Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not impact our editors’ opinions or evaluations.
When you earn a bachelor’s degree in journalism, you develop strong research, writing, and editing skills that help you communicate effectively with people. A bachelor’s degree in journalism teaches students to create stories that inform, enlighten, and entertain.
Whether you plan to become a journalist or want to work in a related field, a bachelor’s degree in journalism will give you the essential communication skills you need to succeed in your career. If you’re considering enrolling in a journalism degree program, read on.
What is a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism?
If you’re wondering how to become a journalist, a bachelor’s degree in journalism is a great place to start. This degree provides you with the critical thinking, research, and communication skills needed for jobs in journalism, including news reporting, broadcasting, media production, advertising, public relations, and other professions in the journalism field. Graduates can work in publishing houses, newspapers, online publications, and media outlets, among other organizations.
A bachelor’s degree in journalism typically requires 120 credits. You can expect to spend about four years in school while earning your bachelor’s degree in journalism if you take the traditional route and attend full-time. If you choose to earn your degree part-time, expect to spend more time completing your degree requirements.
Admission requirements
Below are some typical admission requirements for a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Exact requirements may vary by university, so you should check with the institution you wish to attend to find out their specific admission standards.
Minimum GPA
Colleges often take into account high school grade point average when determining whether a new student should be admitted to a bachelor’s degree program. Minimum grade point average requirements vary among schools, but are typically in the range of 2.5 to 3.0 on a four-point scale.
High school diploma or GED® certificate
You need a high school diploma or GED® certificate to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program. You can expect to be provided with your transcripts during the application process.
Standardized test scores
Most undergraduate programs require applicants to submit scores from the SAT or ACT.
Accreditation
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education oversee organizations that administer institutional accreditation, which verifies that a college or university meets educational quality standards set by third parties. Institutional accreditation is critical and can affect your eligibility for federal student aid and even your future employment.
Programmatic accreditation applies to specific degree programs or departments. Accreditation Council for Journalism and Mass Communications Education (ACEJMC) administers the accreditation of journalism programs. Programmatic accreditation provides quality assurance, but it is a voluntary process and not all high-quality journalism programs are accredited by ACEJMC.
Bachelor of Journalism vs. BS
Coursework is generally similar between Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs in Journalism. However, BS and BA degrees do have some differences.
A bachelor’s degree in journalism focuses on the humanities and usually involves a requirement to know a foreign language. This program is a great option for journalists who want to work internationally or in television news. A bachelor’s degree in journalism focuses more on math, science, and statistics, making these degrees suitable for those seeking positions in science or technology journalism.
Common subjects in the Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism
Introduction to journalism
This course teaches the basic principles of American journalism and media. It provides students with an overview of traditional and new technologies, which students can continue to develop as they complete their studies.
News writing and reporting
This course covers the basics of journalism, such as research, writing, and reporting techniques. It typically includes lab or field experience where students learn to collect and evaluate data while creating newsworthy stories.
Media Ethics
A good journalist should know how to handle ethical dilemmas when researching, writing and reporting stories. This course focuses on ethical issues in the media, such as the right to privacy, public interest, honesty and integrity, violence, pornography and media responsibility.
Newspaper publishing
This course covers the technical editing skills that an effective journalist must possess. Skills may include copy editing, layout of print and online pages, headline writing, grammar and style.
Advanced video reporting
Understanding television reporting is an essential skill for any journalism student. This course teaches the skills needed to report and tell stories effectively.
Concentrations for journalism students
Some universities offer journalism as a concentration within a broader communications degree. Others offer stand-alone journalism degree programs, many of which allow students to select an area of specialization within journalism. Below we list some of the most common concentrations offered in journalism.
Television journalism
A concentration in broadcasting teaches strategies and techniques for reporting, editing, and visual storytelling in a radio or television broadcast environment. The curriculum includes practical experience to help students understand reporting concepts in print, radio, and television media. This concentration prepares students for internships and jobs at radio and television stations.
Visual media
A visual media specialization teaches you how to use images and words to tell a story. This specialization includes learning how to combine technologies (such as podcasts, blogs, print media, and camera work) to create strong, engaging messages. You can develop the technical and artistic skills you need to work as a visual media journalist.
Digital journalism
A concentration in digital journalism incorporates digital technology, such as web analytics and search engine optimization, into the writing process to help journalists create stories that meet the needs of consumers who get their news online. This concentration prepares students to work in internships or journalism positions at broadcast news organizations, press offices, and other organizations that create digital media.
Investigation journalism
The Investigative Journalism concentration develops investigative techniques and skills by conducting online forensic investigations, understanding public records, analyzing data, and conducting background research on companies and individuals. This concentration involves the use of practical experience to prepare students for careers in investigative journalism.
Business journalism
A concentration in business journalism teaches students to analyze and explain information related to the global economy, such as finance, economics, and markets. Topics include understanding and reporting on economic theory, corporate finance, economic forecasts, earnings reports, and other business-related information. This concentration prepares you to pursue a career as a journalist with a news organization or business.
Job offers for graduates of the Journalism degree
We obtained the following salary data from: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Stock Exchange).
Editor
Average annual salary: $73,080
Projected job growth (2022-2032): -4%
Work description: Editors oversee the process of creating and publishing content, including planning, evaluating submissions, assigning and reviewing stories, and publishing. They may work for magazines, television stations, newspapers, publishing houses, or advertising and public relations agencies.
Movie or video editor
Average annual salary: $63,520
Projected job growth (2022-2032): +9%
Work description: Film and video editors edit photographs and video footage for television programs, sporting events, motion pictures, media, and music video productions. These professionals typically use specialized digital editing software programs for their work.
News Reporter
Average annual salary: $55,960
Projected job growth (2022-2032): -3%
Work description: Journalists research, write, and report stories about current events and other information. They may work in a variety of settings, such as television stations, newspapers, magazines, or radio stations.
public relations specialist
Average annual salary: $67,440
Projected job growth (2022-2032): +6%
Work description: Public relations specialists develop and maintain a positive image for their clients or employers. Their work typically includes writing press releases, creating press kits, responding to media requests, communicating with internal and external audiences, writing speeches, and arranging interviews.
Technical Writer
Average annual salary: $79,960
Projected job growth (2022-2032): +7%
Work description: Technical writers create technical documents such as training manuals, how-to guides, articles, assembly instructions, and other documents. Their work may appear in print or digital formats.
Frequently Asked Questions about Journalism Degree Programs
What is the best journalism career?
If you want to pursue a career as a journalist, a bachelor’s degree in journalism can help you get where you want to go. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a different field, then you may want to consider earning a master’s degree in journalism to prepare yourself for a career in journalism.
How many years does a journalism degree last?
Earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism takes about four years if you study full-time, as is typically the case with any bachelor’s degree. If you choose to study part-time, earning the degree may take longer.
JOBs Apply News
For the Latest JOBs Apply News, Follow ©JOBs Apply News on Twitter and Linkedin Page.
