Degree Overview: Associate of Freelance Reporting
Majors Overview July 6, 2013Schools don’t offer freelance reporting degrees; however, students who are interested can pursue an associate degree program in journalism to garner the skills they would need to seek entry-level freelance or reporting jobs.
Associate Degree Program in Journalism
Students can learn various skills including publishing, editing and writing that they need to become successful in a freelance journalism career related to both digital and print publications. An Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Journalism is often awarded by these programs that usually span two years. Training in the use of various industry-related computer programs, such as Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and PageMaker is usually imparted to enrolled students. In most colleges, students are provided with direct learning opportunities at a school magazine or newspaper. Admission criteria usually require applicants to hold a general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma. However, some schools admit all candidates who are eighteen years old or over, regardless of any other qualification.
Program Course Topics
Journalism associate degree program coursework will prepare students to create unbiased, accurate, and informative content. Courses are usually writing intensive, but classes in digital design and photography also might be available for students who are interested in editing or web writing as well as self-publishing. Prospective freelance reporter may take the following course topics:
•Photojournalism
•Editing
•Writing for the web
•News reporting and writing
•Feature writing
•Journalism styles
•Mass communications
Career Options
Most employers require reporters to hold a bachelor’s degree; associate degree program graduates may find entry-level positions as freelance reporters, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Graduates can pursue the following career paths:
•Copywriter
•Freelance photojournalist
•Internet content writer
•Magazine writer
•Freelance feature writer
•Freelance news reporter
Continuing Education Information
Students enrolled in an associate degree program can pursue continuing education by transferring to a four-year bachelor’s degree program. Bachelor, master and doctoral degree programs in journalism are available for students to pursue, including online formats for both bachelor and master degree programs.
