If you’re a curious person with multiple passions, one major may not be enough.
Along with allowing you to study in seemingly unconnected fields that inspire you, getting a double major also may be the best way to prepare for a career that reflects your varied interests.
Anna Newnum, academic advisor for the University of Iowa School of Journalism and Mass Communication, says she talks to students about areas that they are passionate about and how those may work in conjunction with their journalism degree.
“We want them to think about it as a whole,” Newnum says. “We want them to be able to say, ‘This is something that as a package sets me apart when I’m looking for a career.’”
There are many majors that can complement or strengthen a journalism degree. The best double major for journalism is the one that helps you chart your path to the job of your dreams.
Can you get a double major with journalism?
Absolutely. In fact, depending on the type of journalism degree you are working toward, adding another major may make sense to break into the specific career in journalism or mass communication you want or potentially lead to more job opportunities or higher earnings.
It’s estimated that 25% of college students graduate with a double major. This number can vary widely between colleges and degree programs. There can be many reasons for this, including degree programs at some schools requiring students to complete a second area of study. For example, the University of Iowa School of Journalism and Mass Communication requires its undergraduate students to get a second major, minor, or certificate.
There are always pros and cons to double majoring, and the decision to go for it requires careful consideration. Before committing, talk to your career counselor or academic advisor to make sure that you understand the requirements for each major and that you’ll be capable of achieving your goals on your timeline.
64 %
University of Iowa School of Journalism and Mass Communication students who graduated with a double major in 2022–23
Requirements to double major vary by college or university or even by department within an institution.
And instead of double majoring, you also could declare a minor or earn a certificate.
Note: There is a difference between a double major and a dual degree. A double major refers to a degree in which a student has earned enough credits for two majors that fall under the same degree. For example, you might earn a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in communications and journalism. A dual degree allows you to earn two separate degrees, such as a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and a Bachelor of Science in political science.
"I think the person that I was as a freshman would be surprised to learn that I ended up double majoring in informatics, because while I was always good at math, I was known as a writer. But I was thinking about what I wanted to do with my second major, and I wanted to find a way to differentiate myself from other journalists and make myself more appealing to employers. And I think that double major played a really important role in where I am today.
While journalists these days kind of need to be jack-of-all-trades, I also think that every journalist should have one special skill that nobody
"While I’m hoping to work in the sports field, my second major in African American studies will be helpful no matter what job I get. Being able to use that background of understanding African American history and culture and being able to say, 'OK, if we’re going to develop an ad, what does that look like? How does representation come in?'
Understanding how to be sensitive toward certain things that we’re putting out there, understanding the media that we’re interpreting, all that is important in today’s world."
“The world is your oyster when deciding what to study. When you pick a second area of study, start by thinking about what interests you. What are the things that get you excited? For me, it was storytelling and sports. So, double majoring in journalism and sports studies was the perfect way to unite my two loves. For others, it might be journalism along with politics or history or teaching.
I also encourage students to find something that stretches them a bit, something that maybe takes them a bit outside their comfort zone. It’s important to think outside the box and dig in deeper on certain
What is the best double major with journalism?
Journalism and communications are broad areas of study, and many other majors pair well with them.
“Sometimes students worry about whether they’re picking the right double major,” Newnum says. “I tell them there is no right answer. Sometimes it’s not obvious right away, but the skills you gain in a journalism program are applicable in a lot of different ways. It’s not unusual for a class of our students to be pursuing 30 to 40 different majors, minors, or certificates along with journalism.”
Here are 10 common double majors that journalism students pursue:
Business or marketing
Communications and journalism degrees often go hand in hand with a business degree, especially marketing. Business professions depend on strong communication skills — both written and oral.
Communication and/or media studies
This double major can broaden the study of journalism to include anything from rhetoric, to public advocacy, to organizational and global communication.
Computer or data science
In today’s digital age, journalists and communications professionals who have skills in data analysis and coding and who can develop digital content are in high demand.
English
Combining these majors allows a student to integrate the study of journalism with the study of language, literature, and writing.
Film
Storytelling is a key component of journalism, communications, and filmmaking. Developing strong communication and interviewing skills and following a broadcast track can strengthen a student’s film career opportunities.
World language
The workforce is becoming increasingly globalized. Knowing a second language can increase employment options for journalists and communications professionals.
History
This double major may be good if you have an interest in the problems of the past and how to best use that knowledge to improve today’s society. This is also a common combination for students who are considering seeking a law degree.
Political science
A double major in political science and journalism or communications can be a powerful combination. A deep understanding of political science will equip journalists with the knowledge they need to report on politicians, political systems, and policies, while professionals in the political sphere need strong communications skills.
Science-related subject
Good communicators in science-related fields, particularly health care, are always in demand.
Sports
Combining a communications or journalism major with a sports-related major can set up students to pursue careers in the sports industry at all levels.
Ultimately, the best double major for journalism or communications is the one that will help you reach your career goals.
How long does it take to get a journalism degree?
Most bachelor’s degree programs in journalism require 120 credit hours, traditionally taking full-time students four years to complete. Meanwhile, full-time students usually can complete an associate degree in two years and a master’s degree in strategic communication in 18 months to two years. A PhD in mass communication typically takes four to six years to complete.
Several factors, including the pursuit of a double major or dual degree, can influence these timelines.
If you double major, it may still be possible to finish in four years — even if you don’t decide to do so until your second year. Often there are classes that apply to multiple majors. For example, if you major in journalism and political science, a course in politics and mass media could potentially count toward both majors. However, some universities demand that requirements for both majors must be fulfilled without overlap.
A dual degree may require more time because there may be fewer classes that count toward both disciplines.
Talk to your advisor about how to progress through a double major or dual degree in the most efficient way possible.
Is double majoring hard?
Double majoring is certainly more challenging than getting a single major. You must pay attention to prerequisite and mandatory courses for multiple majors as well as stay on top of all the classwork. But the potential rewards — such as developing additional skills, opening doors to more employers, and higher pay — can make getting a double major with journalism worth it.
Good planning is the key. Here are a few tips to help you manage a double major:
- Keep in regular touch with your academic advisor.
- Pick majors that make sense for your career goals and are doable within your desired time frame for degree completion.
- Work with your academic advisor to schedule each semester with a mix of courses that spreads out your coursework in a manageable way.
- If possible, take courses that fulfill multiple requirements.
- Set priorities to ensure that you are following your plan to achieve a double major while also participating in activities that are important in your personal life.
- Consider your finances. When you take more classes, you’ll have more expenses, such as textbooks and other supplies.
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