Journalism Degrees for Military and Veterans

Journalism’s definition—and the scope of a Journalism Degree—has evolved from just learning how to write and report news to writing the news for broadcast or publishing to creating content online. Students learn research skills, conducting interviews, effectively writing stories to communicate information, critical thinking skills, and media literacy.

“Journalism degrees are in high demand" according to the official site of the University of Iowa School of Journalism and Mass Communication, "not only in traditional journalism industries but also in other fields...”

Furthermore, skills that you develop as a journalism major may "take you down a variety of career paths, in part because people are always looking for students who can write, who can clearly communicate, and who have good critical thinking skills and the ability to think on their feet. These are all hard skills and soft skills that translate to several fields.”

This degree prepares graduates for careers as reporters, writers, and editors in traditional and digital media and related industries. Some schools have programs that are divided between broadcast and print journalism, but many others have combined them under one umbrella to adapt to the changing industry and the Internet.

What can you do with a Journalism Degree?

A journalism major can find work in multiple communication fields as students learn to become strong writers and reporters. This versatile degree prepares you to teach English, become a brand manager or marketer, and news editor, or work in some other facet of broadcasting, publishing, or digital media.

Although AI has impacted journalism jobs in recent months, AI itself needs a human touch—developers are now hiring journalism majors to “train” AI in accuracy and language.

Is a Journalism Degree Hard?

Journalism may be a major worth considering if you have a knack for writing and a passion for media. It can be challenging, as coursework may include journalism history, philosophy and principles, and writing and reporting.

In addition, publication design, news production, and courses in media law (which cover topics like copyright and libel) may also be offered. Many schools require students to intern at a publishing house, website, or TV or radio station to further hone their skills and prepare them for the work world.

Is a Journalism Degree worth it?

While the industry has seen hits in recent years and job opportunities have declined, there is still a need for Journalism graduates. Career paths in digital media, television, and, to a lesser degree, traditional publishing still exist. Journalism majors are essentially writers, so they can work in adjacent fields like advertising, marketing, and public relations. Show