Center Journalists in Residence Program: Application Open

Are you a journalist interested in sharpening your skills and learning more about business reporting? The Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program may be just the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Launched in March 2017, this excellent program allows prospective journalists to hone their skills, meet with leading experts, and immerse yourselves in the fascinating realm of business journalism.

What This Program Offers to You

Think of spending 12 weeks at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business’s Hyde Park campus learning from some of business’s brightest minds. This is more than sitting in on lectures—it’s a practical learning experience in which you can audit courses, attend special events, and work side by side with other journalists around the globe.

The best aspect of this chance is that it is adaptable. There are a wide range of courses to choose from. Take “The Firm and the Non-Market Environment” with Professors Marianne Bertrand and Luigi Zingales or learn more about “Crony Capitalism” and political economy, business, and more.

Your Commitments As a Participant

As a selected journalist, you will be required to attend the program, which means:

• Picking three courses that you would like to audit
• Joining in on class discussions, readings, and assignments
• Enjoying lectures by Stigler, social events, and networking events
• Signing a contract promising to adhere to the rules of the program

This is more than mere learning—you will be constructing and strengthening your career in a fun manner that brings you in touch with some of business’s brightest minds.

Program Details at a Glance

• Study Level: Training (non-degree program)
• Institution: University of Chicago Booth School of Business
• Location: Chicago, USA
• Focus Areas: Political economy, business journalism
• Program Duration: 12 weeks (March 19 – May 31, 2025)
• Application Deadline: October 13, 2025 (Spring 2025 applications are closed.)

What You Get as a Participant

As I’ve told you already about what you get to attend, it’s time to tell you about what you get to gain. The program is not learning per se—it is to help you in a great way when you are in Chicago. Here is what you can expect:

• Flight and Visa Reimbursement: The return flight to and from Chicago, SEVIS, and visa application fees are reimbursed.
• Money to Help with Expenses: You get a $12,000 stipend to help you manage expenses over the period of 12 weeks. (Note: Up to 14% can be withheld for taxes, depending on the tax arrangements of your home country in respect of the US.)
• Business Fundamentals Training: Get more economics and business in high-quality training.
• Seminar & Workshop Participation: Attend different academic and professional events in the university.
• Membership to Publish: You get to publish in ProMarket, a respected publication.
• Networking & Co-authorship: Collaborate with Booth’s faculty, students, and other program participants.
• Space to Study & Research: You get a place to work on studies and research.
• Certificate of Participation: Once you’ve completed the program successfully, you get a certificate that is a wonderful addition to your professional profile.

Who Can Join?

The program is open to journalists of any nationality, as long as you meet these requirements:

• Language Requirement: You should be fluent in English.
• Professional Requirement: You should have a few years of work experience as a journalist in any medium of media.

How to Join: The Application Process

To apply, simply follow these easy steps and submit your application online with required documentation:

1. Submit Resume/CV: Provide a brief description of work background and education.
2. Three Published Pieces: If you can, send them in English, or send translations of articles in a different language in conjunction with originals. If you work in radio or TV, provide a link to your work along with a transcript.
3. Submit Two Personal Essays (500 words or fewer each):
   1. Tell why you would be interested in this program and what you would gain.
   2. Tell of background in business or political economy and what you would like to learn.
4. Submit Two Letters of Recommendation: Obtain them from professional contacts that can attest to your capabilities and potential.
5. Provide Proof of English Proficiency (If Applicable): If you didn’t attend school in English, provide test results (such as TOEFL, IELTS) or a formal letter attesting to English proficiency.

Why This Program is Worth It

This is more than a training program—it is a key to more possibilities. By applying, you will:

• Gain more knowledge of business and political economy
• Develop key professional contacts
• Encounter some of the brightest minds in business and journalism
• Enhance your reporting and analysis capabilities
• Develop a new perspective on global economic trends

Ready to Apply?

If you truly want to take your journalism career to a new level and gain more knowledge of business reporting, do not miss this opportunity. Visit the official website to learn more and apply: What I Love About Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program

The Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program is unique and has a number of unique aspects that set it apart from other programs. I appreciate that it brings journalism and business studies together to provide a total experience for professionals looking to learn more. Most journalists, myself included, cover business stories without business training. The program is a wonderful opportunity to learn directly from experts at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Something else that is unique to this program is that it is a working program. In over 12 weeks, participants do not sit in lectures; they get engaged in a practical learning environment, swapping ideas with leading scholars, connecting with other journalists, and learning in practical ways. The program is structured yet flexible, providing each journalist the freedom to work in areas of interest, be it political economy, business strategies, or economic policies.

The program also includes financial support, a great plus. Most educational programs require journalists to cover their own expenses, but the Stigler Center bears expenses, provides a stipend, and conducts required training, making it easy for gifted journalists around the world to apply. Lastly, having the option to write for ProMarket, a publication dedicated to market power and regulation policy, is a productive way to apply new knowledge.

How We Found Out About Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program

Finding this program was a thrilling adventure. Most journalists would love to better their reporting capabilities, and I am always looking to become better through professional programs and learning. I learned of the Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program from a media and journalism professional organization. One of my colleagues did it a year ago and explained that it transformed their career and life in a great way.

Their review was great, so I began to research more about it. I searched for a short time until I landed on the official website of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. There, I came across transparent details of how the program functioned, whom it accepted, and its advantages. I also came across a number of endorsements of former participants that praised its heavy emphasis on research and attempts to link journalism to economics.

Social media also came in handy in learning of this program. It was discussed a lot in journalist groups on LinkedIn and Twitter, with professionals sharing their experiences and inviting others to apply. The more I learned of it, the more I felt I ought to be in it.

What We Hoped to Have Learned in the Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program

Before joining the program, I had a number of expectations of what I would gain from it. One expectation was to better understand business and economic concepts. As a journalist, I cover financial news that is sometimes complex, yet many of my colleagues do not have formal education in economics. The program allowed me to learn from accomplished instructors at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and I felt that it would provide a solid foundation in business reporting.

I also hoped to better be able to analyze news. Business reporting requires you to be familiar with economic trends, company strategies, and regulation changes. By learning in school, participating in discussions, and conversing with instructors, I hoped to become more proficient in analyzing financial news and reporting it correctly. I was also looking forward to meeting other professionals around the globe who share my career objectives.

I also was looking forward to learning more about practical reporting in business and economics. Reporting for ProMarket seemed to be a wonderful method of applying theory to practical situations. I was interested in learning more about how laws and policies impact behavior in the marketplace and society in general.

After finding out about the Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program and its usefulness, it is time to take action. For interested journalists, the initial step is to review carefully the details of the program to determine if one is eligible. As applying requires sending a resume, published work, personal essays, and letters of recommendation, it is wise to prepare these in advance.

An important aspect of applying is the personal essay. Here is where one can demonstrate interest in journalism and business reporting, provide a reason for applying, and define career objectives. Spending time to craft a great essay can be of great help in applying. Also, having excellent letters of recommendation from mentors or editors to testify to one’s reporting capabilities and work ethic is crucial.

The next action after learning of this program is to disseminate the information. Many professional journalists may be unaware of this opportunity, so sharing it in professional networks, social media, and journalist groups can inspire others to take up this opportunity. For those that do not yet qualify, working on objectives such as gaining more business reporting experience or learning to better speak English can set one up for applications in the future.

FAQs About Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program

1. What is the Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program?

The program is a 12-week course at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business that instructs journalists in business and economics.

2. Who is eligible to apply?

Working journalists of any nationality having a media background and a keen interest in business and economic reporting.

3. Is the program open to freelance journalists?

Yes, both staff and freelance journalists are welcome to apply.

4. Do I need a background in business journalism?

No, but an interest in business, economics, and public policy is required.

5. What expenses does the program cover?

It reimburses travel costs, covers visa application fees, and provides a $12,000 stipend for living expenses.

6. Will I receive a certificate after completion?

Yes, participants receive a certificate upon successfully completing the program.

7. Are there any specific English requirements?

Non-native English speakers may need to provide proof of proficiency through standardized tests or work experience.

8. Can I choose which classes to attend?

Yes, participants can select courses that align with their interests.

9. Is there an age limit for applicants?

No, the program does not have any age restrictions.

10. When is the application deadline?

The deadline for the 2026 program is October 13, 2025.

Final Thoughts

The Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program is not just learning—it’s career-shaping. Want to get a better grasp of economics, learn business journalism, or get to know key professionals? The program is designed to help you succeed. So, be ready, prepare your application, and set for a great adventure in Chicago!