A Degree in Journalism
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As a journalist or reporter your will investigate and convey news stories to the public. You will examine documents, observe events at the scene of an incident or crime, interview people who saw or understand the events, and employ other methods of gathering information. A good program of study will ready you for entry-level employment in a journalistic setting, such as news or entertainment. |
In your work as a journalist, you will take notes and sometimes photographs, or even shoot video for the purpose of presentation as part of a cohesive story. You will then organize the material into a readable format, usually under tight deadline and according to stylistic regulations. Basic reporting requires technical skills in the use of digital, audio, and Web-based media.
Skills Acquired
Among the many skills you will gain in a good journalism program include strategic communication as used in advertising, public relations, and political campaigns. You will learn about the creative nonfiction formats by studying masters of the genre, and learn how to convey in depth information on a particular subject impartially and objectively, either as a columnist, a book author, a blogger or Web writer, or for some other medium. You will study the modern magazine industry and learn to produce professional quality magazine articles drawing on a broad range of communication skills such as critical thinking, writing, editing, managerial skills, design and layout, and HTML. As the field of electronic news writing has become as viable an information resource as any, you’ll study the details essential for competence in writing, editing and production for the internet. You will cover issues and problems in electronic news; learn interviewing techniques, and the use of electronic equipment and presentation.
Coursework in a Journalism Degree Program May Include:
* Mass Communication
* In-Depth Reporting
* Interpretation of Contemporary Affairs
* Multimedia Graphics
* Magazines and Magazine Editing
* Electronic News for Internet and Broadcast
Career Outlook and Salary Information
Competition for jobs in journalism is fierce, especially in traditional print media. But the technology of the trade is constantly improving, allowing workers to do their jobs faster and better. According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, job opportunities in the field of journalism will continue to grow. People with experience or with formal academic training will have a considerable advantage in the job hunt. In 2004, average annual salaries for reporters were around $32K per year.
Adult Education Classes for Aspiring Freelancers
If you do not have a background in journalism but are interested and thinking about ‘getting your feet wet’, a good place to start might be by taking one of the courses offered by adult education centers and community colleges in how to write and market freelance articles to magazines and newspapers. A freelance career is not an easy one - but you won’t have to quit your day job, and taking such a course may give you a good idea of whether you might want to pursue journalism as a career.
Associate’s Degree in Journalism
The associate’s degree in journalism will provide you with a basic background in reporting, writing, and research. You can use this degree to seek an entry-level reporting position (perhaps at a local weekly paper), or you may transfer credits earned to a bachelor’s program.
Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism
A bachelor’s degree in journalism will give you the skills and experience in writing and reporting that will enable you to land a job as a news reporter in print or broadcast media. It is especially useful if you can take advantage of any opportunities offered by your degree program to intern in the field, as hands-on experience is the heart of journalism.
Graduate and Postgraduate Degrees in Journalism
If you are interested in pursuing even higher levels of journalism, perhaps moving into an editorial or managerial position, you may wish to go on to pursue a master’s degree in journalism as offered by select colleges and universities. You can even earn a PhD in journalism, and your doctorate will enable you to teach other aspiring journalists at colleges and universities.
Excerpt From: www.education-portal.com
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