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.

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.

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:

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.

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 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.

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 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:

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.

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.

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.