The lights turn on, a producer hands you a stack of freshly-printed scripts, and you sit down behind the anchor desk. The world of journalism is fast-paced, difficult and rewarding. Do you have what it takes to be a reporter or anchor? There are many options out there if you’re interested in an online degree in journalism. Here are a few things to consider when researching online schools.
Chart your course
Many degree programs within the realm of journalism, including a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications, will give you a broad overview of all forms of journalism, including online reporting, print, television and radio broadcasting. You’ll hone your writing skills, while focusing on critical thinking issues, ethics and technology.
If you have the opportunity, you may focus on one particular concentration, such as television reporting or photojournalism. That being said, if you’re not fully sure about which particular route you would like to take, you can sample everything journalism has to offer, and decide what you prefer later.
Consider an internship
Internships provide critical hands-on experience, and will serve you well during your first few weeks on the job. Many degrees offer contacts with local newsrooms, and you’ll need to compete and apply for these internships.
Topics to explore
As mentioned before, there are a few particular areas that journalism students can look at, including:
- Investigative journalism
- Web design
- Ethics and legal issues
- Media theory
- Writing for the mass media
- Editing
- Photojournalism
and more. A degree in journalism will prepare you for the fast-paced, hectic world of a newsroom, and also give you the skills to conduct an interview, write an effective story and wrap it all up before your deadline.
Andrew Johnson is an internet marketing consultant, and runs a Utah news website. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, skiing and discovering new restaurants.
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