What degree do you need to be a photojournalist?

Photojournalism coursework focuses on:

• Photography

• Relevant software programs

• Digital photography

• Journalism law and ethics

• Multimedia

It is also essential that photojournalists be familiar with all types of platforms; from social media to online, print, and broadcast.

Photojournalists tell stories by capturing scenes of human interest through their lenses. As such, they are incredibly valuable in today's social media era.

Those entering this field must be knowledgeable in photography equipment, digital software, lighting, editing, and color correcting. To be successful photojournalists, they must have the necessary technical skills to take photos and edit them without changing the facts of what is happening in the photos.

In addition, they must also have journalistic skills in writing and speaking to get their work published by important news outlets. Photojournalists must always be aware of their interactions with the public and conduct themselves professionally.

Because photojournalists often upload photos to the Internet and content is delivered on websites, television, mobile devices, etc., acquiring experience with programming, graphic design software, and coding isn't a bad idea and may even help you stand out from the rest.

Photojournalists can also improve their chances of finding a job by gaining work experience while still in college. They should intern, volunteer with nonprofits, or work on the school paper.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a nine-percent decline in photojournalism jobs (reporters, correspondents, broadcast analysts) between 2014 and 2024. This is more than likely due to the decline in the popularity of newspapers and magazines.

As people spend more time online, the demand for skilled photojournalists will increase.