Common Degrees that Journalists and Television Broadcasters Earn

There has been a long drawn out debate on whether the Journalism degree is necessary. Many argue that a degree in Journalism is a waste and that the essence of succeeding in journalism is based on gaining experience. It is said that aspiring journalists should volunteer to gain experience and not waste their education in journalism school. The experience is important because it will help the aspirers to gain connections in the field and get their foot in the door. There seems to be a commonality between news anchors and television personalities that seems to support this side of the debate because many of them do not hold degrees in journalism. If you are considering a career in journalism but are not sure about attending journalism school, you should take a look below at some of the degrees that journalists often hold.

English- Many journalists hold a degree in English. Degrees in English often lead to careers in education, publishing, journalism, technical writing, government, public affairs, marketing, and business. Those who pursue an English degree in school will spend a great deal of time analyzing text such as; poetry, literature, novels, and essays. English students will spend a great deal of time crafting their writing and analytical skills. Being skilled in English (writing, and grammar) is very relevant in the field of print journalism. Broadcast journalism focuses more on the ability to speak well with others, and to craft coherent and engaging stories for the audience. Katie Couric, journalist and anchor of CBS evening news, graduated with a bachelor's degree in English with a focus on American Studies. Barbara Walters, author, broadcast journalist, co-anchor of ABC evening news and co-host of The View earned a B.A. in English.

Mass communications- Mass communications is a popular degree among journalists and television personalities. A degree in Mass Communications can lead to careers in advertising, publishing, public relations, finance industries, journalism, teaching, technical writing, and media. There are many careers that one can enter into with a degree in mass communications. Those who pursue a mass communications degree in college will spend a great deal horning their speaking, communication, and verbal skills. Robin Roberts, co-anchor of Good Morning America received a degree in communications. Wendy Williams, author and media personality received a degree in communications as well.

Law- Some journalists hold a degree in law. A degree in law can lead to careers in the law field such as an attorney, or consultant or maybe even president! Nixon and Clinton were both lawyers. Television host Nancy Grace received her Juris Doctor and went on to become a felony prosecutor. Geraldo Rivera, journalist, talk show host, and attorney, received his Juris Doctor in. Michelle Obama and Barack Obama both hold Juris Doctors. Those who pursue a law degree in school will spend a great deal of time learning about criminal law, civil procedure, contracts, legal writing and research, constitutional law and criminal law.

Political Science- Some journalists obtain a degree in the political science field. A degree in political science will lead to careers in federal, state, and local government, public service, law, business, journalism, international organizations and much more. Tom Brokaw, author, anchor of NBC nightly news, and television journalist earned a degree in political science. George Robert Stephanopoulos, chief correspondent for ABC news, television journalist and former political advisor earned a degree in political science. Those who pursue a degree in political science in school will spend a great deal of their studies learning about government, public law, American politics, international relations and political theory.

International Relations- International relations is a degree that some journalists choose to obtain. A degree in international relations could lead to careers in universities, the private sector, government, foreign services, the United Nations and much more. Anderson Cooper, journalist, author, and television personality studied international relations and political science in school. Those who pursue a degree in international relations will spend a great deal of their studies focusing on courses in; political science, sociology, economics, history, anthropology, and business.