10 Top Double Majors With a Journalism Degree

Interested in a journalism career? Perhaps you want to gain more specialized knowledge in the field or work in a particular area of journalism. Pursuing a double major can benefit you in a number of ways.

Double majoring in journalism and another relevant subject can give you a broader understanding of history, current events, or other topics to improve your reporting skills. Having a double major may also make it easier to find a job after graduation.

Keep reading to find out more about how these other disciplines can play a role in journalism.

Journalism Double Majors

Let's take a closer look at some of the top majors you could consider pairing with your journalism degree.

Political Science

Political science is a great double major for journalism students. It provides a solid foundation on political history, law, and current events, all of which can help to build a meaningful journalism career.

International Relations

Like political science, a degree in international relations can give students a broader view of the world. Getting a double major in international relations and journalism helps them develop the necessary skills and understanding to report knowledgeably on world events.

Communications

Journalists rely heavily on all forms of communications for accurate reporting, as well as delivering stories out to the general public. Double majoring in journalism and communications can help students develop better communication skills, ultimately helping them become better journalists.

Business Management

Business management degrees provide skills that are applicable in various settings. For example, a journalist who double majored in business could report on business-related topics or establish and run their own news agency.

English

English degrees provide ample opportunities to practice and improve writing and critical thinking skills, both of which are invaluable to journalists. Getting a double major in English and journalism can give you extra opportunities to improve your skills with words, which in turn will help you become a better journalist.

Sociology

Sociology is the study of groups of people and the motivations behind their thoughts and actions. Those who double major in sociology and journalism will have a better understanding of people; not only those they report to, but those they report on. This can make them more empathetic and help them find better ways to get their message across.

History

It's crucial for journalists to have a solid understanding of history for relevant and accurate reporting. Double majoring in history and journalism will give students ample opportunities to develop this understanding of history, which can help them in a variety of journalistic endeavors.

Digital Media

Digital media degrees focus on all the ways that information is exchanged digitally. Journalists must be skilled at using all forms of digital media, so pursuing this double major with journalism can help you develop practical skills that will serve you well in any journalism career.

Foreign Language

A foreign language degree can help you become proficient in the language of your choice. This can be beneficial if you're planning to take your journalism career to different countries or hope to communicate effectively with those for whom English is not a first language.

Computer Science

Much like digital media, computer science teaches skills that are relevant and in demand in our modern world. Combining journalism and computer science will help you improve your technological skills, allowing you to pursue a variety of career options in either field.

What Is a Double Major?

A double major is a degree that allows you to complete two areas of study while receiving a single diploma. Double majors usually complete their second major instead of a minor or concentration.

When pursuing this type of degree, students may complete one set of general education courses but two separate sets of core courses (one for each major). They accrue any additional credits they need to graduate by taking electives.

Double majors sometimes take longer to complete than single majors, but many students finish in about the same amount of time. These degrees usually consist of about 120 credits, just like single majors. This means students can still earn both majors within four years.

Double Major vs. Dual Degree

Both double majors and dual degrees involve studying two majors, but they differ in the way they are awarded. Double majors lead to only one degree, whereas dual degrees lead to two separate degrees. These may be entirely different types of degrees, such as a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Business Administration.

Those who complete dual degrees may do so at the same time, or they may decide to go back and complete a second degree years after earning the first. Regardless, dual degrees may involve taking extra general education courses. They typically have more credit hour requirements and generally take longer to complete than double majors.

FAQs About Double Majoring With Journalism

Read on to learn answers to commonly asked questions about completing a double major with your journalism degree.

Can You Double Major With Journalism?

Yes, you can double major with journalism. Double majoring in journalism is not only encouraged, but some schools (notably New York University) even require it. Keep in mind that double majors require additional planning, as you will have more course requirements. Always check with an academic advisor to make sure you're on track to graduate on time with the necessary credits.

Is a Double Major With Journalism Worth It?

Since double majoring with journalism can provide a broader view of the world and enhanced knowledge on relevant subjects, it can help you develop a better marketable skill set. For this reason, getting a double major with your journalism degree is well worth the time and effort it takes.

What Are the Benefits of Double Majoring With Journalism?

Completing your journalism double major can provide a wealth of benefits, including:

• more diverse job skills
• better job opportunities
• improved chances of getting hired
• a better understanding of the world
• increased confidence

Will a Double Major With Journalism Improve My Career Outlook?

Yes, earning a double major with journalism can open the door to more lucrative job opportunities. Double majors allow students to expand their knowledge in particular areas, such as history and political science, giving them a more well-rounded perspective, increasing their skills, and making them more desirable job candidates.