Journalism and English/History?

College Majors
1

<p>I love journalism, however, I want another fallback option to increase my versatility. I'm gravitating for history, because I would love to work for a publication such as Smithsonian or National Geographic. However, I also would want the option of being a history teacher available. I could see myself teaching high school students global affairs or European history. Would it be too much to major in Journalism and History Education (and come out in four years)? Would it be better just to get my degree in journalism and maybe a minor in history, and take night classes if I decide I want to be a teacher? </p>

<p>Would a degree in English enable me to become a journalist? I've heard conflicting things. Some people claim you can get journalism jobs with an English degree, however others say such opportunities are few and far between. I know a degree in English could give me wider opportunities beyond Journalism. I am interested in creative modes of writing, especially screenwriting. I also like the fact that a degree in English could make it fairly easy to become a teacher in case a journalism career doesn't work out. However, I'm worried as an English major, I'd be spending college analyzing others' writings instead of writing myself. I'm not too into literature (although I love to read, just not in the analytical manner school encourages). </p>

<p>So from what I have said, does the English or history route sound like a better option, with or without journalism?</p>

2

<p>Considering Journalism is a dying field it’s good that you are preparing to have teaching as a fallback. </p>

<p>It seems like you would definitely rather teach history than english, and would enjoy it more in college also. And if you major in journalism, you don’t really need to dual major in English too to go into the journalism field, that kinda seems like overkill and a waste of college time.</p>

<p>Also, education with a concentration on one subject is basically a dual major in itself, so majoring in history education and journalism may be very difficult. </p>

<p>I would suggest going for journalism and history dual major. It seems like you really love history, and if you work really hard you can do well. Then if you ever decide to become a teacher you can just go for another year and a half or so and get your masters and get certified at the same time, since to be a teacher you basically need to go for a masters anyway.</p>