Journalist: bachelor's in journalism or communications, with internships and student media work
News analysts, reporters and journalists typically need a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or a related field such as English. Employers generally prefer candidates who have had internships or worked on school newspapers, radio stations or TV stations.
For: Persistent, curious communicators who can work fast, irregular hours.
Bachelor's in journalism + internships Typical
Students may seek multiple internships with different news organizations to build writing samples or on-air appearances.
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Start here
School newspaper, radio or TV
BLS
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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About 4 years
Bachelor's in journalism, communications or English
Journalistic ethics, research and interviewing; multimedia design, coding and programming help.
BLS
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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While studying
Internships with news organizations
BLS
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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First job
Often a small-city outlet, then larger markets
Field reporters may become anchors, editors or news directors.
BLS
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Goal
Reporter, journalist or news analyst
BLS
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.