Keeping The World Up To Date About The Latest Events: Journalism Degree
Do you love traveling, being up to date about the latest events and happenings, and meeting all kinds of interesting people? These are just some of the things your job might entail when you embark on a career in journalism. It is a fast paced and exciting industry to work in if you enjoy doing research, and cutting through the clutter to find the real story behind events. A journalism degree, along with your excellent communication skills can potentially open a lot of doors in the industry. If you believe in the power of the media and would like to be a part of this ever evolving career field, then obtaining your degree is a great place to start.
Journalism Degree Information
Journalism Associate In Arts Degree
A limited number of associate’s degrees, such as the Journalism Associate in Arts Degree, are available. These degrees are aimed at any students with an interest in becoming media professionals. It is also a good choice for students who want to complete their lower-division major requirements before going on to complete a four year university degree in journalism. Courses usually include news writing and reporting, AP style, media theories, and writing for publication. Completing this degree can lead to studying journalism at university level or finding entry-level employment in the industry.
Bachelor of Arts, Journalism
The Bachelor of Arts, Journalism degree can be an important stepping stone for anyone with an interest in media, communications and particularly journalism. It is designed to teach students the process of not only gathering information, but also verifying everything and then presenting it for different media. Subject areas may include Media Ethics, New Media, Political Science and Photojournalism while core areas typically range from Journalism Writing and media Theory to Broadcast Journalism and Communication Science. This type of degree usually takes about three to four years to complete.
Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication
If your interest in journalism is more doctoral studies or research oriented in nature, then a Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication degree is useful. It is a degree that is very much academically-oriented and typically requires the completion of a thesis. This degree suitable for students who have already completed their bachelor’s degree and want to further education as well as anyone who are already experienced in journalism and would like to switch their career track to more of a teaching position.
Master of Arts in New Media Journalism
If areas such as digital newsroom management, the legal and ethical aspects of journalism in the digital domain, and multimedia reporting interests you then a Master of Arts in New Media Journalism is a good degree to earn. It is geared towards teaching you how to apply the traditional journalistic methods you have learned to interactive media. This type of degree can be useful for anyone who are interested in careers as multimedia writers, managers, producers or editors. Completing this course usually takes about a year and can be done online.
Journalism Degree FAQ
Can This Degree Be Completed Online?
Online journalism degrees are available and are not only more credible than before, but also much more convenient than attending a campus. An online course is the perfect solution for anyone who has family, work or other types or responsibilities that make completing a full time campus program impossible. Online courses that focus on journalism range from certificates all the way to bachelor, master’s and even Ph.D. levels. With online websites and social media taking over from print media, it makes sense that digitally-based courses on journalism are also increasing in popularity. The flexibility of completing your studies online is invaluable for many people and can help you start a new career or gain the skills to make the switch if you are already working in another industry. Completing your degree online is not an impersonal experience either as many courses ensures that you have access to assistance from classmates and faculty to career services specialists whenever you need. Just make sure that your online course has all the proper accreditation for recognition by potential employees.
Who Is An Ideal Candidate To Study In This Field?
Anyone interested in studying and working in the field of journalism will benefit from having critical thinking skills and being able to communicate effectively. The ability to be objective is also important as well as self-management and the ability to meet strict deadlines. Journalists often have to be able to collaborate in teams, so good people skills are useful. Journalism can also be a very stressful industry to work in, so it is essential that you are able to handle the pressure. If you are confident, naturally curious, and good at finding your way around social media you will also have an edge.
What Are My Potential Career Options With A Journalism Degree?
Obtaining a degree in journalism can directly help you with a number of jobs, such as newspaper journalist, press sub-editor, editorial assistant, broadcast journalist and publishing copy-editor. There are also other career options, such as writer, public relations officer, market researcher, and advertising copywriter where a journalism related degree can be very useful. People with journalism degrees typically go on to be employed by newspapers, both print and online as well as other employers in the media sector, such as magazines, television stations and broadcast companies. PR consultancies, charities and corporate communication agencies also often employ people with journalism degrees.
How Much Can I Potentially Earn When Working In The Field Of Journalism?
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, if you work as a reporter, correspondent and broadcast news analyst your median pay can potentially be about $37,720 per year based on the 2015 median pay data. Of course, there are a lot of other factors that comes into play, such as the type of journalism you are doing and the field in which you work. Other considerations, such as your experience and education background can also play a significant role in your earning potential.
What Are The Other Advantages To Studying Journalism?
Completing a degree in journalism not only prepares you for related careers in the field, but also teaches you transferable skills that can benefit you no matter where you are employed. These include self-management, leadership, resourcefulness as well as critical analysis and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively when relaying information. Since your work is usually seen and appreciated by the public, it is a career that can give you a strong sense of achievement.
