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Broadcast Journalism Majors
Broadcast Journalism Majors
Broadcast journalists report news and inform the public about current events, local and national issues, and sporting events. Coursework in reporting, editing, and production can help you start your career in this field. Get program details and explore career options available to graduates.
What Can I Expect From a Broadcast Journalism Bachelor's Degree Program?
Broadcast journalism is typically offered as an area of specialization within a journalism or communications degree program. This journalism specialty prepares students to work in both television and radio. Some programs offer the option of an editorial track or a technical track for those interested in behind-the-scenes work. Programs that don't offer specialty tracks typically offer a combined program that teaches both skill sets. Students may have access to on-campus radio and television broadcasting facilities to develop hands-on skills.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Program Emphases</b></td><td> Television and radio broadcasting; technical or editorial tracks may be available</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Production, news reporting, news writing, editing</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Options</b></td><td> Full programs available on campus only; general education classes may be available online</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$49,300* (<i>for reporters and correspondents</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>11% decline* (<i>for all reporters and correspondents </i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITake">What Courses Will I Take?</h3><p>In addition to general education classes, you will develop excellent reporting, editing and writing skills, as well as technical knowledge through classes such as:
</p><ul><li>Broadcast production
</li><li>Video production
</li><li>News reporting
</li><li>Telecommunications management
</li><li>News writing and editing
</li><li>Audio and video editing
</li><li>Studio and field production
</li><li>Radio and television announcing
</li></ul><h3 id="section---CanIEarnThisDegreeOnline">Can I Earn This Degree Online?</h3><p>Due to the fact that students need to gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art broadcasting facilities, online degree programs are not available for this major. The general education courses required for this major may be available online. Taking these courses online and then transferring to an on-campus degree program may be an option.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithThisDegree">What Can I Do With This Degree?</h3><p>Graduates of a broadcast journalism bachelor's degree program work in the radio or television fields. Opportunities in front of the camera and behind-the-scenes are available. Typical job titles include:
</p><ul><li>Reporter
</li><li>Editor
</li><li>Videographer
</li><li>Production professional
</li></ul><p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, competition for jobs in this industry will be keen at large broadcast stations and networks from 2019-2029 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Those graduates who have gained hands-on experience through internships will have the best opportunities. The median annual salary for a reporter was $49,300 in May 2020.</p>
