What type of college degree does a journalist need?

Question

I'm considering becoming a journalist because I love writing but I'm unsure of what type of college degree is necessary, how many years in college, the salary, and what type of work a journalist does. Any other additional information would be appreciated! Thank you.

Answer 1

Obviously English and breadth as well a depth as you don't know where you might end up. I like American Studies if your in the US, but that might be a graduate program. Universities have a lot of information as do journalists in the field. Visiting a newspaper, talk to someone in the lunch room, start networking, it's your best shot. It's not always about a degree, but talent, experience, intuition, very important in any field, and who you have as a mentor. Nothing by the book unless absolutely necessary. You have to get down on the ground and roll around in the mud for a while, the sooner the better and along the way to save five or ten years of dead ends. If you can possibly put that other out of your mind a while, I definitely would.

Answer 2

It's tough to break in at the major newspapers. It would help if you know something that most of the aspiring writers don't, but which is important - economics, environmental science, international relations - these are all things we're likely to see increasing numbers of stories about in the newspaper in upcoming years.