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What is Broadcast Journalism?

Broadcast journalism is a field of study in which news, media, and information are published via electronic methods.  It includes such mediums as the internet, social media, radio, television, text messaging, email, and podcasts.

In other words, broadcast journalism is the next wave of journalism fusing technology and business to create content used for personal and commercial purposes. This vocation will require professionals to leverage a variety of computer applications, programs, and multimedia tools to effectively navigate the modern-day world of journalism.

Broadcast journalists will possess pragmatic experience and academic know-how in the office and in the field.  Examples of key technology will include publishing software, industry-specific computer programs, marketing acumen, telecommunication technologies, content management, and creative writing skills.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$49,250

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

24.75%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

116,080

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Broadcast Journalism Degree

As the oldest research university in the West, the University of Southern California (USC) excels at providing a wide range of opportunities for international business, art, and science and technology. It has competent and renowned faculty of teachers and researchers who rigorously train students for the real world.

Recognized as the best in broadcast journalism program, USC’s Annenberg School of Journalism consistently innovates in journalism education where students are inspired to use technology for effective journalism. Students undergo training across multiple platforms to set up and develop their writing and reporting expertise. The school’s relevant courses and curricula relentlessly shape them to be impactful in 21st century journalism.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of Miami is a private research university with approximately 17,000 students. It is committed to providing growth and development for students and faculty in the pursuit of teaching, learning, research and service.  The school offers a major in Broadcast Journalism that places emphasis on critical thinking and practical training in a multicultural context. UMTV, the campus television channel, immerse students to the reality of doing broadcast journalism. Students develop their strong analytic and creative skills to land pertinent internships and careers.

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Focused in providing academic programs for communication and the liberal arts, Emerson College molds students to become socially responsible individuals in the 21st century. It also strives to give financial aid to roughly 80% of its students in a variety of means.  The Department of Journalism of the school shapes its online journalism majors to become ethical and versatile journalists. Traditional practice and innovation are combined to refine the journalistic skills of students in producing original and compelling news stories. Curricular training and extra-curricular activities allow for a rich learning experience.

Acceptance Rate

33.35

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Found in the heart of New York, Syracuse University is a private research institution known for its pertinent programs, especially in research and innovation. It commits to provide a rich and diverse learning experience rooted in academic rigor and a quest for discovery.  Newhouse school at Syracuse University offers journalism programs that allow students to learn from both local and national level from reporters, anchors, and newsroom managers alike. Campus radio stations and a television station are avenues to further gain practical training. A Newhouse graduate receives opportunities such as being a newscaster, news director, or a multimedia journalist.

Acceptance Rate

44.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Texas Christian University (TCU) is a private educational institution in Fort Worth, Texas that aspires to build their students’ character to become competent professionals and responsible citizens. It honors its history as much as it prepares students for a great future.  The journalism programs of TCU value the tradition of doing ethical journalism. Students train to be competitive in doing print, digital, or broadcast media through their studios complete with needed software and equipment. Ethical decision-making is emphasized in becoming an effective journalist. 

Acceptance Rate

47.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a public educational institution which houses one of the largest public university libraries in the world. Pioneering in innovative research, it strives to educate students and enhance their skills for them to make societal impact in the future.

The College of Media of the said university offers baccalaureate and master’s programs for journalism which teach students the fundamental skills and values to succeed in the world of journalism. It strives to inculcate fair, accurate and responsible journalism among its students. Careers such as corporate communications, public relations, and television and radio producing open for journalism graduates of the said school.

Acceptance Rate

59.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Gonzaga University located in Spokane has a graduation rate of 82.28%. It is a private Catholic university that molds students to become exemplary and wholehearted leaders in their respective endeavors.

The university’s journalism program curriculum seeks to establish the competence of students in light of ethical journalistic practice. It strives to inculcate journalistic values as guided by the university’s mission. Students go through internships and work for the student newspaper to prepare them in landing relevant career opportunities.

Acceptance Rate

61.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Founded in 1861, Chapman University is a private university in Orange, California with an inclusive community that seeks to provide personalized education. It aspires to produce global citizens who lead productive and ethical lives.  Dodge College, one of the schools that constitute Chapman University, offers Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Broadcast Journalism and Documentary to hone all the necessary skills of students to succeed in journalism. With state-of-the-art technology, students create and produce effective newscasts and documentaries. These programs reach Los Angeles and South California through a cable-access channel.

Acceptance Rate

55.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The University of La Verne was founded in 1891 and is a private university located in La Verne, California.  It offers an array of undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students for positive societal impact.  Within the School of  Communication ULV offers degree-based pathways in digital media, journalism, and communications.  In all three cases, the University of La Verne confers these degree programs as Bachelor of Arts.  Students interested in a career in broadcast journalism start their journey by investing time and energy in the communications department at ULV to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to move to the next level.  Broadcasting students explore techniques and embrace technological advancements to revolutionize in delivering accurate and ethical news.

Acceptance Rate

54.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

A church-affiliated university, Union University in Jackson, Tennessee offers a hundred programs of study. It dedicates itself to providing Christian-centered education that develops the competence and character of students.  The university’s Broadcast Journalism degree exposes students to a variety of media techniques such as writing, editing, and reporting. Broadcast journalism majors aspire to become an influence in broadcast media. Union journalism alumni hold positions at reputed media stations across the country.

Acceptance Rate

52.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Howard University takes pride in being a Tier 1 national university as cited by U.S. News & World Report (USNWR). It is a culturally diverse and research-intensive private university that gives high regard to providing educational opportunities for Black students.

The bachelor and master’s degrees provided by the Department of Media, Journalism and Film (MJFC) prepare students for the media world as anchored to the school’s historical mission. Students enhance their talents and skills to effectively communicate at the local and global levels. There are several student-run media that expose students to allow them to practice and showcase their journalistic prowess.

Acceptance Rate

36.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The State University of New York College at Plattsburg is a mid-sized college located in Plattsburg, New York.  The array of degree programs at SUNY Plattsburg spans the sciences to business-related programs to appeal to a wide number of interests.   The broadcast journalism major at Plattsburg has gained national attention and landed on our study this year. Professors have structured the program to cover all viable aspects of the broadcast news industry nested within a liberal arts curricula.  Courses you can expect to take include media production, on-air programming, ethics, journalism, and broadcast writing. 

Acceptance Rate

58.48

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Named after Civil War general Francis Marion Drake, Drake University boasts of having a faculty where 92% hold highest degrees in their respective fields. With its on-campus and growing online degree programs, it seeks to develop students academically and professionally in a conducive learning environment.

Drake University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication promotes professional experience in diverse media platforms through its undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Such programs lead students to become ethical communicators in the media industry. Students hone their communication skills as tailored to their career goals.

Acceptance Rate

67.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Located in Searcy, Arkansas, Harding University is a private school founded in 1924.  Harding University offers qualified students access to pre-professional, graduate, and undergraduate degree programs with over 100 majors and minors.  The Department of Communications at Harding University is split into four academic tracks: sports, photojournalism, news-editorial, and broadcast.  The broadcast journalism degree at Harding University is rich in communications studies plus practicums in radio and television.  Graduates of the program are poised to work in local media, regional media, or national media outlets of all shapes and sizes.  

Acceptance Rate

61.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Hampton University is a long-established black institution that places great emphasis on multiculturalism. It strives to prepare a diverse student body for leadership and service. 

Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications of the said university specializes in its journalism program to mold students to become the next generation of solid journalists. They learn and enrich their professional skills on the multimedia platform. Opportunities arise for them to eventually become reporters, editors, and producers.

Acceptance Rate

36

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

State University of New York (SUNY) College at Brockport is a public institution founded in 1835. It promotes inclusive education where students lean towards meaningful growth and engagement.

The Department of Journalism, Broadcasting and Public Relations in SUNY Brockport offers relevant degree programs that help students to communicate professionally in various media platforms. Students can also access and use professional audiovisual and broadcast tools and equipment. They also get involved in the media, whether via print, radio, web, or television.

Acceptance Rate

54.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

A public research university founded in 1801, University of South Carolina continues a 200-year tradition of academic leadership. It envisions to not only foster knowledge but also to enrich the culture and quality of life of people.

With graduates working in major network news channels such as ESPN and CNN, its journalism programs train students through its veteran faculty. Classes, internships, and capstone experiences altogether build and refine the journalistic skills of students. An advanced study is also an opportunity to be considered by those who wish to further their understanding and skills pertinent to advanced communication strategies.

Acceptance Rate

68.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

As a Jesuit University, Scranton University dedicates itself to the growth of its students in wisdom and integrity. It embraces the uniqueness of its constituents and pursues excellence rooted in gratitude.

Its communication and journalism programs prepare students for relevant careers. Along with academics, hands-on training helps students cope with the ever-changing media setting. Modern facilities and technologies are available to reinforce the application of their knowledge and skills.

Acceptance Rate

76.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Primarily a residential campus, Point Loma University is a private institution located in San Diego, California. It provides higher education to students rooted in Christian values.

The said university offers a top ranked degree in broadcast journalism which shapes students to become effective Christian communicators in a variety of media environments. Students strive to uphold integrity in doing journalism. The journalism program commits to prepare them to a wide range of careers in television, radio, and other media.

Acceptance Rate

73.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Located in Brooklyn, New York, CUNY Brooklyn College is a public college that caters about 17,000 students annually. It aims to provide quality and affordable education to students from different communities. 

CUNY Brooklyn College’s highly regarded programs in journalism seek to provide students with a thrilling experience in its media environment. Students can use advanced media facilities to enrich their journalistic skills. They undergo hands-on learning experiences to broadcast locally and webcast internationally.

Acceptance Rate

44.99

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Founded in 1915, Webster University has its main campus situated in Webster Groves Missouri. It is a private institution dedicated to transforming students into qualified professionals and global citizens.

The university offers Journalism degree programs that equip students with essential skills in writing, reporting, and producing news across print, broadcast and online platforms. Webster faculty of professional journalists mold the competence and character of students. Aspiring journalists go through plenty of hands-on training through the university’s reputed publications, radio station, and television studios.

Acceptance Rate

56.88

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Located in Mount Vernon, Ohio, Mount Vernon Nazarene University has satellite campus locations sprinkled throughout the region.  MVNU was founded in 1968 and is a private, Christian liberal arts university that promotes interdisciplinary and integrative education for undergraduates and graduate students alike.  The communication and media program at Mount Version Nazarene University helps budding broadcast journalists use academics as a springboard in the industry.  The hands-on learning plus faith integration in media pursuits, offer a grounding for students seeking to make a demonstrable impact in the world of journalism. 

Acceptance Rate

73.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Located in Hempstead, Long Island, Hofstra University is a private non-sectarian institution that gives priority to teaching excellence. It commits to provide quality education in a learning environment that opens academic and career opportunities for the students.

Hofstra University offers bachelor and master’s degree in journalism geared to develop students’ skills in a professional setting. Students gain access to hundreds of internships in New York City. Through the solid foundation in liberal arts and relevant courses, students explore a wide array of career possibilities.

Acceptance Rate

68.49

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

North Greenville University is a private, Baptist school located in Tigerville, North Carolina.  With commitment to academic excellence, NGU provides access to  baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral programs across a range of degree programs.  The university offers several academic pathways in communications that include a broadcast journalism degree plus digital media and media ministry.  Students in the communications major will be exposes to experiential learning opportunities to hone their collective skills in writing, editing, reporting and producing. Students will also develop their narrative skills through written and audiovisual projects to prepare for a multivariate career in journalism.

Acceptance Rate

62.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Located in Hastings, Nebraska, Hastings College espouses a Presbyterian value system within the curricular programs offered.  As a leading private educational institution in research and interdisciplinary studies, Hastings help meet the ever-evolving demands of the workplace through intensive courses and intellectual exploration.  Hastings College offers small classes in conjunction with an award-winning faculty to help prepare them for a bright future.  The communications program is curated to prepare students for careers in media, broadcast journalism, healthcare, consulting, politics and beyond. 

Acceptance Rate

66.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Top Degrees in Broadcast Journalism

Broadcast journalism is a field of study that impacts anyone connected to the internet. Journalists vet information and validate sources in an effort to publish articles and news that impacts us all.

A broadcast journalism program provides a platform for communicating and thinking critically about the world. Accredited colleges and universities offer an array of journalism courses that include undergraduate programs and graduate degrees. The America acceptance rate via broadcast journalism colleges is a reflection of a robust learning domain.

In addition, many colleges now offer a parallel degree program in journalism online. Distance learning or online learning is the fastest growing segment in higher education given the unique aspects of access, core exploring perspectives, schedule flexibility, and potential cost savings.

A summary of student work curriculum can be found below to help you determine the best college degree in broadcast journalism for you.

Broadcast Journalism Associate Degree Studies

Associate degrees can be earned online or in a traditional classroom setting. Degrees at this level are conferred as an Associate of Arts (AA) from most colleges and universities. AA degrees in journalism will take 2-years of full-time work to complete with part-time classes taking longer.

Associate degrees will fuse general education courses such as history, philosophy, psychology, art, and mathematics with core communication classes. Curriculum found in the core will vary from school to school as each institution will have a unique bent on journalism. You can expect to see classes such as communications, mass media, writing for media, creative writing, newspaper production, social media essentials, and public speaking.

Broadcast Journalism Bachelor's Degree Program

Bachelor degrees in broadcast journalism can be conferred as a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA). Program emphasis and curricular design will determine how a degree is conferred. Online bachelor degrees will take approximately 4-years to complete.

Bachelors degrees blend liberal arts programs with core communication courses. The depth and breadth of a bachelors degree extends beyond an associates degree making it a popular choice for students across the country. According to the United States Department of Labor, fully 82% of reporters and correspondents hold a bachelors degree.

Classes found in the core of a journalism degree include classes such as multimedia, studio production, digital newscasting, digital news reporting, radio in the modern age, television news production, society and communications, public communications, communications law, diversity, photography, multimedia storytelling, and digital news production.

Broadcast Journalism Master's Degree

Graduate degrees in journalism will be found in a course catalog as a Master of Science (MS) or Master of Arts (MA). Online masters degrees will take approximately 1-2 years of full-time study to complete with part-time students taking longer.

Courses will be intensive and provide deep analysis within the field of broadcasting. Examples include upper-level classes in news reporting, applied media research, specialized practice, writing for broadcast, media law, news producing, newscasting, and student-chosen electives.

The completion of the program will likely culminate with a capstone course, internship opportunities, and a thesis project. The combination of all three tie together academic work while providing the opportunity to blend real-world broadcasting with theory.

Broadcast Journalist Courses

In terms of educational requirements, a broadcast journalist will be required to take a number of key courses. Schools will ultimately configure their curriculum in specific ways but there are essential elements of most programs. Common classes you will find in a broadcast journalism class will include the following:

Employment in Broadcast Journalism Niche

Broadcast journalism majors are equipped with marketable skills in publishing trade and adjacent to traditional jobs. As a result, you may be interested in pursuing a variety of similar career tracks. Careers requiring similar core skills as broadcast journalism include business manager, marketing analyst, advertising manager, human resource manager, promotions specialist, project specialists, editors, teachers, public relations specialist, graphic designer, blogger, author, technical writer, and broadcast technician.

Broadcast Journalist Jobs

Journalists can work in a variety of institutions from small media outlets to international conglomerates. The key is to focus on learning to think critically, communicate clearly, and take transferrable skills from job to job. A list of the top jobs of a broadcast journalist include:

  • Multimedia journalist
  • On-air reporter
  • Newscaster
  • Sportscaster
  • Social Media Specialist
  • Political Reporter
  • News Producer (TV, radio, Web)
  • News Director
  • Graphics Producer
  • Sports Reporter
  • Radio Producer
  • Social Media Producer
  • Electronic Graphics Operator
  • Booking Producer
  • Production Assistant

Broadcast Journalism Careers & Job Outlook

Job prospects in broadcast journalism are expected to be stead over the coming decade. In fact, the data provided by ONet reveals approximately 8,000 job openings will be created in the next ten years for reporters, news analysts, and announcers. Likewise, we will see a steady increase of jobs for advertising managers of 9% and 19% for market research analysts during this timeframe. With the skills needed to enter this field, a variety of career alternatives may present themselves to new graduates and experienced broadcast veterans. Technology and consumer demand will shape the way we consume media giving rise to new jobs and industry changes yet to be seen.

Featured: MSU Denver and SUNY Plattsburg

Both SUNY Plattsburg and MSU Denver have risen to the top of the list based on employer feedback and alumni.  Solid curriculum, hands-on learning, engaging learning modalities, and real-world applications help propel both programs into the national conversation.  Invest time today in both niche programs to gather admissions information and analyze these top-tier programs.

Broadcast Journalism Major Resources

The SPJ and BEA offer leading edge insights and career advice for journalists in the field of study.  Members have access to the best and brightest in the field along with resources and tools not found with other organizations.  Additional research and membership opportunities may prove useful to help advance your journalism career.

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