Journalist: Education Requirements, Qualifications & Career

So, you might be wondering, what degree do I need to become a journalist? Journalists, also referred to as reporters and correspondents, have bachelor's degrees in either communications or journalism as a form of journalism education.

Once you're enrolled in a program, what do you need to study to become a journalist? All journalism majors take courses in editing, journalistic ethics, reporting, feature writing, photojournalism and communications. Additional coursework is determined by whether a student is focusing on print or broadcast journalism. Students either take courses to strengthen their writing skills or to learn radio and television production techniques. Those concentrating in online media learn software and web design skills, as well as how to combine text with graphics, photo and video media. Undergraduate students also benefit from professional internships with media outlets, completed either during the summer or during the semester.

So, what qualifications are required for journalism? Different education qualifications are needed for different positions. For example, a bachelor's degree is a great starting point for people looking for entry level jobs in journalism and are willing to try to advance through hard work and dedication to their publisher. A master's degree is a good option for those that are looking for more senior level positions and want to advance as supervisors. Those looking to go into teaching or research can pursue a PhD in journalism. This course of education covers more in depth research, and research, writing and the dissertation takes up most of the eight years of this program.

Education isn't everything. The next question on your mind should be, what qualifications are needed to be a journalist?

The qualifications needed to become a journalist include a variety of skills as journalists must be adaptable and flexible in their work. They often work under tight deadlines in this competitive field and must be able to perform well under pressure. Time management skills are essential. Journalists must be able to budget their time and meet strict deadlines. Journalists benefit from having good people skills, such as communication, leadership and collaboration. This allows them to work collaboratively with other professionals in their organization and to successfully interview people to gain inside information. Journalists must also have tenacity and persistence to find the most accurate facts and to be able to check them against multiple sources.

Journalism qualifications also include IT skills and the use of technology. In today's age, more and more journalism is moving towards broadcast or is published online, rather than in print. Skills include understanding recording technology, various software including editing, as well as social media platforms to communicate information.

In summary, some qualifications for journalism careers include:

• Time management
• Tenacity
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Leadership
• Writing
• Technology and IT skills
• Organization

Print journalism and broadcast journalism are the two major areas in which a journalist might work. As both text-based and broadcast news is becoming increasingly digitized, both of these career areas have some online media focus.

Print Journalist

There are positions available in print (newspapers and magazines) and online media. Some journalists report on facts alone, while others, such as columnists, create content based on both facts and opinions. Journalists often specialize in certain fields, such as politics, entertainment, sports or weather.

Broadcast Journalist

Broadcast journalists may choose to be either newscasters or correspondents with radio and television news outlets, as well as on the Web. Newscasters are more commonly known as news anchors, who present and introduce news packages. Correspondents conduct research and deliver news reports from the field.

According to the BLS, many journalists begin their careers with smaller publications or broadcast networks, often as general assignment reporters assigned to news that is pertinent to that outlet's audience. As they gain experience and build a portfolio of reports, they are assigned to more difficult and in-depth stories.

After years of reporting, many journalists go on to become editors, producers, supervising reporters and even station managers and publishers. They may also have the opportunity to advance to larger networks and publications.

Career Outlook

Employment opportunities in the reporting and correspondence field is expected to decline through the 2019-2029 decade, due to news organizations merging and the decrease in the number of newspaper readers. According to the BLS, employment prospects will be favorable with small local newspapers. The BLS also reports, however, that journalists with training or experience in online print and broadcast media can expect the best job opportunities in this highly competitive field.

A bachelor's degree combined with relevant work experience is the best path to landing a job in journalism. You can choose to focus on either print or broadcast journalism and develop specializations within those areas. Although there are fewer jobs now than in the past, training and experience in online media can improve your job prospects and help you build a career in journalism.