You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language. Journalism programs look for applicants with strong writing skills. Some schools may require you to take an English language skills exam before you can enter the journalism program. This exam typically tests you on your grasp of grammar and mechanics and on your vocabulary knowledge.

At other schools, you start as a "pre-journalism" major until you have successfully completed some basic journalism courses. After that, you can officially enter the journalism program.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

• English Composition
• Creative Writing
• Technical Writing
• Public Speaking
• Forensics and Debate
• Journalism
• Mass Media, Communication
• Algebra
• World Geography
• World History
• Political Science