How to Become a Radio Disc Jockey: Step-by-Step Career Guide
Learn how to become a radio disc jockey. Research the education and career requirements, licensure and experience required for starting a career as a radio disc jockey.
Radio Disc Jockey Requirements
A radio disc jockey (DJ) works for radio stations and selects and broadcasts music for an audience. Radio DJs may specialize in a specific type of music, such as rock and roll, R&B, rap, country, soft rock or alternative. In addition to music, radio DJs may also make comments about any news related to politics, pop culture or sports and inform their audience about weather and traffic. While DJs don't need to complete any formal education requirements, opportunities are available on college campuses that can assist them with their future career endeavors. As a student, individuals can participate in internships or work for the campus radio station. The table below includes information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) about how to become a radio DJ.
| Common Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | Bachelor's degree is typically preferred |
| Degree Name | Communications, broadcast journalism |
| Experience | Experience as a DJ will be valued over education |
| Key Skills | Good communication and interpersonal skills as well as exceptional articulation and pronunciation |
| Computer Skills | Must be proficient with computers, broadcast-related equipment and editing equipment |
| Technical Skills | Prospective DJs must be able to operate a sound board that will feature advertisements, sound effects and music |
Step 1: Complete an Undergraduate Program
Students who are interested in becoming a radio DJ can enroll in an associate's or bachelor's degree program that will prepare them to work in the broadcast industry. Depending on the school, students can enroll in a communications or broadcast journalism degree program. Students will take courses in radio announcing, speech, news reporting, broadcast writing and media research. Although associate degrees are offered, according to the BLS, this is a competitive field in which bachelor's degrees are necessary to be competitive even for entry-level jobs.
Step 2: Do an Internship
Colleges and universities may offer students an opportunity to participate in an internship with a radio station. While an internship may not offer students a chance to get on air, they'll learn behind-the-scenes aspects of working at a radio station. This will also give them a chance to network and develop contacts in the industry.
Step 3: Get on the Air
Prospective radio DJs need to get experience on air, and students may be able to find opportunities with their campus radio station. College radio stations typically provide a hands-on environment where students may gain real-world experience in the broadcast field. These stations often broadcast 24 hours a day. Students learn about FCC rules, broadcasting law and ethics as well as personnel management and station programming while being provided with a chance to get on air.
Success Tips
Put together a reel. In order to obtain a job, you'll need a reel. Edit some of your best work into a reel and send it out to prospective employers. No matter what experience or education you have, radio stations will need to hear what you sound like on the air and how you communicate with an audience.
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5 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Florida (1 campus)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Master
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- MA in Music and Worship Studies
- MA in Ethnomusicology
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- Master of Arts in Worship - Ethnomusicology
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Florida (1 campus)
- Nevada (1 campus)
Classroom-Based Programs
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School locations:
- California (5 campuses)
- Colorado (1 campus)
- Florida (1)
- Georgia (1)
- Illinois (2)
- Massachusetts (1)
- Michigan (1)
- Minnesota (1)
- Nevada (1)
- Pennsylvania (1)
- Tennessee (1)
- Texas (3)
- Virginia (1)
- Washington (1)
Classroom-Based Programs
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor in Audio & Media Technology
- Bachelor in Audio Design Technology
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- Bachelor in Audio Production
- Bachelor in Sound & Motion Picture Technical Arts
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Associate
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- Associate in Audio Production
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
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Non-Degree
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- Career Diploma in Artist: Comprehensive
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Other Schools:
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School locations:
- Michigan (2 campuses)
Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Music Performing
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School locations:
- Florida (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of South Florida include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Music Performing
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School locations:
- Texas (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Texas Tech University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Design and Applied Arts
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Music Composition and Theory
- Music Pedagogy
- Music Performing
- Musical Conducting
- Musicology and Ethnomusicology
- Piano and Organ
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School locations:
- Arizona (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Northern Arizona University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Music Composition and Theory
- Music History and Literature
- Music Performing
- Musical Conducting
- Voice and Opera
- Photography, Film, and Video
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School locations:
- Washington (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Washington include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Design and Applied Arts
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Jazz
- Music Composition and Theory
- Music History and Literature
- Music Merchandising and Management
- Music Performing
- Musical Conducting
- Musicology and Ethnomusicology
- Piano and Organ
- Stringed Instruments
- Voice and Opera
- Photography, Film, and Video
