Career roadmap
How to Become a Journalist
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as a journalist, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become a journalist: (1) write for student media, (2) earn a journalism degree, (3) intern, (4) get an entry-level job, (5) advance. Most people need about 4 years. BLS lists “bachelor's degree” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become a journalist
Write for student media
Build clips.
Earn a journalism degree
Learn reporting and ethics.
Intern
Newsrooms and digital outlets.
Get an entry-level job
Reporter or producer.
Advance
Cover bigger beats or become an editor.
Education and training requirements
A bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or a related field is typical. Internships and clips are essential.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | Bachelor's degree |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | None |
| On-the-job training | None |
| Typical training time | 4 years |
Certifications and licenses
- Journalism degree: Formal training.
- Data journalism training: Courses in data skills.
- FAA Part 107: For drone journalism.
- Portfolio of clips: Published stories.
Skills to build now
Start with news writing, interviewing, and fact-checking, and practice curiosity and persistence. Learning the journalist vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- Intern or Reporter: Cover stories.
- Beat Reporter: Specialize in a topic.
- Senior or Investigative Reporter: Lead major stories.
- Editor: Lead newsrooms.
Get a head start
Our self-paced Journalist training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
Do journalists need a degree?
Usually.
How long does it take to become a journalist?
Most people need about 4 years of training. A bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or a related field is typical. Internships and clips are essential.
Do you need a degree to be a journalist?
Usually. BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as typical, and editors look for strong clips and internships.
What certifications are available for journalists?
Common credentials include Journalism degree, Data journalism training, FAA Part 107, and Portfolio of clips. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 27-3023 (News analysts, reporters, and journalists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for News analysts, reporters, and journalists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.