Helping To Get News Out In The Information Age: Digital Journalism & Media
Thanks to the Internet, news is no longer tied to print or broadcast mediums, but can be found online as well. This distribution of editorial content online has given rise to a contemporary form of journalism, known as digital journalism. While digital journalism has fewer barriers to entry, it is still a field where knowledge and qualifications can give you the edge over the competition. If you would like to be a part of the exciting world of digital journalism, then a degree in Digital Journalism & Media could be just what you need to get started. It can help you to familiarize you with this fast changing field and prepare you for this career path as well as related ones.
Digital Journalism & Media Degree Information
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Journalism & Media
The Bachelor of Arts in Digital Journalism & Media is a degree program that typically requires you to complete at least 120 credits and can be done online. Prescribed courses for this type of degree may include Basic News Writing Skills, Principles of Multimedia Journalism, Law of Mass Communications, Media Ethics and Principles of Strategic Communications. Students may also be able to choose from additional courses such as Writing for the Media, News Writing & Reporting, and The Mass Media and Society. In addition, students may take courses from different pathways in order to match their career goals. These could include courses in Digital Journalism, Visual Media, Media Management, and more. In order to apply for this type of degree you typically need to be a high school graduate or have already completed your GED as well as be proficient in English.
Master of Arts in Journalism and Digital Communication
The Master of Arts in Journalism and Digital Communication is a two-year degree program that can be completed online. Required courses may include Multimedia Reporting, Mass Communications Ethics, Mass Communication Theory and Law and Mass Media. Electives for this type of degree can range from Web Publishing and Data Visualization to Multimedia Production, Business Enterprise, Photojournalism, Foot Writing and much more.
Master of Arts in Digital Journalism
It is also possible to earn a Master of Arts in Digital Journalism degree through online studying. It provides students with a thorough understanding of both the practical and theoretical approaches to news coverage. To apply for this type of degree students must already have a bachelor of arts degree, the flexibility to learn the required technological skills for this career path and be able to write in English at an advanced level. Core courses may include Advanced Non-Fiction Writing, International Reporting, Online Publishing, Marketing the News, Communication Law, Investigative Methods and Producing Enterprise Projects.
Digital Journalism & Media Degree FAQ
Who Would Be An Ideal Candidate To Study Digital Journalism & Media?
Working in journalism can be very tough and competitive, so there are definitely a couple of skills that are necessary to succeed. A general understanding of current events along with a curiosity about the world around you are good traits to have in this field. You need to be able to work under pressure and within tight deadlines as well as multi task. Good communication skills are essential as well as excellent English skills. In addition, you must have excellent proofreading and editing skills, an eye for detail and be able to work as part of a team or on your own. To succeed in digital journalism you must also constantly keep your technical knowledge up to date as well as always remain observant.
Is It Possible To Study Digital Journalism & Media Online?
Due to the nature of the degree there are a number of online options available when it comes to studying Digital Journalism & Media. Earning your degree online is a very convenient option and offers much greater flexibility than a traditional campus based program. It is often a much more affordable option too, not just in terms of the cost of the program, but also because it can cut back on traveling or having to move to a different city. In addition to the comfort of being able to study from home, an online degree also makes more sense for people who have work or family obligations that make it impossible to adhere to a rigid campus based degree schedule. All you need to earn your degree online is a computer or laptop that has access to a broadband connection. However, completing your degree online is not a shortcut to success and still requires hard work and dedication.
What Are My Possible Career Choices With a Degree in Digital Journalism & Media?
In addition to preparing you for a career in the field of digital journalism, a degree in Digital Journalism & Media can also be useful for a number of other web-based communication career paths. These include digital media management, multimedia storytelling and digital production. Other possible career paths include social media managers, content producers, media specialist, non-profit communications directors, online reporters, and communication officers.
What Type of Responsibilities Might I Have In This Type of Field?
Although digital journalism is done online instead of via print and broadcast, your responsibilities will remain largely the same as traditional journalists. This means presenting news in a manner that is unbiased, honest and ethical after doing proper research. You might be required to interview people, create blog publications, or make sure that the information provided to you by a source is factually correct. You may also have to work to tight deadlines to create copy for publication. As a journalist, it will be your responsibility to follow current events, stay up to date with various laws and possibly attend news conferences.
How Much Can I Potentially Earn When Employed In This Field?
Since there are a few career paths that are available with a degree in Digital Journalism and Media, your income will depend on which path you take, the type of degree that you have earned as well as other factors, such as the geographical location of your employer. For example, the median annual wage for writers and authors is about $63,200 according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2019, while public relations specialists make $61,150 per year and editors take home about $61,370 per year.
What Are The Other Advantages of Earning A Digital Journalism & Media Degree?
The skills that you can acquire from a Digital Journalism & Media degree are obviously very useful if you are interested in a career in journalism, but can also come in handy no matter where you end up working. It can help to improve your investigative research skills as well as teach you how to write with clarity and brevity. In addition, this degree can teach you a lot of investigative aspects, such as interviewing skills that can be applicable in careers as diverse as market researcher, public relations manager and ethnographer. Finally, this type of degree can help you to make better sense of the world around you in terms of culture, politics and the economy.
