yeah_08

If someone wants to pursue journalism, but is going to a college without a journalism major, what would be a good alternative?

any thoughts.....?

ecco1mi

english (10 char)

coloradocutie

I have a similar question: I'm at a crossroads between majoring in journalism or English. I'm interested in the humanities and literature, but I want to be a reporter and journalist. What are the prospects of pursuing a career in reporting if I majored in English? Will there be less intern opportunities in media and communications available to me? Would I have to attend grad school for journalism if I majored in English? Or would getting involved in the campus radio station and television news be enough practical experience?

Columbusgrl08

From what I've researched online and by talking to other people, either major is fine. A lot of people who are journalists now didn't major in journalism. English obviously focuses more on language and literature and journalism will teach you the skills of the trade. But it's usually the internships that make or break you (and I doubt there will be less of a variety to choose from for English majors). If you're an English major and you have a considerable amount of experience and the clips to show for it, then you're more likely to be chosen for a job than a journalism major who only sat in class for four years. Basically, you make it what you want it to be, but I would suggest majoring in one and minoring in the other..or possibly doing a double major? Try talking to an academic advisor; they'll be able to give you more information.

Hope I helped!

yeah_08

thanks, that was pretty helpful.
my original question is phrased in kind of a vague way, so any responses are appreciated.

CR7821

Aside from English, History should be a good preparatory major as it trains you in some necessary journalistic skills: thorough information-gathering, plumbing primary sources, and verifying/reconciling various and sometimes conflicting accounts of the same event. (In fact, one can view History as Journalism of the past, and Journalism as History in the making.)

jbhgy

Yeah I'm in the same boat, I don't know whether to declare an English major or a journalism major. Should I just major in both, or should I major in English, minor in journalism?
I def have to major in English tho, because I got a scholarship for it. Right now I'm thinking to be a reporter/writer for a few years after undergrad, and then go to grad school and pursue academia.

uskoolfish

Keep in mind that in many schools, journalism majors are required to double major, so they gain expertise in an academic subject matter. I would definitely advise a journalism major to double up, whether it is required or not.

However, if I were choosing between English and journalism, I would pick English and try to take some journalism courses. And internships, like others have stated, are very impt. The literature and required writing for English classes will make you more academically well-rounded.

tenisghs

@ yeah_08

If your school does not have a journalism program, I would definitely seek majors that would prepare you for journalist/editor fields: English, Marketing, Communications, History, Philosophy, Sociology and Political Science. You can always pursue a Master's in Journalism or seek journalism/communications internships during college. Make sure you join and rite for your school or club's newspaper organization.

yeah_08

thanks, everyone!

vvvvaaaapppp

a dying field.

coloradocutie

Why do you say that?

yeah_08

there's lots of reasons....

URichmond2010

I don't think it's dying, I think that it's changing directions, i.e. away from print and towards web.

Anyway, you should be fine with Journalism or English major, but like everyone else said, it doesn't matter as long as you have the necessary skills (so take a basic reporting class, news writing, copy editing, etc.) and can land yourself some good internships. A lot of people major in "what they want to write about", which usually translates into Political Science, just so that "have something to write about". Go for what you're interested in. If you choose any of the humanities, you'll be good in terms of analytic writing.

mshaddal

as far as jobs in journalism, the field is expected to see little or no change (about an increase in 2% of jobs) up until 2016 at least. but as long as there is news i figure the world will need journalists, someone to tell us what's going on!

i want to be a journalist, too and i want to double major in history in english. i'm pretty torn between anthropology, history,and english. bleh bleh bleh. plus i want to transfer to UCLA from a CC and they have a cap on credits, ugh.

anyways yeah go for english if you want, and actively seek out and pursue internships and work experience whenever you can, even if it's writing for free--building a portfolio and resume is always good. english major with an impressive resume is always preferrable to a journalism degree but zero experience. it's in your hands!

good luck!