WJI Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there a theological litmus test for admission to the programs of the World Journalism Institute?

A: There is no theological litmus test or template set for the students or the teachers. While the administration of WJI would consider itself Reformed/evangelical and would look to historic Presbyterianism for its theological understanding, the teachers and students represent all the perspectives of historic, orthodox Christianity, including Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant.

Q: Are students from all Christian denominations and traditions welcome in the programs of the World Journalism Institute?

A: Yes. All that is required on the statement of faith portion of the course/workshop application is a brief written profession of faith in Jesus Christ as one's exclusive Lord and Savior.

Q: May high school students attend the institute programs?

A: High school students may not attend the institute programs without special approval.

Q: May non-college age people attend the institute programs?

A: The answer is a qualified "yes," in that from time to time non-college age students are admitted into the workshops and courses. Priority is given to matriculating college students and immediate college graduates. However, the institute sponsors conferences throughout the year which are open to all Christian journalists, college-age and above.

Q: Are scholarships available for accepted students?

A: The current student fee for the multi-week journalism course is $500. That fee includes housing, some dinners, tuition, some books, post-class evaluation, lunches, and snacks in the New York course. Since the $500 covers only a fraction of the cost of the course, there is no scholarship aid beyond that amount given to each accepted student. Other WJI programs are similarly priced below cost to encourage participation.

Q: What is the appropriate dress for the institute programs?

A: Professional-casual attire is required for WJI programs. Students dressed inappropriately may be asked to leave the program and change to appropriate attire. A professional-casual look is characterized by these items of clothing: Men: shirts, including polo shirts, with collar, and dress or casual dress pants. Ties, jackets or sweaters when needed or desired. For the closing dinner, men should wear coat and tie. Women: dresses and skirts of appropriate length (close to knee); slacks or dress pants.

Q: May the WJI courses or workshops be audited?

A: No

Q: May a student miss classes if there is a scheduling conflict?

A: The student may miss one day out of three weeks and still be enrolled in the course. The student may miss three hours in a week workshop and still be enrolled in the workshop. If the student misses more than that the student may be asked to leave the course or workshop.

Q: What is the policy about class lateness?

A: The student is expected to be in class, ready to go when the class begins. Because of the tightness of the class schedule, classes will begin promptly on time.

Q: What is the basic level of instruction during the courses?

A: The teachers are told by the administration that they should assign and evaluate reporting and writing assignments as close to the newsroom practice as they can. Thus, expectations are high and grading can be tough.

Q: Should one major in journalism in college?

A: We suggest one major in a more cognitive subject, such as history, philosophy, economics, political science, English - you get the point. Then take a couple of journalism courses and write for the student newspaper like crazy. The point is that you need to know something before you can write about something. Develope a core of knowledge while in college by taking substantial courses and then take every opportunity to write for the student newspaper. If you want to specialize in journalism, we suggest you wait until graduate school (if you need to go to graduate school). Use your undergraduate years to broaden and deepen your understanding of the world around you.

Q: Where can I look for journalism jobs?

A: There are many sites that can be useful in your job search, including journalismjobs.com, journalismnext.com, mediabistro.com, and monster.com. Professional organizations like NABJ, NAHJ, SPJ, and UNITY also have resources for job-hunting.