[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-4″]Journalists are responsible for relaying factual, timely information to citizens, empowering them with understanding of current events.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A journalism career requires strong communication, writing, and critical thinking skills, as well as investigative and research abilities. A bachelor’s degree in journalism meets the educational requirement for many entry-level roles in the field, including reporter, writer, and editor.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Journalism majors can work in many fields, including news media, public relations, advertising, education, and technology.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Journalism in the Digital Age[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Journalists keep the public informed on local issues, politics, and international news. In the digital age, journalists ensure that accurate and well-researched information reaches the public. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, journalists have relayed factual information about the disease, state restrictions, and vaccine roll-out plans.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While some careers in journalism report declining job openings, journalists continue to play a vital role in our society. Outside of the news media industry, journalists also write books, work in public relations firms, and educate people about journalism and public speaking.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Top Journalism Degree Jobs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Journalism degrees can lead to careers in media, entertainment, public relations, and marketing. These professionals work in the public sector, nonprofit organizations, the sports industry, and education. Many businesses rely on journalism majors to communicate their brand image and attract potential customers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Journalism career salaries vary widely depending on the job title, location, and industry. Entry-level professionals typically receive below-average salaries and work their way up to higher salaries with experience. An internship can also help journalism majors increase their job prospects.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”primary”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Public Relations Managers”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $118,430[/hen-ui-text] 9% [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A public relations manager maintains a positive brand image for their organization or client through press releases, media interviews, and sponsored events. They supervise public relations specialists and ensure that marketing and advertising plans match the organization’s intended image.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm text-right”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/public-relations-managers.htm/”]BLS[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Technical Writers”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $74,650[/hen-ui-text] 7% [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Technical writers create instruction manuals and guides for customers, making complex information easy for users to understand. They also communicate technical information to an organization’s internal networks.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm text-right”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/technical-writers.htm/”]BLS[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Writers and Authors”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $67,120[/hen-ui-text] -2% [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Writers and authors create material for books, websites, magazines, and newspapers. They usually specialize in a specific type of writing, like copywriting, scriptwriting, or speechwriting. These professionals work with editors and clients to prepare materials for publication.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm text-right”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/writers-and-authors.htm/”]BLS[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Editors”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $63,400[/hen-ui-text] -7% [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Editors revise written material for publication. Some of these professionals plan content and assign work to writers, while others ensure that stories follow editorial policies and fit with the publication’s style.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm text-right”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/editors.htm/”]BLS[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Radio and Television Journalists”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $55,030[/hen-ui-text] -11% [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Radio and television journalists report the news on the radio and in television broadcasts. They research topics, pitch ideas to editors, conduct investigations, and host interviews.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm text-right”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/reporters-correspondents-and-broadcast-news-analysts.htm/”]BLS[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Newspaper, Periodical, Book, and Directory Publishers”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $51,190[/hen-ui-text] N/A [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers release print and digital works, including magazines, books, and newspapers. Some publishers create the publications, while others secure material through contracts.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm text-right”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_511100.htm/”]BLS[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Kinds of Journalism Degrees Are There?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Colleges offer [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/journalism-degree/”]journalism degrees[/hen-ui-link] at the undergraduate and graduate levels. A journalism career typically requires at least a bachelor’s degree. For example, reporters, broadcast news analysts, editors, and writers all typically hold bachelor’s degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professionals can advance their careers through work experience or a graduate degree. A master’s in journalism, for example, helps journalists stand out on the job market and pursue roles as executive editors and news anchors.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to a journalism career, graduates can also pursue opportunities in public relations, publishing, and advertising. Journalism degrees can also prepare graduates for careers as copywriters, public relations specialists, technical writers, and social media planners.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]— Associate Degree in Journalism[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Associate degrees in journalism introduce learners to foundational concepts in reporting, media, and broadcasting. In addition to journalism coursework, degree-seekers typically complete classes in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Many [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/best-community-colleges/”]community colleges[/hen-ui-link] offer transfer pathways for graduates interested in bachelor’s degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Associate in Journalism Degree Jobs[/hen-ui-heading]

• Communications planner
• Administrative assistant
• Writer

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]— Bachelor of Journalism Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Journalism majors strengthen their writing, critical thinking, and analytical skills while studying mass media, communications, and news reporting. During a journalism degree, undergraduates take courses in broadcast journalism, public relations, and mass media law. They also complete general education requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many colleges offer bachelor of arts (BA) or bachelor of science (BS) degrees in journalism. Both programs offer strong training in journalism, though they differ in their general education requirements. BA students often take foreign language and additional humanities courses, while BS students complete more math and science coursework, like statistics.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Bachelor’s in Journalism Degree Jobs[/hen-ui-heading]

• Reporter
• Journalist
• Editor

[hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Online Bachelors in Journalism Programs” href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-journalism/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]— Master’s Degree in Journalism[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s degree offers graduate-level training in journalism. During a master’s program, degree-seekers can earn concentrations in areas like investigative reporting, audio journalism, and visual journalism. Many master’s programs incorporate internships to provide practical experience. The degree prepares graduates for roles in media or related fields, like public relations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Careers With a Master’s Degree in Journalism[/hen-ui-heading]

• Public relations manager
• Executive editor
• News anchor

[hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Online Masters in Journalism Programs” href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-journalism/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]— Doctoral Degree in Journalism[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Doctoral students must complete advanced coursework, pass comprehensive exams, and write dissertations to earn their degrees. They specialize in subfields of journalism, like investigative reporting, data journalism, or writing. With a doctorate, graduates can work in academic and research roles.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Careers With a Doctoral Degree in Journalism[/hen-ui-heading]

• Journalism professor
• Academic dean
• Director of journalism research

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Journalism Program Accreditation[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective journalism majors should always choose [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]accredited colleges and universities[/hen-ui-link]. Accredited schools meet the highest standards for educating students and granting degrees. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.acejmc.org/”]Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications[/hen-ui-link] accredits journalism and communication programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Journalism Professional Organizations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nabj.org/” target=”_blank”]National Association of Black Journalists[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] NABJ advocates for Black journalists and media professionals. The association offers events, webinars, and sensitivity training and also hosts a career center, an editor database, and a freelance database.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nahj.org/” target=”_blank”]National Association of Hispanic Journalists[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] This professional association for Hispanics working in media brings together journalists, journalism students, and other media professionals. The association encourages Hispanic students to pursue journalism careers and provides professional development resources.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://allwomeninmedia.org/” target=”_blank”]Alliance for Women in Media[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] AWM supports women in media through educational resources, professional development tools, and membership benefits. The alliance also offers professional training opportunities, scholarships for journalism students, and a career center with job postings.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://journalists.org/” target=”_blank”]Online News Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] ONA is a professional organization for digital journalists, including students and all digital media professionals. The association provides information on emerging technologies, shares best practices, and offers resources on news storytelling in digital formats. ONA also hosts a conference with networking opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.spj.org/” target=”_blank”]Society of Professional Journalists[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] SPJ educates journalists on best practices, offers services to help with early career development, and runs an awards program. Students can qualify for its Mark of Excellence Awards, and SPJ also offers fellowships and local contests.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Do Journalists Get Paid Well?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Journalists and broadcast news analysts earned a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/reporters-correspondents-and-broadcast-news-analysts.htm/”]median annual salary[/hen-ui-link] of $49,300 in 2020. The highest-paid journalists make over $127,000 per year.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Where Do Journalists Make the Most Money?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes273023.htm#st/”]BLS data[/hen-ui-link], journalists earn the highest salaries in Washington, D.C.; New York; Georgia; and California. In general, major cities tend to offer higher salaries than rural areas do.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How Hard Is It to Get a Journalism Job?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Journalism jobs can be competitive, and the field currently has negative job growth projections. However, journalism majors can also access flexible freelancing opportunities and career paths in related fields, like public relations and advertising.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Are Entry-Level Jobs for Journalism Majors?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Journalism majors work in many different fields, including media, public relations, advertising, and business. The communication and writing skills developed during a journalism degree are widely applicable in many professional fields.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Genevieve Carlton” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto:eco/v1618859758/TheBestSchools.org/hero-images/Experts/genevieve-carlton.jpg” img-alt=”Genevieve Carlton” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”][hen-ui-link href=”/about/#writers/”]Genevieve Carlton[/hen-ui-link] holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern University. After earning her doctorate in early modern European history, Carlton worked as an assistant professor of history at the University of Louisville, where she developed new courses on the history of science, Renaissance Italy, and the witch trials. Carlton has published five peer-reviewed articles in top presses and a monograph with the University of Chicago Press. She also earned tenure with a unanimous vote before relocating to Seattle. Learn more about Carlton’s work at [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.genevievecarlton.com/”]genevievecarlton.com[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm text-right”]Header Image Credit: chanakon laorob | Getty Images[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn more, do more.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”1316,1430,326″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]