Journalism

While a bachelor’s degree in communications, English, public relations, or similar studies are relevant to a career in journalism, studying journalism specifically will give you the best insight into the inner workings of the job and the news industry as a whole. A journalism curriculum will familiarize you with concepts such as AP style, the inverted pyramid story structure, media ethics, photojournalism, and more. Butler’s Journalism degree also offers multiple opportunities to grow in broadcast news, radio, sports entertainment, and other niches.

Both journalists and reporters are nonfiction storytellers that gather facts to relay accurate information to their audiences. Journalists tend to infuse more commentary and interpretation into their content while still adhering to ethical standards in the field, while reporters are often more locally-minded and focus on the collection and dissemination of the facts alone. Journalists may cover a broader range of topics, while reporters often cover specific beats such as sports or crime.

A bachelor’s degree in journalism is an excellent path for curious people who value nonfiction writing, fact-finding, critical thinking, and multimedia messaging in their careers. Journalists gain a wide variety of adaptable skills that translate well to careers in marketing, public relations, content creation, and other communications-related fields.

The news industry tends to reward real-world experience over levels of education, though a master’s degree can help with career advancement and other leadership opportunities.