Journalism Program

The journalism program at Northwestern University in Qatar is offered by the world-renowned Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Since 1921 Medill has epitomized excellence in journalism and journalism education in the United States, and it is doing the same today in Qatar. Now, as the media everywhere face unprecedented change, Medill’s undergraduate program is leading the way in preparing multimedia journalists who can help shape and navigate a dynamic media landscape. A Medill education ensures that students become skilled not only in writing, reporting, editing, production, and critical thinking but also in using multiple platforms (print, online, broadcast, and wireless) so that they can create compelling, high-impact journalism for increasingly interactive audiences.

Producing such versatile graduates requires broad faculty expertise. All Qatar journalism faculty members have appointments in Evanston; in Qatar they teach essentially the same curriculum taught in Evanston.  The Medill curriculum emphasizes journalism excellence, multimedia storytelling, ethics and professional behavior, audience understanding, research, quantitative literacy, visual literacy, and creativity.

The fully accredited bachelor of science in journalism (BSJ) degree program develops well-rounded students who are broadly educated, knowledgeable about diverse cultures, and engaged in global issues. Journalism students take one-third of their courses in the journalism program (which includes a track in public relations); the other two-thirds are in the liberal arts and sciences.

Medill’s valuable “learn-by-doing” philosophy extends beyond the traditional classroom to real-world training and immersion experiences. In a sophomore-year course, for instance, Northwestern University in Qatar students report from locations beyond the Education City campus. During their junior year, students participate in the Journalism Residency, an academic internship that gives them invaluable real-world experience and networking potential within a media company. They receive course credit for working alongside professional mentors in a newspaper, magazine, broadcast station, online news operation, or public relations agency. 

Many graduates of the journalism program find rewarding careers in print, broadcast or online journalism; public relations; or related fields directly after graduation. Some pursue graduate education, including the two Medill graduate programs offered on the Evanston campus: The master of science in journalism (MSJ) program offers advanced study in specialized subject reporting (such as business, politics, and science) and techniques (such as magazine writing and editing, interactive media, and videography); the master of science in integrated marketing communication (MSIMC) program has specialized concentrations in brand strategy and advertising, direct and interactive marketing communications, corporate communications and public relations, marketing analytics, and media management.

Learn more about NU-Q's journalism program:

  • Journalism courses
    Journalism today requires students to know how to report stories accurately and to innovate and help shape the future of media and news. NU-Q teaches the latest techniques in digital journalism, TV, radio, and print with the same  sophistication it brings to its traditional news-gathering curriculum.

  • Degree requirements
    Students in the journalism program are encouraged to take a wide variety of electives that will help them to think critically about a variety of issues and advance quickly in their chosen professions.

  • Journalism residency
    During their junior year, NU-Q journalism students learn by completing internships at TV and radio stations, websites, magazines, newspapers and public relations agencies.

  • Sample four-year program
    From theory to reporting, the journalism program offers a wide variety of courses and elective options. Most students take a courseload of four courses per semester.

  • Careers in journalism
    Watch a video showing some of the professional options for journalism students, which include reporting, production, public relations, photography and more.

  • Journalism faculty
    Faculty members from Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism have experience in print, broadcast and mutimedia journalism. Learn about their professional accomplishments and find contact information.