What Do You Need for a Journalism Degree?

A bachelor's degree in journalism or a related field. The most common path to becoming a journalist is to get a bachelor's degree in journalism or a related field such as English, communications, or political science. Some schools offer dedicated journalism programs, while others offer more general communication programs that include a concentration in journalism.

Strong writing and reporting skills. Journalists need to be able to write clearly and concisely, and they also need to be able to gather and report accurate information.

Research skills. Journalists often need to research their stories, so they need to be able to find and use credible sources of information.

Interviewing skills. Journalists need to be able to interview people effectively, and they need to be able to build rapport with their interviewees.

Editing skills. Journalists need to be able to edit their own work and the work of others.

Technical skills. Journalists need to be familiar with a variety of technologies, including word processing, spreadsheets, and social media.

Internship experience. Internships can give journalists the opportunity to learn about the field and get hands-on experience.

Networking. Journalists need to be able to network with other journalists, sources, and industry professionals.

Critical thinking skills. Journalists need to be able to think critically about the information they gather and the stories they write.

Ethics. Journalists need to uphold ethical standards in their work.