Communications & Journalism Professor

Also called: Media Studies Professor, Journalism Professor

Teaches college courses in journalism, public speaking, media, public relations, or film.

A day in the life

One class might be a newsroom-style lab where students race a deadline; the next is a theory seminar on social media and politics. Many professors advise the student newspaper or radio station.

Pay over a career

Starting
$48k
Typical
$79k
High
$144k

May 2025 BLS figures.

Training

Doctorate (PhD), about 8 years after high school. Master's or Ph.D.; journalism programs value professional newsroom experience.

Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.

Majors to look at: Communications, Journalism, Media Studies, Public Relations.

Outlook

Growing about average (about 2% over 10 years). BLS projects about-average growth (2024-34).

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Medium risk for 10 years. AI writes copy and edits video, changing journalism programs and shrinking sections; newsroom-style coaching stays human.

Start now, in high school

Classes: Journalism, AP English Language, Speech or debate.

Official data: O*NET occupation 25-1122.

More Higher Education & Professors careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.