Associate’s degree programs in journalism
While an associate’s degree in journalism will definitely pave the way for a career in writing, you will need to hold at least a bachelor’s degree to become a full-fledged journalist.
Associate’s degree programs in journalism are geared towards those who have little or no exposure to writing or media. They can also be the perfect fit for those who plan to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program in the future. To enroll in an associate’s degree program you will need a high school diploma or equivalent.
What will the courseware comprise of?
An associate’s degree will cover a general curriculum, along with media-related issues, such as ethics in journalism, media law, the effect of media on society and how the Internet has changed journalism. These topics are aimed at preparing students to seek gainful employment in both print and online media.
A majority of these programs will give students hands-on training by getting them to write or edit a school’s student newspaper or other such publication. Some of the popular courses in these associate’s degree include:
- Desktop publishing
- Copyediting
- Mass communications
- Newspaper reporting
- Feature writing
What are my career options?
You can become a reporter or a news analyst for a newspaper, magazine, TV channel, radio network or online media. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), opportunities abound in publishing houses and online media platforms. Ideally, you will need to have completed a bachelor’s degree program successfully to be hired as a journalist.
While you will most likely be writing filler stories or covering civic meetings at the start, you can change to a bigger publisher or broadcaster with time and cover bigger, more thrilling stories. If you work at a newspaper or magazine, you may also be promoted to the post of a columnist or editor.
Entry-level tasks include writing obituaries or covering civic meetings or court cases. After you’ve accumulated more experience, advancement usually entails changing jobs to positions at larger publications or broadcasters in a larger market, covering a specific field or covering more difficult or dangerous stories. With sufficient experience you could become a columnist or editor if you work at a newspaper.
Are there online programs?
An associate’s degree in journalism are not offered in an online format. You may, though, find online undergraduate certificate programs in journalism. However, you will be able to complete a bachelor’s and master’s degree program in journalism online.
