Journalism is a career that demands skill, curiosity, and persistence. New York is at the centre of it all, with major news organisations, media hubs, and countless opportunities for students to gain real-world experience.
The right program teaches the skills you need, gives hands-on training, and connects you with professionals who can help your career. We researched journalism programs across New York and selected the ten best schools based on course quality, practical experience, internships, and graduate outcomes.
In this article, we break down each program, explain what students will learn, and show why these schools stand out for anyone serious about starting a career in journalism.
Best Journalism Schools in New York
1. Columbia University — Columbia Journalism School
At Columbia, the M.S. in Journalism is built to teach you how to investigate deeply, report responsibly, and tell powerful stories. From day one, you’ll cover real beats, learning to gather, verify, and frame news in an ethical way.
The program is flexible: you can specialise in “sequences” in areas like climate reporting, audio storytelling, sports reporting, photojournalism, or business journalism. There are also two major tracks, one for investigative journalism, where you dig into big, systemic issues, and another for documentary journalism, sm where you craft nonfiction films.
If you’re ambitious, you can even pursue a dual master’s in Journalism and Computer Science, where you learn both how to code and how to report, making you perfect for digital innovation in media. Columbia also has other dual options (Journalism + Law, Business, or Religion) for students who want a broader skill set.
2. New York University (NYU) — Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute
NYU’s journalism program is designed for curious, bold thinkers who want to report in a way that matters. As an undergraduate, you’ll take courses in ethics, media theory, storytelling, and advanced reporting, while also exploring New York City up close through real-world reporting and publishing your work.
All journalism majors at NYU must pick a second major, which means you graduate not just as a reporter, but someone with a deeper, interdisciplinary perspective. For graduate students, NYU offers a master’s (including an online option) where you choose from several concentrations: business & economic reporting, cultural criticism, science/environment reporting, audio and podcast journalism, news & documentary, and more.
3. Syracuse University — S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
At Syracuse’s Newhouse School, the journalism B.S. program is very hands-on: from reporting and writing to interviewing, editing, videography, and producing, students learn how to tell stories across today’s media platforms. There are two main tracks: Broadcast & Digital Journalism (for video, radio, and web) and Magazine, News & Digital Journalism (for long-form writing and cross-platform storytelling).
In addition, Newhouse offers a secondary sports media track, where you learn sports reporting, anchoring, and even playing with sports documentary production. For people who want to study further, Newhouse has a master’s program in Magazine, News & Digital Journalism, where you write, edit, and design stories for different audiences and platforms.
They also run an online M.S. in Communications, letting working professionals develop core journalism skills (including law, storytelling, and research) while balancing jobs or life.
4. Ithaca College — Roy H. Park School of Communications
Ithaca College is known for producing practical, job-ready journalists, and the Park School makes this its main focus. The undergraduate journalism program covers reporting, writing, editing, and multimedia storytelling, preparing students to work across print, digital, and broadcast platforms. Students get hands-on experience from day one through the student-run newspaper The Ithacan, TV station, and radio station, where they produce content for real audiences.
The program emphasises ethical reporting, fact-checking, and understanding media law, while also giving students opportunities to specialise in areas like sports journalism, investigative reporting, or digital media production. Internships are highly encouraged and often lead to professional placements, helping students build networks in media industries before graduation.
5. Hofstra University — Lawrence Herbert School of Communication
Hofstra’s journalism program is structured to balance theory with practical experience. Students study core journalism skills including reporting, news writing, editing, and digital storytelling, while exploring specialised areas such as broadcast journalism, sports media, and public relations.
Hands-on learning is central, with opportunities to work in the campus newsroom, radio, television, and digital media labs. The program focuses on ethics, critical thinking, and the impact of media on society, helping students develop responsible reporting skills.
Internships in New York City or Long Island are encouraged, giving students a chance to work with real news organisations and build connections in the field.
6. Stony Brook University (SUNY) — Department of Journalism
Stony Brook University offers a journalism program that emphasises practical skills and adaptability. Students learn reporting, writing, and editing for newspapers, online platforms, and broadcast outlets, while also exploring multimedia and digital storytelling techniques.
The curriculum stresses ethical journalism, critical thinking, and understanding the role of media in society. Students participate in hands-on projects, creating content for campus publications and local media, which helps develop a professional portfolio.
Specialised courses allow students to focus on areas like investigative reporting, sports media, or data journalism. The program encourages internships with newspapers, television stations, or online media, providing experience that prepares graduates to step confidently into journalism careers after college.
7. SUNY Albany — Journalism and Mass Communication Program
SUNY Albany’s journalism program prepares students to work in modern media by combining strong theoretical foundations with hands-on practice. Students learn essential skills in reporting, writing, editing, and multimedia storytelling for print, online, and broadcast platforms.
The program emphasises ethical journalism, media law, and the social impact of reporting, ensuring students understand the responsibilities of the profession. Practical experience is a central part of the curriculum, with opportunities to contribute to campus newspapers, radio, and online publications.
Internships with local and national media outlets give students real-world experience and networking opportunities. Graduates leave with a strong portfolio, versatile skills, and readiness to pursue careers in traditional journalism, digital media, or communications-focused roles.
8. SUNY Buffalo — Department of Media Study
At SUNY Buffalo, journalism students gain a broad education that covers reporting, media ethics, writing, and production for multiple platforms. The program focuses on both practical and analytical skills, teaching students how to tell accurate, compelling stories while considering audience impact and social responsibility.
Students engage in hands-on projects through campus media, digital reporting labs, and radio or video production opportunities. Specialised courses allow students to focus on investigative journalism, multimedia reporting, or data-driven storytelling.
The program also emphasises internships with newspapers, broadcast stations, and online media, giving students early professional experience.
9. Binghamton University (SUNY) — Journalism Program
Binghamton’s journalism program offers a well-rounded approach, teaching students the fundamentals of reporting, writing, editing, and digital media production. Students gain hands-on experience through campus media, broadcast projects, and online content creation, which helps them build a professional portfolio while still in school.
The program stresses journalistic ethics, media law, and the critical role of storytelling in society. Students can explore specialised topics like investigative journalism, multimedia production, and sports reporting. Internships with regional newspapers, television stations, or online media organisations are strongly encouraged, giving students exposure to real-world challenges.
10. Columbia University — Graduate Journalism Program
Columbia’s graduate journalism program is designed for students seeking professional excellence in reporting and storytelling. The M.S. in Journalism covers the core skills of reporting, writing, editing, and ethics, while allowing students to specialise in areas like investigative reporting, business, science, sports, or documentary filmmaking.
Students gain hands-on experience through reporting assignments in New York City, working under the mentorship of award-winning faculty. The program also offers dual-degree options, combining journalism with fields like law, computer science, or business, which equips students with unique interdisciplinary expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost to study journalism in New York?
Tuition depends on the school. Public universities are cheaper for in-state students. Private schools like Columbia and NYU cost more. You also need to budget for books, equipment, and living expenses, especially in New York City.
2. Do I need work experience to get into these programs?
Undergraduate programs usually do not require prior journalism experience. However, experience like blogging, contributing to a school newspaper, or volunteering at a local station strengthens your application. Graduate programs often prefer students who have some reporting or media background.
3. What kinds of jobs can I get after graduating?
A journalism degree opens doors to reporting, editing, broadcasting, digital media, content creation, public relations, and media strategy roles. Many graduates start at newspapers, magazines, online outlets, radio, TV stations, or corporate communications. Studying in New York offers access to top media organisations.
4. Can I specialise in a certain type of journalism?
Yes. Most schools allow tracks or concentrations like investigative journalism, sports, business, science, cultural reporting, or digital storytelling. Specialising helps students build greater skills and become more attractive to employers.
5. Are internships important while studying?
Absolutely. Internships provide hands-on experience and allow you to build a professional portfolio. They also help students make industry contacts. Many graduates secure their first full-time jobs through connections made during internships.