Communications and Journalism

Educational programs in communications and journalism can train you to work in radio, television, news and business. Continue reading to learn about academic requirements and job opportunities so you can decide if this field is a good fit for you.

Inside Communications and Journalism

There are varied career opportunities in communications and journalism, including public relations specialist, news anchor, reporter, author and radio broadcaster. Academic programs leading to these careers can include 1-year certificate programs, as well as associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that a bachelor's degree usually is the minimum education required for employment (www.bls.gov). Through a typical 4-year program of study in communications and journalism, you might take classes in mass communication, rhetoric, editing, public speaking, copywriting for advertising, radio production, media planning, ethics and media law. At some schools, you can specialize in a specific area, such as film and television, advertising, journalism, broadcasting, radio or media studies.

Authors, editors and writers sometimes have the freedom to make their own schedules, although they often must meet tight deadlines. Work environments in communications and journalism can include offices, broadcasting studios and home offices. In some careers, you might also have to work in the field since you may have to meet with clients or go to the scene of a news event. Many people in this field are curious, willing to take the initiative, creative and good at research.

According to the BLS, jobs for writers, editors, authors and broadcasting professionals were forecast to increase by eight percent between 2008 and 2018, while opportunities for public relations specialists were expected to jump 24%. However, demand for journalists could decline six percent. In 2010, editors made a median annual salary of $51,470, authors and writers made $55,420, reporters made $34,530, public relations specialists made $52,090 and radio and television announcers made $26,850.

Learn More About Communications and Journalism

Through a specialization or an advanced degree in communications and journalism, you can target the field you're most interested in. Whether you want to go into radio broadcasting, newspaper writing, television reporting, copywriting or sports reporting, Education-Portal.com has the information you need to make effective academic and career decisions.

Degree Options:

Certificates and degree programs are available for you whether you're interested in launching your career in communications and journalism or pursuing advanced studies in the field. The pages below are a small selection of the options available to you.

Career Options:

The following careers are a sample of the opportunities you can pursue in communications and journalism. However, since it's a broad field, explore the Education-portal.com site on your own to learn about other career opportunities.

Distance Learning Options:

Distance learning degree options in communications and journalism are available at several schools and various degree levels. You may have campus or other in-person requirements, such as internships or labs, where you can gain real-world experience using professional equipment.

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