Journalism Degree Guide
Journalists deliver information through online video, television broadcasts, and print media. A journalism degree equips you with the skills to research effectively and communicate information to the public in a responsible, coherent manner.
By reporting evidence-based news and maintaining honest, informed personas, journalists build their reputations for accountability within the media.
The knowledge and skills developed through a journalism degree program also transfer to careers across disciplines and industries. This guide covers types of journalism degrees, educational pathways, and available career trajectories.
What Is a Journalism Degree?
Journalism degrees give you practical experience in gathering credible sources, determining the truth, writing concisely and effectively, and relaying valuable and engaging stories to the public. These programs cover topics like ethics, media law, and research techniques.
A journalism degree often leads to jobs in news organizations, digital media, and public relations, but can also apply to careers in marketing and nonprofits. You’ll be prepared for positions involving reporting, writing, and multimedia storytelling.
Types of Journalism Degrees
There are different types of journalism degrees. Some schools offer concentrations and focus areas within your journalism major, while others offer separate majors in related fields such as communications.
Common journalism degree specializations and focus areas include:
- Broadcast journalism
- News editing and producing
- Investigative journalism
- Multimedia journalism
- International journalism
- Sports journalism
- Data journalism
- Content management and marketing
Reality Check: Do I Need a Degree To Become a Journalist?
Generally speaking, yes, you need a degree to become a journalist. While some employers may hire you based on the strength of your portfolio, experience, or networking, most media and news companies require a bachelor’s degree.
It’s possible to find a role within the journalism field without a degree, but a degree can significantly boost your employability. It also gives you the essential skills in research, writing, and interviewing that prominent media and news employers look for.
Journalism Degrees: From Associate to Doctorate
Most journalism positions require a bachelor’s degree, but some schools offer associate degrees to help you enter the field. An associate degree in journalism covers foundational topics, while a bachelor’s degree explores the discipline more broadly. To specialize further, you can pursue graduate degrees in journalism.
A master’s degree in journalism offers a pathway for specialties within the profession. For example, an undergraduate degree in journalism combined with a master’s degree in political science can help you become a political journalist.
Associate Degree in Journalism
- Program Length: 2 years
- Required Credits: 60
- Potential Jobs: Reporter, copy editor, public relations specialist
An associate degree in journalism generally requires two years of coursework. You learn how to investigate, prepare, and present information in print and video formats. A journalism associate degree also introduces you to different markets and specializations in the field.
As you explore the profession, you develop an understanding of written and verbal communication skills, media ethics, and relationship building. Earning an associate degree in journalism qualifies you for entry-level roles with media outlets. It also serves as a pathway to a bachelor’s degree — the preferred level of education for most journalism professions.
Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism
- Program Length: 4 years
- Required Credits: 120
- Potential Jobs: News reporter, editor, social media manager
A bachelor’s degree in journalism equips you for roles such as reporter, broadcaster, and media production professional. Coursework spans four years, with introductory classes in English, communication, and storytelling. You explore visual, online, and written media while honing the soft and hard skills needed to thrive in the field.
During a bachelor’s program in journalism, you gain insight into topics such as interviewing techniques, multiculturalism and the media, and communication ethics. You may also study media relations, copy editing, and advertising. Bachelor’s degree programs also incorporate experiential learning opportunities, like internships, to offer you a competitive edge in the job market.
Master’s Degree in Journalism
- Program Length: 2 years
- Required Credits: 30-40
- Potential Jobs: Managing editor, news producer, public relations manager
You can earn a master’s degree in journalism in around two years of full-time study. Part-time learners typically complete journalism master’s degrees in 3-4 years.
The core master’s curriculum covers more complex journalism topics than a bachelor’s program does, helping professionals advance their careers and develop specialties. A master’s degree in journalism also incorporates practical experiences and projects designed to build a professional portfolio.
By studying public relations, emerging media technologies, and business reporting, you can focus on specific media formats, study different types of journalism, or work toward becoming a journalism instructor.
Doctoral Degree in Journalism
- Program Length: 4-5 years
- Required Credits: 60-120
- Potential Jobs: Professor, dean, executive editor
A doctorate in journalism emphasizes multidisciplinary aspects of communication, people, and media. Coursework focuses on the relationships between people and media, how media functions in political and social contexts, and the role of journalism in both history and current culture. You also do research, ultimately preparing and presenting a dissertation.
A doctoral degree in journalism can be completed in as few as three years, although some students take four years or more. With a doctorate in journalism, you can pursue careers in academia, such as a researcher and journalism professor.
What to Consider Before Applying to a Journalism Program
There are many factors to take into account before applying to a journalism program. Consider aspects like accreditation, degree type, and admission requirements. Most importantly, determine if the program will help you meet your career goals.
Accreditation for Journalism Programs
Accreditation attests to a school’s academic quality and rigor, adherence to the accrediting body’s standards and policies, and overall educational climate.
Colleges and universities typically hold institutional accreditation. You should always ensure the accreditation status of any prospective school, as it can affect your employability, transfer opportunities, and financial aid options.
Individual programs may also receive programmatic accreditation from agencies that oversee degrees in specific disciplines. The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications accredits journalism and mass communication programs.
Focus Area
Find a program that matches your career interests, especially if you plan to focus on a specific journalism area. Some schools have general journalism programs, while others offer concentration areas like broadcasting or digital media. If you have a career goal, make sure your prospective program supports your plans.
Admission Requirements
Admission to journalism programs is similar to other degree programs. You typically need a high school diploma or GED. You may also need to submit standardized test scores, transcripts, and a personal statement. Graduate programs often have additional requirements, including a resume, an interview, or a portfolio showcasing relevant work.Standard application requirements include:
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Standardized test scores
- A personal statement or essay
- A resume or CV highlighting experience (graduate level)
- An interview or portfolio of work (graduate level)
What Can You Do With a Journalism Degree?
A degree in journalism prepares you for careers across media platforms. You can pursue a role as a reporter, fact-checker, editor, and content creator. Careers for journalism majors are not limited to one field. A degree in journalism can also lead to positions in publishing, education, business, and research.
The table below includes 10 career paths you could pursue with a journalism degree.
| 10 Journalism Careers | Median Annual Salary (2023) | Projected Job Growth (2023-2033) | Minimum Degree Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialists | $66,750 | 6% | Bachelor’s |
| Technical Writers | $80,050 | 4% | Bachelor’s |
| Writers and Authors | $73,690 | 5% | Bachelor’s |
| Editors | $75,020 | -2% | Bachelor’s |
| Radio Broadcasters | $47,470 | -4% | Bachelor’s |
| Media Streaming and Social Network Workers | $74,130 | 6% | Bachelor’s |
| Television Broadcasters | $60,740 | -1% | Bachelor’s |
| Newspaper Publishers | $45,323 | -19% | Bachelor’s |
| Political Scientists | $132,350 | 3% | Master’s |
| Journalism and Communications Professors | $79,910 | 3% | Doctorate |
Journalism Degree Salary
Journalism salaries can vary. As of May 2023, the median annual salary for news analysts, reporters, and journalists was $57,500, according to the BLS.
Your earnings depend on factors like experience, role, location, and media type (newspaper, television, radio, etc.). Education level also significantly influences salary differences.
How Much Does a Journalism Degree Cost?
The cost of a journalism degree varies depending on many factors, including level, format, and whether the institution is public or private. Generally speaking, in-state public institutions are the most affordable option for a four-year degree. However, private institutions tend to offer larger financial aid packages, so be sure to compare all of your options.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the median annual tuition for an online bachelor’s in journalism is around $11,500, while traditional programs cost around $12,500.
| Degree Level | Online Programs | Traditional, On-Campus Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Associate | $2,435 | $1,788 |
| Bachelor’s | $11,324 | $12,449 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Journalism Degrees
How much can you make with a journalism degree?
Salaries for journalism majors vary based on location, role, and industry. The top 10% of news analysts, reporters, and journalists earned $160,360 as of 2023, per the BLS.
In 2023, a typical mid-career journalism degree-holder saw a median annual salary of $85,000, while early-career journalism degree-holders earned a median salary of $50,000, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
What degree is best for journalism?
A bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field like English is common for journalists. These degrees offer a solid foundation in writing, reporting, and media ethics.
Ultimately, the best journalism degree is the one that aligns most with your career goals. Many programs also offer specializations in print, digital, or broadcast journalism so you can further focus your studies.
Can you work in journalism with a sociology degree?
Yes, you can work in journalism with a sociology degree. The skills you gain in sociology are valuable for understanding and reporting on complex social issues. Some media and news organizations do not require a journalism degree specifically. They may hire candidates with a strong portfolio, which can include freelance work and internships.
Is a journalism degree worth it?
A journalism degree can be worth it, offering highly marketable skills like writing, research, and critical thinking. It improves your chances of landing a career in a competitive journalism market while setting you up for other related career paths, including public relations, communications, and data analysis.
Ultimately, the worth of the degree depends on your career goals. If there’s a specific area of journalism you’re interested in, do your research and figure out if a degree can improve your salary and employment prospects.