Top 5 Media Schools

University of California, Berkeley

• Home to some of the West Coast's most experienced instructors as well as a highly developed web of equipment, labs and software, UC Berkeley provides a comprehensive education in all forms of media. The university has five high-tech computer labs, fully stocked with top-of-the-line software and printers, audio/visual equipment, 3D modeling equipment and a large library of graphics software. Studio space, a blue screen room and smaller than average class sizes are also part of the Berkeley experience. Designed by seasoned media professionals, classes revolve around lectures and workshops as well as real-world experiences obtained through field trips and required internships. By graduation, most students leave with a complete portfolio of work to show potential employers. Any media or communications program requires field-specific classes and completion of the university's regular liberal arts classes.

  University of California, Berkeley
  1995 University Ave.
  Suite 110
  Berkeley, CA 94704-7000
  510-642-6000
  berkeley.edu/

University of La Verne

• A private institution, University of La Verne was founded in 1891 and provides one of the lowest teacher-to-student ratios in California. Each program provides professors and counselors who have years of experience in the field, and can guide students through the highlights, realities and difficulties of the media world. The curriculum has garnered attention from national publications including Forbes, and provides a combination of in-class work and lecture as well as required participation in on-campus publications, radio broadcasts or television shows. The department offers three different majors, each of which will earn graduates a BA degree. Each program--Broadcasting, Communications and Journalism--can be concentrated to a specific area, including radio or television emphasis, public affairs or photojournalism, all of which will be useful in specific fields.

  University of La Verne
  1950 Third St.
  La Verne, CA 91750
  909-593-3511
  laverne.edu/

Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge

• Part of Louisiana's flagship higher education institution, the Manship School of Mass Communications is one of the oldest journalism schools in the U.S. With the highest admission standards at the university, the program is ranked among the most difficult acceptances in the country. In the last decade, the school has established the only public affairs-oriented Ph.D. program and a public policy research lab, and in 2008, incorporated its own media effects lab. Undergraduate programs include concentrations in political communication, public relations and print or broadcast journalism. Graduate students may earn a master's-level degree in mass communication or a Ph.D. in public affairs. Students learn through in-class lectures, lab work and experience working for on-campus broadcast or print outlets.

  Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
  3357 Highland Road
  Baton Rouge, LA 70802-7923
  225-578-3202
  lsu.edu/

University of Arizona

• Located in sunny southern Arizona, the University of Arizona was ranked among America's top 50 institutions by U.S. News & World Report. The college of fine arts includes degree programs in journalism, media arts, communication and public affairs, among other concentrations. Each program embraces lectures on theory as well as concentration-specific classes in ethics, issues and social responsibility. Each student has the opportunity to work on pieces for on-campus publications and the school-run television station and radio channel. By the time graduation comes around, most students are equipped with a full portfolio, as well as internship experience and a complete knowledge of the field.

  University of Arizona
  P.O. Box 210004
  1017 N Olive Rd
  Music Bldg, Rm 111
  Tucson, AZ 85721-0004
  520-621-1778
  cfa.arizona.edu/

Michigan State University

• Established in East Lansing in 1855, Michigan State University provides one of the nation's most diverse menus of degree programs. Today, the university enrolls more than 45,000 students from more than 100 different countries. Known for its school of communications, media-oriented programs include degrees in journalism, mass communications, public relations and speech communications. Additionally, degrees focusing on digital, radio or television communication are also available. Both graduate and undergraduate programs are offered, and graduation requirements include degree-specific classes and satisfactory completion of the school's required credits. Students have access to top-of-the-line computer labs full of up-to-date software, a functional radio and television station, on-campus publications and access to local internships to gain real-world experience.

  Michigan State University
  250 Hannah Administration Building
  East Lansing, MI 48824-0590
  517-355-8332
  msu.edu/