Eastern Illinois University offers a variety of majors and minors, some being more popular than others. One of the top majors at Eastern is Journalism, the major that I am very satisfied I chose. Not only is the journalism department fantastic, but also the opportunities that are offered to the students are incredible.
After University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign recently discontinued their daily newspaper, Eastern is one of two schools in Illinois that have a daily newspaper. The Daily Eastern news, also referred to as, The DEN, gives students the opportunity to write for the Eastern Illinois community on topics such as entertainment, sports, academic news, etc. After basic training from current editors, students are able to write stories on whichever topic they choose. It is great experience for those who plan to continue their journey as a journalist. News writing is crucial in the journalism world and every journalist needs to get the experience sooner or later.
Eastern also has a television and radio station on campus known as WEIU, which is completely run by students. It is a 4,000-watt effective radiated power station that not only serves students, but all residents of Coles County. This station gives students the opportunity to have hands-on experience with the professional world of radio and broadcasting. Eastern is one of very few schools that have a student-run station, which makes it the perfect place for journalism major like me who aspires to be a sports news anchor one day. Having access to a television and radio station that compares to a professional station is the perfect way to prepare for internships and jobs in the future.
Considering that I am a journalism major at Eastern Illinois, I will get the experience of working behind and on the scenes of a station and writing for a daily newspaper. If you are an aspiring journalist, news anchor, or anything within the field of journalism, Eastern is the best place for you. The department is excited and willing to help students become involved with The DEN and WEIU. I started writing for The DEN my second week at Eastern because my teacher encouraged me to make a visit to the newsroom where everyone was so welcoming and helpful. I am more than confident that I will receive the proper education and training here at Eastern because of the amazing journalism department and the hands-on opportunities that they offer.
