Students of journalism are taught to interact with people and discuss current issues that may one day become important facts of history. Study in the field of journalism offers a general humanistic education as well as skills in communication and analysis that are essential in most careers.

Through various courses, students develop communication skills for different media-writing, speaking, filming, and broadcasting careers. Gaining skills in oral expression, writing, directing, and producing for all media, from print to broadcasting to film-making or community relations will improve one's chances of finding jobs in a wide variety of fields. A major in journalism prepares a student for work in communications, public relations, government and public service, sales, publishing, journalism, advertising, education, and business.

Although journalism is open to non-graduates, large media organisations have expressed a preference for graduates in recent years.