Is Journalism Considered a Social Science Discipline?

Journalism is often seen as a social science discipline that studies human behavior, societal communications, and the impact of media on public opinion and culture. It involves gathering, reporting, and interpreting news to inform the public. This article explores whether journalism is indeed part of the social sciences and the educational paths that aspiring journalists can take.

The Intersection of Journalism and Social Sciences

The study of journalism frequently draws from various social science disciplines such as sociology, psychology, political science, and communication studies. These fields help journalists understand how information is gathered, reported, and consumed within society. By integrating these disciplines, journalists can develop a deeper understanding of their craft and the broader impact of their work.

Liberal Arts Background for Journalists

A good journalist should ideally have a strong liberal arts background. However, if your specific interest lies in business and finance, it is beneficial to take basic business courses with a focus on areas that you are passionate about. For instance, if you want to cover politics and economic growth, consider minoring in economics or taking specific courses in this area. Additionally, internships provide valuable hands-on experience. I, for example, began my journey by covering politics and economic growth, minoring in economics, and interning in Washington D.C. as a Sears Congressional Fellow. These experiences helped me gain a solid foundation in journalism.

Specialization and Focus Areas

Specializing in a particular area of journalism can greatly enhance your career path. If you are interested in covering the arts, it is advisable to minor in a related field such as film or theater. For instance, taking courses in film and theater can equip you with the skills needed to review movies or live theater. This specialization not only makes you a more knowledgeable reporter but also increases your value to potential employers.

Education and Training in Journalism

Education in journalism can vary across different countries. In the UK, journalism is often taught as part of media studies programs, which might be housed within departments of media, communications, or cultural studies. These programs may offer a broad overview of the media industry, along with specialized courses in journalism. Historically, aspiring journalists who followed a degree route could study what interested them and then undergo a slightly shortened journalism training program. For non-graduates, it was a three-year program followed by six months of probation. However, these days, the traditional three-year journalism degree has become less common, and many journalists are trained through other means.

Broader Scope of Studying Journalism

Traditionally, journalism was not considered under the social sciences. However, with a growing dissatisfaction with the "silo" effect, where individuals become experts in a single area while lacking understanding in broader contexts, there has been a push for journalists to gain more introspection and analytical tools through diverse education. Sociology, for example, can provide journalists with a macro-level understanding of society, while psychology can enhance their ability to understand and interpret human behavior.

For instance, an accountant who understands psychology can better serve the goals of their organization by understanding the behavior and motivations of their colleagues and clients. Similarly, a journalist who studies sociology can provide more nuanced and insightful reporting, as they gain a deeper understanding of the societal context in which events occur.

While traditionally, journalism was seen as a practical skill that could be acquired through on-the-job training, modern journalism requires a broader set of skills and a deeper understanding of the social and cultural contexts in which news is created and consumed.

Ultimately, whether journalism is considered a social science discipline depends on the educational and training programs you engage in. However, the discipline of journalism benefits greatly from the insights and tools provided by social sciences, making it a multidisciplinary field that requires a well-rounded education.