of people who are actually working in the profession. They can be great mentors and great references. While pursuing your bachelor's degree, some courses in political science, economics and history wouldn't hurt. As for those who don't think this is a good career choice, forget them. While it's true that print and even broadcast are likely to change dramatically in the coming years as new technology is developed, there will always be a need for reliably researched and accurately reported content. Stories do not write themselves, and content doesn't just "happen." Even if you don't end up in that field, the ability to write clearly and accurately is a major benefit in virtually any business.