Journalism Careers

Preparing for journalism careers provides a student with the skills and the insight to research and deliver current information to audiences in a variety of media.

Audio & Music Production | Art & Design | Broadcasting | Film & Photography | Journalism | Media Communications |Public relations/Advertising |Telecommunications

Journalists learn to use traditional storytelling techniques to relate news and information via print, radio, television, film, and the Internet. Journalists focus on the theory and practice of gathering, processing, and delivering news and that prepares individuals to be professional print journalists, news editors, and news managers.

Journalism students also gain the knowledge and ability to mine interview subjects for data and information, while at the same time learning skills in ethics and research to avoid retrieving false or misleading information. Many journalists work in professional newsrooms of television networks, radio stations, and daily newspapers. Others work in private industry as public relations personnel. Universities offering flexible programs online and on campus include National University which offers a degree in creative writing, and Kaplan University that has a program in Communication / Technical Writing.

Education and Training

Courses in journalism and communications are designed to encourage and assist students in developing their ability to research, evaluate, validate, write and report on various topics. This includes instruction courses in news writing and editing; reporting; photojournalism; layout and graphic design; journalism law and policy; professional standards and ethics; research methods; and journalism history and criticism.To be successful in a journalism career one need to have a passion for writing, researching, and a talent for communicating. There are over 400 schools that offer journalism and related degrees. Students should also do internships with newspapers, radio, and television stations to gain some field experience when looking for their first job.

Expected Salary

Journalists typically require a bachelor's degree in journalism to earn $31,000 annually and a master's degree maximizes career potential above average earnings. Many journalists make extra money by working as freelance writers or editors. Career opportunities in journalism include:

• News Reporter
• Investigative Reporter
• Journalism Professor
• Editor
• News Anchor
• Magazine or Newspaper Publisher

Projected Career Growth

Journalism careers have greatly expanded on the Internet through blogging, bulletin boards and weblogs, for example. For media relations specialists, a journalism degree offers the opportunity to understand how to present newsworthy information. Many large companies also hire journalism majors in their crisis management divisions in public relations to be the face of the company during time of crisis or scandals or positive news.

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