Broadcast Journalism Major and Undergraduate Degree Program Info

Broadcast journalism degrees provide professional training in a field that often competes with popular, user-produced media. Graduates gain hands-on knowledge of broadcasting through student-run television and radio-stations.

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Bachelor's Degree in Broadcast Journalism

Broadcast journalists deliver current events to the public through mediums, such as television, radio or online media formats. Many programs allow students to specialize in one of these three fields. Radio is the oldest broadcast journalism medium, television is regarded as the most influential and the Internet is the fastest growing.

Many programs note the trend of an increasing number of amateurs taking broadcast journalistic roles via Internet channels like 'YouTube' and video blogs (vlogs) and therefore emphasize skills that provide a professional distinction from the untrained. These skills include knowledge of the broadcasting process, writing and technical skills, knowledge of journalistic ethics, competency in advanced digital media technologies and advanced journalistic research techniques.

Programs commonly provide hands-on training through in-house journalistic entities, like student-run radio and television stations. Many programs focus on comprehensive knowledge of the broadcasting process, and students often fill a number of roles during practical training, such as editing, camerawork and directing. Most programs also facilitate off-campus internships with local broadcasting stations.

Educational Prerequisites

Students must have a high school diploma or GED to be accepted for admission. They should also be prepared to submit high school transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation and a personal essay.

Programs may also favor students who hold an associate degree in broadcast journalism, which covers a basic knowledge of broadcasting and journalism practices. Associate degrees are sometimes available online, often cover all general education requirements and take 1-2 years to complete.

Program Coursework

Coursework in bachelor's programs in broadcast journalism combine classes, internships and laboratory learning. Here are examples of classes that might appear in the curriculum:

  • English Composition
  • Editing
  • Reporting
  • Journalism ethics
  • Journalistic research

Career Outlook and Salary Information

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) expects the employment rate for journalists to decline by six percent between 2008 and 2018. The decline is do to industry convergence and consolidation, decreasing advertising revenue and competition from other media outlets.

Journalists made an average annual salary of $34,850 in May 2008, according to the bureau. The lowest-paid journalists made less than $20,180, while the highest-paid journalists earned more than $77,480.

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8 Popular Schools

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • All programs require applicants to have graduated high school in 2008 or earlier
    • Must be 22 years of age or older
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

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  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
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    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

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  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be 21 years of age or older and have completed some college or 24 years of age or older and a high school graduate for a Bachelor's degree
    • Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
    • Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

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  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning
    • Arkansas (1 campus)
    • Arizona (4)
    • California (17)
    • Colorado (3)
    • Columbia (D.C.) (1)
    • Florida (6)
    • Georgia (2)
    • Idaho (1)
    • Indiana (1)
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    • Kentucky (1)
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    • Michigan (2)
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  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
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    • Online Learning
    • Florida (1 campus)

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    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
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    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
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  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Applicants must have some prior college credit.
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    • Bachelor
        • BS - Communication

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Other Schools:

  • School locations:
    • Pennsylvania (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Temple University include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Post Degree Certificate: First Professional Certificate, Post Master's Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Communications and Journalism
      • Communication Studies
      • Comparative Language Studies and Services
      • Digital, Radio, and Television Communication
      • English Composition
      • English Language and Literature
      • Foreign Language and Literature
      • Journalism
        • Broadcast Journalism
      • Public Relations and Advertising
  • School locations:
    • Illinois (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at University of Illinois include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Non-Degree: Diploma
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Communications and Journalism
      • Communication Studies
      • Comparative Language Studies and Services
      • English Composition
      • English Language and Literature
      • Foreign Language and Literature
      • Journalism
        • Broadcast Journalism
      • Public Relations and Advertising

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Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics