Published July 27, 2023
Life as a Student Journalist at NYU: Washington Square News
20 Cooper Square, NYU Journalism’s building.
The TL;DR
Journalism at NYU
Nothing says New York City like a good old fashioned newspaper. The city has been home to journalism since the inception of news as we know it: the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal were both founded in New York. Today, TV news networks like NBC, CNN, and FOX call New York City home (as does the fictional Waystar Royco). New York City is the epicenter of both print and broadcast journalism.
Study Journalism at NYU
NYU offers many paths for students interested in a career in journalism and students who want to learn more about it. For students interested in studying journalism, NYU offers both a major and two minors through the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute at the College of Arts and Science. The Broadcast and Multimedia Journalism minor as well as the Print and Online Journalism minor are available. Similarly, students who major in Journalism choose a print or broadcast track. Journalism majors also double-major in a second field of study at NYU. The double major allows students to find an area of specialization. If they do choose work as a journalist, a second major gives them a niche to rise above other job candidates in the field.
Producing Student Journalism at NYU
Whether or not you want to study journalism at NYU, you can be a student journalist. All students, no matter their major, can write for NYU’s independent student newspaper, Washington Square News. Any NYU student can participate in whatever way works for them. Students can apply to be staff writers or editors on the paper’s website. Writers can also pitch and write one-off stories as contributing writers by attending Sunday pitch meetings or pitching stories online.
As a contributing writer during my first year at NYU, I was able to write whenever I had free time or any particularly strong ideas. With the flexibility of this position, I wrote about Crumbl Cookies and COVID-19 boosters with no long-term commitment. I got to attend pitch meetings inside the Washington Square News (WSN) staff office, pitch my ideas, and write them! The turnaround time for a typical article depends on what type of story it is. But, generally, you can expect to complete it in two or three days. Articles contain a student journalist’s own interviews, writing, and unique views.
Writing for WSN can be an amazing experience for both careers in journalism and in other fields. Washington Square News also offers editor positions for students who want to get more involved. Editors work around 15 hours a week and get to write and edit for their section of choice. WSN sections include news, features, opinions, sports, culture, arts, and abroad desks.
What Can NYU Student Journalists Do?
Journalism at NYU not only allows students to hone their writing and investigative skills in the heart and home of the industry but also write and get published by a storied student paper. Whether you major, minor, or just write a few articles, NYU student journalists can find great opportunities for whatever career they pursue.
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