If I major in political science in a university can i become a journalist or do i have to major in journalism?

Question

When I say journalism I have no interest in broadcasting or t.v. media, I am only interested in perhaps working for a magazine/newspaper/ or freelance.

Answer 1

You can absolutely major in political science, or just about anything, and become a journalist -- especially if you are interested in print journalism where you don't have to concern yourself quite as much with the technical aspects of broadcasting.

You will almost certainly need published clips to get a job, so you should -- at the very least -- write for your college newspaper. Doing an internship or two at newspapers while in college would be ideal.

And you should consider taking a few journalism electives, especially a media law class, if you can. But there are lots of journalists out there who majored in other things and never took a journalism class, too. Many recruiters will see a political science major as a positive.

Answer 2

I think you can major in Political Science - but you MUST add practical writing and/or producing or editing experience. If you have ANY desire to become involved in television, I would almost suggest a communications or journalism degree instead - especially if you wish to be on-air talent. The world of journalism has changed. There is not a lot of time to mentor in the field (TV especially). They want to hire a one-man band that can hit the ground running. You should have materials to get hired - articles, a DVD, etc. Do internships, take communications classes, get that hands-on experience BEFORE you get out of school

I have a degree in government from an Ivy League institution. If anything, it made my pursuit of journalism jobs more difficult because people assumed I was overqualified and would not have the "think-on-your-feet" attitude necessary for the job. I usually proved them wrong, and they would say, "Gee, you don't seem like you went to (insert Ivy League school here.)" And they meant it as a compliment. Whether the school or the degree - it didn't instill confidence in the newsroom management. In fact, it did the opposite.

They want people with practical experience out of the gate. I spent a ridiculous amount of money on a pretty worthless degree. I now wish I had not wasted that time in a political theory class when I should have been learning about the how to work a camera. I was behind the curve when I got out with my $100,000 diploma that now sits in a drawer at my parents' house.

In general, print seems to be a little more kind to the liberal arts degree. Television - not so much. Radio - definitely not. Unless it's NPR.

And remember that nothing is as valuable as having an inside connection to the industry. Truth be told, nepotism is rampant. You should think of "journalism" as part of the entertainment industry because that's what the modern media is a part of today. You will need to play that game, particularly if you want a job that will pay a half-decent wage.

Money is also an issue. You have to eat and put a roof over your head. It's not a high-paying gig.

Answer 3

You certainly can. I minored in political science in college. They don't let me anywhere near the political stories now, but I have written them for other newspapers in the past.

A friend of mine is an extreme example of this. He was a philosophy major. Now he covers sports.

Answer 4

a major in political science is nothing but a waste of time unless u want to teach political science in the same country where you studied it.