Is a Journalism Degree Still a Good Idea?

What is a Journalism Degree?

A degree in journalism is more than just a piece of paper; it is a doorway to a world where words have the power to shape opinions, influence change, and give voice to the voiceless. Are you driven by a curiosity to uncover hidden truths, shed light on pressing issues, and tell compelling stories?

If so, this degree may be a perfect fit. In a time where information flows incessantly, the need for skilled journalists who can sift through the noise and deliver accurate, unbiased news has never been greater.

This bachelor’s degree is an academic program that equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a career in journalism. It encompasses various aspects of news reporting, mass communication, storytelling, media ethics, internal and external communications, and media technologies. Journalism degrees are offered at universities and colleges worldwide, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the field.

Why Pursue a Journalism Degree?

A bachelor’s degree in journalism offers numerous benefits for aspiring journalists. Here are a few reasons why you should consider pursuing this degree:

• Skill Development: A journalism program hones your journalism skills, like research, writing, interviewing, and critical thinking, which are essential for success in the field. Pursuing a journalism majors will also allow you to develop technical production skills. Under this degree, you’ll learn more about documentary journalism and investigative reporting.
• Industry Knowledge: Through coursework and practical experience, you gain a deep understanding of the media industry, its evolving trends, and ethical considerations. Recently, online media has been making waves, so you need to familiarize yourself with things about it.
• Networking Opportunities: Journalism programs often provide networking opportunities with industry professionals, opening doors to internships and job placements.
• Versatile Career Options: Graduates can pursue careers in print media, broadcast journalism, mass media, digital media, public relations, media production, written media, and more.

Career Path for Journalism Graduates

A bachelor’s degree in journalism can open doors to a wide range of career paths. Graduates can pursue careers in reporting, broadcasting, and public relations, and work with advertising agencies and public relations specialists! Let’s explore some of the job opportunities available to graduates.

News Reporter

A news reporter is a journalist who collects and presents information about current events and news stories. They are responsible for investigating, researching, and gathering facts on various topics, conducting interviews, and writing news articles.

As a news reporter, you will have to work in diverse settings, such as newspapers, TV stations, radio stations, and now, online news platforms. You will need to provide accurate, timely, and balanced reporting to keep the public informed about local, national, and international news.

Broadcast Journalist

Another career path for graduates is to become broadcast journalists. On this path, you’ll specialize in delivering news through audiovisual mediums such as TV and radio. Similar to being a news reporter, this path will allow you to report on news stories.

The difference is that it also gives you the chance to conduct interviews and present information to the public through live broadcasts, recorded segments, or documentaries. As a broadcast journalist, you need to be prepared for fast-paced environments while following strict deadlines to deliver news updates.

The good thing about this path is that you get to use your voice, appearance, and storytelling skills to bring information to your audiences through visual and auditory mediums.

Photojournalist

If you’re not into speaking in front of cameras, then being a photojournalist might just be the best option for you. A photojournalist combines the art of photography with journalism to convey hot stories across the globe.

As one, you’ll need to capture impactful and compelling images that tell stories, evoke emotions, and provide a deeper understanding of current events.

If you choose this career path, you should be ready to cover high-pressure situations and events ranging from conflicts and disasters to sports and cultural events. Your photographs will be published in newspapers, magazines, and online platforms to enhance news articles and create a visual narrative for your audience.

Editor

An editor plays a crucial role in the journalism field by overseeing and shaping the content that gets published. They review, revise, and refine written articles, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and adherence to editorial standards.

As an editor, you’ll need to collaborate closely with media professionals, journalists, and film and video editors, providing guidance, feedback, and suggestions to enhance the quality of the work. You will also make editorial decisions, determine article placement, and maintain the overall integrity and style of the publication.

Freelance Journalist

A freelance journalist is a self-employed professional who works independently, contributing news articles, features, or investigative reports to various media outlets. Freelance journalists have the flexibility to choose their assignments, topics, and clients.

If you choose to become a freelance journalist, you will have to pitch story ideas, conduct research, and write articles on a wide range of subjects for different media outlets. You will often have multiple clients and publications, allowing you to explore different journalistic opportunities and reach diverse audiences.

As a freelance journalist, you are responsible for managing your own schedules, deadlines, and finances while maintaining the standards of professional journalism.

Job Outlook After Completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism

The projected job growth for graduates varies depending on their specialization and the changing landscape of the media industry. While traditional journalism roles may face some challenges due to digital transformations, new opportunities are emerging in online journalism, multimedia storytelling, and content creation.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for news analysts, reporters, and journalists is expected to decline by 9% from 2021 to 2031.

Average Salary of Journalists

Salaries for graduates can vary significantly based on factors such as experience, specialization, and geographic location. According to Glassdoor, journalists can make at least $33,000 per year in entry-level jobs. For senior positions, they can make as much as $99,000 per year.

With this information, the average salary for journalists is around $55,000 per year. Here’s a screenshot from Glassdoor:

Job Satisfaction of Journalists

Job satisfaction among graduates can vary depending on individual preferences and experiences. While journalism can be a demanding and fast-paced profession, many professionals find it rewarding and fulfilling.

According to CareerExplorer, journalists rated their satisfaction with their salaries 2.5 out of 5 stars. The majority of journalists don’t feel that their compensation reflects the work they do. 

In another survey, journalists were asked if they find their job meaningful. Here’s a screenshot of the results from CareerExplorer:

Real World Examples: How Do Journalism Graduates Fare in the Real World?

To illustrate the real-world questions about journalism, let’s explore a couple of threads from Reddit:

Entry-Level Journalist NYC Salary

In a thread on Reddit, the OP wanted to know about the first salaries of his fellow journalists. Check out the thread here:

Entry-Level Print/Magazine Journalist/Editor Postgrad Salary

In another post, they talked about the salary for postgraduate journalists/editors. Here’s the thread:

Is starting a career in Journalism viable without a degree in it?

Aside from salaries, I also found a thread where the OP wanted to know whether it was possible to start a journalism career without a degree in it. Here are the comments in the thread:

Journalism vs Business degree

If you’re thinking about taking a degree in journalism or business, here’s the perfect thread for you:

Is a Journalism degree a waste of time???

Lastly, a thread talked about whether this degree was a waste of time. Check out the thread here:

Is a Journalism Degree for You?

While this degree offers exciting opportunities, it’s essential to consider whether it aligns with your interests and goals. Here are a few factors to consider when deciding if this degree is the right fit for you:

Choosing the Best Place to Study Journalism

When choosing a school for your bachelor’s or associate degree, there are some factors you need to consider. This includes curriculum, accreditation, and faculty quality. You need to look for a school that can offer hands-on learning opportunities and access to internships.

Aside from these things, you also need to know whether the school you’re getting into offers graduate degrees. This way, you can easily continue your studies and specialize in a particular concept.

Curriculum

Knowing the curriculum for the degree before enrolling is important. This allows you to know what subjects you’ll be able to take and which specializations are available for you.

Knowing the curriculum of the degree program also helps you carefully tailor the course you’re taking, which means you’ll get to pick the subjects that perfectly align with your interests.

Accreditation

Another factor to consider is the accreditation of the school you’re going to. You’d want to pick schools with accreditation from reputable organizations. This means you’re getting into a school that has passed the rigorous requirements of accrediting organizations.

Faculty Quality

In addition, you also need to check out the faculty’s quality. A strong faculty would be a team of journalists who know about journalism concepts. You’d also want to check out the credentials of the faculty to ensure that they really know what they’re teaching.

Cost of Education

The cost of education is another crucial factor that will affect your decision. If a university offers expensive courses but their faculty quality, accreditation, and curriculum are not up to your standards, then you should immediately cross that school off your list.

When deciding which school to pick for your degree program, always ensure that the cost aligns with the curriculum offered, current accreditations, and faculty quality. You also need to consider whether the school offers a bachelor or associate degree. This is to ensure that you get what you paid for. 

Pros and Cons of a Journalism Degree

As with any career path, there are pros and cons to pursuing a degree in journalism. Let’s explore some of them:

Pros:

• Exciting and dynamic field with opportunities for creativity and impact.
• Versatile career options in various media sectors.
• Chance to be at the forefront of current events and shape public discourse.
• Continuous learning and intellectual stimulation.
• Networking opportunities and connections with industry professionals.

Cons:

• Competitive industry with limited job openings in traditional media.
• Long working hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays are among the journalism degree requirements.
• Emotional toll from covering sensitive and challenging stories.
• Declining job security due to digital disruptions.
• Lower starting salaries compared to some other professions.

FAQs About Journalism Degrees

Here are some frequently asked questions about this degree:

What is the best degree for journalism?

There is no definitive “best” journalism major, as it largely depends on individual goals and interests. However, a bachelor’s degree in journalism, mass communication, or a related field is often considered a solid foundation. These programs typically offer courses in news reporting, writing, ethics, media relations, media law, and multimedia journalism. It’s also beneficial to pursue internships and gain practical experience in the field during your studies.

Which journalism path pays the most?

Journalism salaries can vary widely depending on factors such as location, experience, and specialization. Generally, broadcast journalism, particularly in popular markets, can offer higher-paying opportunities compared to print journalism. Additionally, specialized areas such as business or investigative journalism may provide higher earning potential.

How do you become a journalist?

To become a journalist, the typical path involves acquiring a bachelor’s degree in journalism or a related field, although it’s not always a strict requirement. Building a strong foundation in writing, research, and critical thinking skills is crucial.

It’s important to gain practical experience through internships, working for student newspapers or local publications, and networking within the industry. Additionally, honing skills in digital media, technical writing, news writing, media arts, multimedia storytelling, and staying updated with current trends in journalism can significantly enhance your prospects.

What skills are needed to be a journalist?

Several skills are essential for aspiring journalists. Strong writing abilities are fundamental, as journalists need to communicate effectively and concisely. Research skills are crucial for fact-checking, investigating, and gathering information. Critical thinking and analytical skills help journalists evaluate and analyze complex issues.

Good communication skills, including interviewing and listening, are vital for conducting interviews and building relationships. Adaptability, teamwork, and the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines are also important in the fast-paced field of journalism.

Why is journalism important?

Journalism plays a crucial role in society by providing citizens with reliable, accurate, and unbiased information. It serves as a watchdog, holding those in power accountable and uncovering corruption, injustices, and wrongdoing. Media professionals informs the public about important events, policies, and societal issues, allowing individuals to make informed decisions.

Final Verdict for a Degree in Journalism

Journalism degrees can be an excellent choice for individuals who are passionate about storytelling, staying informed, and making a difference through the power of media. It equips you with the skills, knowledge, and industry insights necessary for a successful career in journalism. However, it’s essential to consider the competitive nature of the field, the evolving media landscape, and the commitment required to thrive in this profession.

Salary | Score: 7/10

The lower end of the salary range for journalists is quite low, but if you progress further into your career, you can expect salaries higher than $50,000 per year. So, I gave this degree a score of 7 out of 10 for salary.

Satisfaction | Score: 8/10

For satisfaction, even though some journalists don’t find satisfaction in their salaries, they still think that the job is fulfilling and rewarding. This is the reason why I gave this degree a score of 8 out of 10 for satisfaction. 

Demand | Score: 7/10

Since there is a decline in the demand for journalists between 2021 and 2031, I gave it a score of 7 out of 10. The BLS mentioned that a decline of 9% is expected in the next few years.

X-Factor | Score: 6/10

The x-factor of journalists stems from their unique combination of qualities. They possess curiosity, fearlessness, tenacity, and ethical standards. Journalists adapt to the ever-changing media landscape, embracing new technologies and platforms. This is the reason why I gave journalism a score of 6 out of 10.

Final Score for Journalism Degree: 7/10

In today’s world, journalism is a degree with a good score. With promising job growth, competitive salaries, and job satisfaction, it’s an excellent choice for those passionate about news and media.

Here’s a video about whether a journalism degree is worth it or not:

Alternatives to a Degree in Journalism

Here’s a list of the best alternatives to journalism programs:

• Communication Studies degree
• English Literature degree
• Media Studies degree
• Public Relations degree
• Creative Writing degree
• Broadcast Journalism diploma
• Digital Media degree
• Documentary Filmmaking degree
• Political Science degree
• International Relations degree