The Pros and Cons of a Journalism Degree

So you want to be a professional writer?

In today's AI-driven market, the value of a college degree in journalism can vary depending on individual career goals and the rapidly evolving environment of media and technology. When I look back a few decades at how the editorial and reporting landscape has changed, and boy it’s unrecognizable, I would err on the side of skepticism. As the second decade of the 21st century is at the halfway point, the long-form, investigative journalism of yesterday, a capstone of “truth” seems to be washing away under the high tides of corporate takeovers, publicity-driven "news", fake news, bots, and religious or politically motivated generated lies.

That isn’t to say that other types of journalism are not flourishing. Entertainment, arts, self-help, management, how-to, and spiritual topics are abundant. Reporting has also become much more visual than the written word. And soon enough the print word may be replaced with the spoken word, which is full circle back to ancient civilizations whose prior mode of storytelling was verbal.

Still, thousands of colleges have a journalism department and even more students may consider getting a degree.

Here are some factors to consider.

Pros of a Journalism Degree:

1. Fundamental Skills: A journalism degree provides essential skills in writing, reporting, ethics, and critical thinking, which are valuable in many professions.
2. Networking Opportunities: College programs often offer networking opportunities through internships, alumni connections, and industry events.
3. Credibility and Knowledge: A degree can lend credibility and demonstrate a solid foundation in journalistic principles and practices.
4. Specialization: Specialized courses in areas like investigative journalism, multimedia storytelling, and data journalism can give graduates an edge in the job market.

Cons and Considerations:

1. Changing Industry: The journalism industry is rapidly changing due to digital media and AI. Traditional roles are evolving, and new skills are increasingly in demand.
2. Self-Education and Online Learning: Many skills required in modern journalism, such as data analysis, SEO, and multimedia production, can be learned through online courses and self-education.
3. Cost: College degrees can be expensive. Weigh the cost of education against potential earnings and job prospects.
4. Practical Experience: In some cases, hands-on experience, a strong portfolio, and a robust online presence can be more valuable than a formal degree.

Is It Worth It?

• Career Goals: If your goal is to work in traditional journalism, major media outlets, or roles that value formal education, a degree might be worthwhile.
• If you cannot afford a college degree or have decided not to pursue one midway perhaps a writing course is the way to go. If so, have a look here .
• Adaptability: If you’re open to adapting to new roles in digital media, content creation, and leveraging AI tools, practical experience, and continuous learning may be just as effective.
• if you can find a good coach it may be worth it in the long run.

A journalism degree can be valuable, but it's important to stay adaptable, continually update your skills, and consider alternative education and learning paths that align with the current demands of the media industry.

As Always,

Elise Krentzel