Journalism vs. Communications: Which one should I choose?

I'm trying to decide between a journalism and communications major, but I'm having a tough time figuring out which one is right for me. Can anyone break down the major differences and maybe share some personal experiences to help me make a decision?

The decision between journalism and communications ultimately depends on your career goals, interests, and the type of work you enjoy doing. Here's a breakdown of the major differences between the two fields to help you decide which one is right for you:

Journalism:

Journalism focuses on researching, reporting, and disseminating news and information through various media channels, such as newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and digital platforms. As a journalism major, you'll be taught writing, editing, storytelling, and reporting, as well as ethical and legal aspects of the field.

Career options in journalism include reporter, editor, news producer, and multimedia journalist, among others. Journalism often involves a fast-paced work environment and requires the ability to find, verify, and present news in an accurate and engaging manner. If you're interested in telling stories, uncovering the truth, and engaging with current events, journalism might be the right major for you.

Communications:

Communications is a broader field that encompasses the study of how individuals, businesses, and organizations share information with one another. As a communications major, you may learn various aspects of communication, including advertising, public relations, marketing, media production, and interpersonal communication.

Career options in communications are quite diverse, ranging from public relations specialist, marketing coordinator, and social media strategist to corporate communications manager, event planner, and media producer. The communications field provides opportunities to build, manage, and improve relationships between organizations and their target audiences. If you enjoy connecting people, crafting messages that resonate with others, and utilizing various communication channels to achieve strategic goals, communications might be the major for you.

In short, while journalism is more focused on the distribution of news and information, communications encompasses a wide range of roles and responsibilities involving the exchange of information between individuals and organizations. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your personal interests, career aspirations, and the type of work you enjoy. Consider researching various programs at different universities, talking to professors and professionals in each field, and even seeking internships or volunteer opportunities to gain hands-on experience before making a decision.