ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the educational backgrounds and preferences of US journalists in light of a decade of significantly increased numbers of journalism school graduates entering the media job market. Comparisons are made with the earlier 1971 and 1982-1983 studies of journalists, and also with US Census figures for the population in general. US schools and departments of journalism have grown greatly in number, and in numbers of students, since the turn of the century. Lindley argued that journalism’s emergence in the academic world was part of a great surge in education for the professions. For most professionals, it would be redundant to ask about educational background because their professional standing is based on certain programs of studies. Although that is certainly true for medical doctors, lawyers, licensed nurses, and certified public accountants, it is not true for US journalists.
