Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication
Majors Overview February 8, 2015Students interested in studying communication through different media should look into bachelor’s degree programs in journalism and mass communication. These programs give students the chance to write for and research different mediums, including newspapers, radio, television, digital media, and magazines.
Information on Journalism and Mass Communication Degree Programs
Schools offer Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs in journalism and mass communications in different online, traditional, and hybrid formats. Classes in communications, journalism, and writing are combined in these programs. Students examine topics in news analysis, journalistic research techniques, reporting skills, communications law, and newspaper writing.
Students that successfully complete a four-year bachelor’s degree program in journalism and mass communication are trained to seek writing, public relations, news analysis, journalism, and reporting jobs.
Program Choices
Schools offer related bachelor’s degree and certificate level programs in subjects such as English and communication studies. These include:
•Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communication Studies
•Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Public Relations
•Certificate in Journalism
•Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English
Students that complete these programs can seek similar occupations in public relations, writing, and journalism.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Programs in Journalism and Mass Communication
Students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in journalism and mass communication are required to complete coursework in both writing and liberal arts. Degree curricula in some schools include internship programs.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma. Secondary entrance requirements, such as completion of prerequisite college coursework (with a minimum GPA) and submission of writing samples are also required by many colleges of journalism. Proven skills in public speaking and English must be demonstrated by students seeking admission to the program.
Coursework
Apart from core coursework relating to the major, students enrolled in some programs are required to select a secondary major; alternatively, they can opt for a concentration area outside of journalism.
Coursework within a journalism and mass communication bachelor’s degree program usually includes a considerable amount of expository writing, with a firm emphasis on media-related subject areas. Coursework may include the following topic areas:
•Television news writing
•Photojournalism
•Ethical issues in public relations
•Graphic design
•Fundamentals of mass communication
•Multimedia story coverage
•Broadcast journalism
•Advanced writing and reporting
•Writing for the magazine market
Career Choices
Those that successfully complete the program can seek job opportunities with numerous forms of electronic and written media, such as television networks, magazines, and newspapers. They may choose from a range of job titles:
•Magazine writer
•Public relations specialist
•Media researcher
•News reporter
•Photojournalist
Continuing Education Choices
Graduates of the bachelor’s degree program can seek continuing education by earning a master’s degree program in journalism and mass communication to avail opportunities for career advancement. Additionally, a master’s degree may help prospective journalists develop their writing skills and portfolios.
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