Career Information for a Degree in Communications and Journalism

Individuals who want to improve their writing skills and work in fast-paced, collaborative environments may consider a degree in communications and journalism. With a completed communications and journalism degree, graduates may work as broadcast news analysts, television reporters or advertising managers; they might also find related media occupations.

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What is a Degree in Communications and Journalism?

Degree programs in communications and journalism introduce students to mass communication theory and the uses of media to tell stories, persuade, sell products and promote ideas. A bachelor's degree is the typical level of education that employers prefer.

Students receive in-depth instruction in writing, speaking and editing techniques for a variety of media and take courses in media law and ethics, news writing and reporting, multimedia production and strategic communications. Students may gain hands-on experience by producing content for campus television and radio stations, writing for a college newspaper or completing internships at commercial media outlets. Modes of disseminating information are constantly expanding, so individuals must keep up-to-date on these if they want to succeed in this field.

Careers in Communications and Journalism

Broadcast News Analyst

Broadcast news analysts occupy the anchor desk position at a television news station, delivering stories and commentary to home viewing audiences. They establish the flow of a newscast between live shots from on-the-scene reporters, weather forecasts, sports or other segments while providing interpretation and commentary. They interview guests in the studio, gather news information from wire services, write and edit scripts and read local, national or world news stories on the air. Some newscasters may specialize in a subject area, such as financial news or sports.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected a four percent increase in job opportunities for broadcast news analysts between 2008 and 2018. Intense competition for positions in large cities and top markets is expected (www.bls.gov). New media technologies will provide job opportunities, and broadcast news analysts with subject-matter knowledge and a willingness to relocate will have an advantage in the industry, the BLS reported. Although the BLS estimated average wages for broadcast news analysts at $72,710 per year in 2010, the industry showed a wide range of potential salaries. According to BLS figures, the bottom ten percent of earners made less than $27,560 each year, while the top ten percent in this occupation earned more than $146,230.

Television Reporter

Television reporters write, shoot, edit and deliver news reports as part of a news gathering team. They often work in the field, covering breaking news events as they happen and setting up live location shots that air during the newscast. They may also work in the studio to give an introduction to a news package. Television reporters have hectic schedules, since they may be sent to attend events and interview sources at any time.

The BLS predicted an eight percent decline in employment of reporters and correspondents from 2008 to 2018; increased competition for reporter positions therefore is expected. In 2010, the BLS reported average wages of radio and television reporters at $53,590 per year.

Advertising Manager

Advertising managers supervise one or more departments involved in the creation of advertising campaigns. They work with other agency supervisors and staff to oversee advertisement creation, manage client accounts, set budgets and obtain campaign placement in media outlets. Advertising managers may work for advertising agencies, media sales firms or for in-house advertising divisions of large corporations. Advertising managers must understand all aspects of creating a promotional campaign and work to motivate agency staff.

The BLS expects employment prospects for advertising and promotions managers to decline slightly, by two percent, from 2008 through 2018. Those with new media and digital technologies are expected to have better opportunities. On average, advertising managers earned $98,720 per year, the BLS reported.

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