Should You Get A Journalism Degree?

We live in a world surrounded by news. From traditional sources like print publications and TV to newer models of information like social media and newsletters, journalism is a ubiquitous profession. If you are interested in being a taker of facts and maker of information, then a journalism degree may be just up your alley.

While a journalism degree is not the only major you can choose when looking to work in the field of news media, it is well suited for many students. Here, we will break down everything you need to know about a journalism degree — the good, the bad, and the straight facts.

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Should I Get A Bachelor’s In Journalism?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the number of writers needed in journalism will grow by 9% between 2016 and 2026. While that’s definitely a good thing for anyone thinking of entering the field of journalism, it’s necessary to note that the field can feel unstable at times. This is because print publications may struggle with budgets and funding, and therefore, new forms of media arise.

In essence, as is ideal with any degree, a prospective journalism major should be very passionate about the field of news and information. If you have a true passion to uncover the truth, inform the public, and want to uphold the principles of free press, then you should definitely consider earning your bachelor’s degree in journalism!

What Can I Do with It?

While a passion for journalism is the most fitting for a journalism degree, it won’t be the only option you have! Of course, the majority of graduates with a journalism degree enter the field and work as reporters or editors, others go on to work in related industries. These include: public relations, copywriting, advertising and marketing

Here’s a quick view of some positions you can attain with a degree in journalism:

• Reporter Or News Analyst: Reporters and news analysts deliver the news. Their duties include: finding stories, conducting interviews, and fact checking information. They may also be responsible for reporting breaking news.
• Editor: Editors work with reporters to help guide and revise their stories. They may also come up with the questions that should be asked in an interview, for example.
• Copywriter: Copywriters work to provide text for businesses in various forms, like: blog posts, how-to guides, advertisements, websites and more. Their speciality resides in taking a message and conveying in clearly and concisely in their client’s tone of voice for the intended audience.
• Public Relations Specialist: Public relations specialists work on behalf of companies or agencies to write press releases, help with marketing campaigns, and answer reporters’ questions to help maintain the reputation of a business. Some journalism degrees offer specializations in public relations.

5 Pros Of A Degree In Journalism

When weighing a tough decision, it often helps to list out the pros and cons. In this case, we’ve done it for you and will start with the positive aspects of earning a degree in journalism.

1. Better Writer

It seems like the most obvious point, but when you study journalism, you will spend a lot of time reading and writing. Not only will your reading comprehension improve, but you’ll also become a better writer. Being a good writer is something that you can carry with you in any aspect of life. From careers to writing formal letters, the ability to write can prove useful in so many situations.

2. Transferable Skills

A degree in journalism isn’t just suited for those entering the field. As previously mentioned, the types of skills you learn will bode well for any career. Along with becoming a better writer, you’ll also learn about video production, media law, and research.

3. Networking

Journalism is one of those degrees that are geared towards entering the field. As such, you will study with like-minded individuals with similar career goals. Professors often become mentors and can even open the door to networking with people who already work in the profession. As such, you can start to grow your own list of contacts while earning your degree.

4. Exposure

Going hand-in-hand with networking is the kind of exposure you have while earning your degree. You’ll likely have guest lectures and be able to attend workshops and conferences that can open the door to new information and ways of thinking.

5. Engaging Environment

For a passionate student, a journalism degree is a highly engaging learning environment. The hands-on projects, networking and education combine to make for a worthwhile and fun educational journey.

3 Cons Of A Degree In Journalism

1. Constantly Evolving Field

Although a constantly changing and innovating field can be a benefit of a profession, it can also be a challenge. Since there are new ways of telling stories and reporting news (like social media), it may not be formally taught in completion within a journalism program.

2. Competitive

For journalists and writers, entering the field is highly competitive. Despite the fact that there will be a growth in the need for writers, many print publications have been forced to close their doors. So, the traditional model of journalism may be changing, but it still remains a competitive field.

3. Experience Required

Even with a college education, it’s likely that entry-level jobs will require some form of experience within the field. This means that you’ll have to land an internship (which could be unpaid) to boost your experience before being hired.

Choose An Area Of Specialization

For most journalism degree majors, the path to becoming a journalist follows these steps:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree (four-year program)
• Land an internship or entry-level position
• Go to journalism school (get a master’s)
• Choose a specialization

The field of journalism is broad, so there are options to specialize in various concentrations. These include:

• Broadcast journalism
• Financial reporting
• Magazine writing
• News reporting
• Online journalism
• Photojournalism
• Political journalism
• Science and health reporting
• Sports journalism

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Other Related Positions

With a bachelor’s degree in journalism, you can start working in entry-level positions. Or, you can consider related job titles, like:

• Social media marketing manager
• Producer
• Digital strategist
• Web manager/coordinator
• Brand manager
• Campaign manager

Wrapping Up

The biggest requirement to earning a journalism degree is a passion and love for the subject and field. While a journalism degree can open many doors within the industry, it is best suited for those who genuinely want to deliver the facts and uphold the ethics of the field.

Journalism is a changing profession in terms of how information is spread because of technology and accessibility. So, if you’re looking to fight against the rise of fake news, then a degree in journalism could be what you need to get started!