Is A Journalism Degree Worth It? (Schools, Jobs, FAQs) | 2023

Yes, acquiring a journalism degree in this century is an intelligent decision. This degree will give you the knowledge and skills you need to secure a well-paying job.

A journalism degree will make a lot of sense for you if you love writing and sharing content with members of the public.

However, to enable you to decide if getting a journalism degree is indeed worth it to you, this article will provide several reasons why you should acquire a journalism degree, the top 3 schools for acquiring a journalism degree, and some of the best jobs that you can get with a journalism degree.

What is a Journalism Degree?

A journalism degree focuses on the science and art of collecting, writing, and circulating information concerning different topics to members of the public.

This degree program focuses on the ideal techniques for reporting actual events in society, educating people detailedly to make the right decisions, and providing analysis to the public on societal matters affecting them.

A journalism degree will enable you to find a job in newspaper companies, media houses, television stations, and other professional settings.

Top Reasons To Acquire A Journalism Degree

Here are the key benefits of acquiring a degree in journalism:

1. Social engagement

Completing a degree in journalism will empower you with the knowledge that will enable you to contribute immensely towards social issues.

With a journalism degree, you can get a job that demands you to make in-depth inquiries and answer questions that revolve around society’s most pressing social challenges.

Furthermore, a journalism degree will enable you to get a job like that of a journalist, which involves educating people on significant societal challenges.

You can also share views on issues impacting people’s societal decisions.  

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2. Professional connection

With a journalism degree, you will likely find a job that allows you to interact with famous personalities in your society.

Developing valuable relationships with politicians, musicians, sportspersons, and many other well-known professionals can enable you to access massive career advancement opportunities.

3. Transferrable skills

Enrolling in journalism will equip you with skills valuable to many work environments.

Examples of such skills are good research skills, oral and written communication skills, the ability to pay attention to details, analytical skills, critical thinking skills, and much more.

4. Opportunity to express your thoughts

Although most journalism degree jobs in several countries are dangerous, no one can take away the fact that possessing a journalism degree can get you a job that will allow you to express yourself clearly.

For instance, you can create content on what you love, your views, and what you have gone through that can impact people’s mindsets.

5. Fame

Most jobs with a journalism degree offer a pathway to fame. For instance, if you have been looking for a scene that attracts global recognition, a career in journalism will offer just that.

With a journalism degree, you can work for a global media house like CNN or BBC or serve as the public relations officer of a Fortune 500 company.

Becoming famous will have a substantial positive impact on your personal and professional life.

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Top 3 Schools For Acquiring A Journalism Degree

A bachelor’s degree in journalism is a minimal requirement for getting several jobs today. Here are the best schools in the world at the moment to acquire this type of degree:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, popularly known as MIT, is arguably the best engineering school in the world. However, this school also offers several exciting options in other fields.

Anyone looking to pursue a career in journalism or acquire a journalism degree for another career should not look past MIT because their journalism program is rich, and students learn a lot about several areas of this field.

MIT also runs a fellowship program for journalism majors that prepare them for their career ventures. It is an A-list school for journalism education.

2. Stanford University

Stanford University is one of the best schools to acquire a journalism degree. This school is committed to educating students using a curriculum that centers on respect and passion for the primary roles of journalism in a free society.

At this school, students are taken through educational experiences that equip them with the knowledge and skills to explore, investigate, contextualize, and publish truths about several social activities.

They also get to use data and algorithmic tools that enable them to find meaningful stories and make compelling analyses.

Additionally, Stanford University educates future journalists to share stories in multimedia and scrutinize them before publishing.

Graduates of this school are highly sought after because they are known for executing their jobs with a deep sense of integrity.

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3. University of Chicago

The University of Chicago is among the best schools to acquire journalism degrees. This school embraces a liberal arts curriculum for journalism that brings about personal development.

This school has many academic research institutes and centers, enabling students to acquire a general education.

The University of Chicago offers many fellowships, internships, professional networks, and employment opportunities that facilitate students’ professional development and exposure.

The University of Chicago is another excellent choice for any student.

Best Jobs That You Can Get With A Journalism Degree

1. Product Marketing Manager

A product marketing manager is one of the best jobs you can get with a journalism degree.

These professionals are usually in charge of companies’ product, sales, and marketing departments to devise techniques to create more awareness through all media channels about their products.

Before devising strategies, they perform market analysis to know the strengths of their competition in the market.

Product marketing managers also create and sustain good partnerships with particular influencers to enable them to run an effective marketing plan.

They develop convincing stories to draw the attention of prospective customers and stimulate them to purchase what they offer. The average salary of product marketing managers is about $107,000 every year.

2. Journalist

A journalist is another well-paying job you can get with a journalism degree. These professionals search for, study, and circulate information on trending societal events and activities.

They analyze and deduce the significance of events and activities to members of society in a way that is clear to them and ensures that they also receive trending news reports on time.

Journalists must possess good communication, social media, and research skills to perform their jobs well. It is a job with an average annual salary of about $75,000.

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3. Corporate Communications Specialist 

Corporate communications specialists are responsible for coordinating all forms of internal and external communications of companies.

These professionals develop and circulate important information to workers within the company using any official communication medium endorsed by the company.

Corporate communications specialists are responsible for writing press statements and developing advertisement content.

The companies they work for typically sponsor them to attend meetings, conferences, and other top-profile events to connect with potentially high-level investors.

Corporate communications specialists partner with the communications director to perform their duties in any company. It is a job with an average yearly salary of about $65,000.

4. Public Relation Specialist

Public relations specialists develop, execute and coordinate their companies’ public relations efforts and ventures to boost their popularity.

They develop presentation reports and online content for internal communication.

For advertisement purposes, they craft company articles, blog posts, press statements, and all content that will boost their brand.

Public relations specialists also employ media houses when they desire to cover their events, and they check if it bears favorable results.

Furthermore, public relations specialists are in charge of social media promotional campaigns. The average salary of a public relation specialist is $63,000 every year.

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5. Communications Manager

Companies and establishments employ communications managers to develop, organize and execute their advertising plans.

These professionals devise creative marketing ideas and develop unique content before time elapses.

They manage the communications financial allocation to ensure it is utilized effectively and for functional promotional purposes. The average salary of a communications manager is about $61,000 every year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) On Journalism Degree

What are high school subjects best for aspiring journalism majors?

The best high school subjects for aspiring journalism majors are creative writing, politics, economics, languages, and media studies.

What are the typical employers of journalism degree holders?

If you hold a degree in journalism, you can work at radio stations, TV stations, media houses, and others.

What are the alternative careers for journalists?

Here are some of the career options available for people with journalism skills; copywriter, technical writer, communication specialist, and others.

What can I study after completing a bachelor’s degree in journalism?

After completing a bachelor’s degree in journalism, you can acquire a PG diploma in journalism, TV, radio, acting, or a related field. You can also acquire a Master’s degree in mass communication, film play, writing, or a related field.

Conclusion

In today’s competitive job market, a degree in journalism is an excellent choice.

Earning a degree in journalism will provide you with the skills and expertise employers seek in today’s competitive work market.

Studying journalism is a sensible choice if you enjoy communicating with the public through writing.

However, besides the jobs listed above, digital strategist and social media are other well-paying jobs you can get with a journalism degree.

Awesome one; I hope this article answers your question.

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