Are you an avid consumer of news? Do you love the thrill of the chase for a story? If so you may want to consider majoring in journalism. Journalism majors not only master the art of reporting and writing, but also learn about libel and other legal issues that affect the media. You’ll learn what it takes to survive in a tough, but rewarding business. With this degree, you could find yourself covering world events for a major newspaper or TV network, reporting on sports for a local radio station, or writing about entertainment on the Internet.
Education
While still in high school, you’ll find it helpful to take classes in speech, public speaking, computer applications, journalism, AP U.S. Government & Politics and AP English Language. If your high school has a paper, it’s wise to join it and practice your skills and if it does not, it might be a good idea to start one.
Typical college courses in this major include but are not limited to, broadcast news writing, copyediting and design, history of American media, magazine writing, mass communication and society, media law and ethics and reporting.
What to know before you apply
As a journalism major, you’ll need to keep up with current events, learn to be an ace researcher and learn how to find and interview sources. It’s also important to have basic editing and computer skills and know that you’ll need to sharpen and enhance them as you become more successful. Joining or starting a school newspaper at your college or university also gives you a multitude of opportunities as a writer, editor, designer or some combination of the three. It’s also crucial to have a internship in the field of journalism you’re interested in, whether it be broadcast or written. It’s also worth noting that journalism is an intense field complete with hard and short notice deadlines. It helps to be flexible and quick to adapt.
Questions to ask before deciding
Before selecting a college for this major, ask yourself, will your program help you find an internship? Is the department accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication? Do the professors have enough field experience to provide valuable insights on what it’s like to be a working journalist? When you visit, grab a copy of the school’s newspaper or visit their website if there is one. This is good for getting a realistic vibe of the school as well as seeing how you’ll fit into the school newspaper. Also, check if there is a campus radio station or TV station. If your interests align with the broadcast side, check out the equipment you’ll be working with and see if you’re familiar with the software.
Salary
As of 2012, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists journalists as starting out at $37,000 with salary’s expanding or varying on location and size of the company.
