Best Journalism Schools in Canada – Part 3– Focus on Ryerson University
What do CBC Radio’s Arthur Black, Outpost Magazine’s Kisha Ferguson and Global News’ Sean Mallen have in common?
Apart from being outstanding word warriors, they are all graduates of Ryerson University’s School of Journalism.
You too can be just like them! One way you can do so is to seek admittance at one of the best Journalism schools in Canada: Ryerson University. Show that you have got what it takes to be one of Canada’s best correspondents by studying at Ryerson’s respected School of Journalism.
Please note that this is Part 3 of the article series titled: the Best Journalism Schools in Canada. Scroll to the
bottom of this article to navigate to the other parts.
Ryerson University School of Journalism
Established in the year 1950, Ryerson University’s School of Journalism started with just the humble lectures of instructor Ed Parker. When the degree was formally instituted, Parker sought the help of Journalism professor Earle Beattie and experienced scribbler Ted Schrader – with the latter leading the school’s helm for a good two decades.
What made Ryerson University a cut above the rest during its early days are its former courses in lithographic plates and small press management – lessons which were not taught in some of Canada’s Journalism schools. While these practices are barely utilized today, these unique programs helped shaped the school into the well-respected institution that it is today.
For more than 6 decades, Ryerson University has been developing movers and shakers in the world of Journalism. With exceptional graduates such as CBC TV reporter Wendy Mesley and Toronto Star columnist Rosie diMano, it comes as no surprise why Ryerson University should be the top college choice for aspiring journalists like you.
Why study at Ryerson University?
You might be asking yourself, why should you study Journalism at Ryerson University? There are so many things that will convince you to study at Ryerson. These attractive points should help you decide why this school is the best for your journalistic aspirations:
1) Combined Generalist and Specialized Education
Compared to other schools that offer a generic curriculum, Ryerson University’s School of Journalism gives you the chance to become the journalist you wish to be with its full curriculum. During the first two years, students are educated with the basics of writing, reporting and research, as well as the fundamentals of broadcast news and online reporting.
After the basic courses, you will be given a chance to specialize in broadcast, newspaper, magazine or online
journalism. You can also focus on news editing, or in any specific field in journalism (international, business or sports.)
2) Brilliant Professors
At Ryerson University, you can take hold of the rare opportunity of being honed by the Journalism world’s finest professionals.
Known for their great teaching abilities, these professors can help you enhance your skills – so you can become just like them. Here are some of Ryerson’s esteemed faculty members – all of whom are more than passionate in helping the journalists of the future:
* Chair: Ivan Shapiro, founding director of the Canadian Journalism Project
* Associate Chair: Ann Rauhala, foreign editor and featured columnist
* Kamal Al-Solaylee, national theater critic
* Joyce Smith, former director of “Canadian Journalists for Free Expression”
* Anne McNeilly, former “The Globe and Mail” journalist
3) Modern Facilities and Amenities
From being housed in a Quonset hut, and after being relocated to Eaton’s Warehouse, much has changed with Ryerson University’s School of Journalism. Now, the institution is housed in the ultra-modern Rogers Communication Center. Here, students can get their hands on the newest media and technology with their working newsrooms, as well as broadcast, magazine and newspaper laboratories.
4) Comprehensive Internship Programs
The education you receive at Ryerson University is one thing, but the experience you can gain from the outside world can help you improve your skills – and it can help you land a lucrative job offer as well! At Ryerson, you will be given a chance to undergo apprenticeships at the most prestigious print and broadcast firms in Canada – and other countries as well. Your internship work can help you build a demo reel that will have employers lining at your feet.
5) Numerous School Publications
Ryerson University gives its students a chance to exercise their journalistic skills with the school’s numerous publications. The oldest is the Ryersonian, established in the year 1951. Funded by the provincial government, it is considered as a seemingly-censored newsletter. Responding to such suppression is the “Eyeopener,” established by then-student Tom Thorne. It publishes mostly-controversial pieces, and is largely independent of the Journalism School.
6) Specialized Research Center
Education and experience are essential for your growth as a journalist; and at Ryerson you can add one aspect to your profile: research.
At Ryerson University, you can study the pressing issues of today at the Journalism Research Center, a hub where trends and changes are studied by professionals and undergraduates alike. Here, students can aid in the investigation of issues and new practices.
The Journalism Research Center can also get you published – as the hub pushes for the publication of breakthrough studies through newsletters, seminars and conferences.
7) Plentiful Scholarship Programs
At Ryerson University, you can obtain an excellent education even if you cannot pay for the tuition. That’s because the School of Journalism offers a handful of scholarship programs for deserving students. Here are some bursaries for select learners:
* Betty Michalyshyn Memorial Scholarship
* Caren King Scholarship
* David Tafler Scholarship for Excellence in Magazine Journalism
* Donner Canadian Foundation Howard Intrator Memorial Scholarship
* Joe Perlove Scholarship
* Linda Shutt Memorial Scholarship
* Rolf Lockwood Scholarship
Diverse Programs
Apart from the four-year undergraduate degree in Journalism, Ryerson University offers other course programs for university graduates and non-Journalism graduates. A two-year program is available for graduates of former university students, while a minor in News Studies is available for non-Journalism students.
Stellar Reputation
Perhaps one of the best things that come with a degree from the Ryerson University is the diploma that comes with it. After all, the university is known as one of the best institutions in the world.
As per Maclean Rankings, Ryerson University takes the 12th spot out of all Canadian schools. It is also the second-highly favored institution in all of Quebec, being one of the top choices of applicants for its excellent quality of Journalism education.
What Students Have to Say
Real-life experience is pivotal to a journalist’s success – and this is one of the many things that Ryerson University can provide. With the school’s immersive internship and apprenticeship programs, you can create a stellar portfolio that is necessary for employment prospects.
Conclusion
If you are aspiring to become a world-class reporter, then it is essential that you earn a diploma from one of the best Journalism schools in Canada: Ryerson University. With its specialized curriculum, excellent facilities and dedicated faculty members, you can be on your way to journalism stardom with the help of Ryerson education.
Relevant Links:
- Best Journalism Schools In Canada – Part 1
- Best Journalism Schools In Canada – Part 2
- Best Journalism Schools In Canada – Part 3
