Find your perfect college degree
Journalism is a rapidly evolving industry, and education and training in this field are adapting to it. For one, online bachelor’s degrees in Journalism are keeping up!
Over the years, technologies and trends in digital media have dramatically transformed mass communication, creating countless new opportunities to contribute to the world of journalism.
If you’ve always fancied news, literature, public speech, writing, or reporting, a career in Journalism might be the right path for you.
Thankfully, today, students gain formal training in Journalism through affordable online bachelor’s degrees, which expand the pool of opportunities for students who may not have dared to fulfill their dreams in the past.
Journalists often deal with the most complex daily affairs. They have to put these hard-earned data into clear writing.
A journalist narrates the facts and ensures that everyone is armed with the right information to make everyday decisions. That in itself is a pressuring role in society!
As online news is easily accessible now, it has become harder than ever to determine the facts from untruths. According to the Pew Research Center, 85% of Americans use the Internet daily. Having become ubiquitous, the Internet has dominated traditional print media.
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Along with virtual news and internet information and resources taking the world in a spin, it’s understandable to expect a decline in job opportunities intended for news reporters and correspondents.
However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the opposite. Their forecast shows that the number of news analysts, reporters, and journalists will decline by 3% from 2022 to 2032.
There is no shortage of opportunities available to journalism majors, especially those with good internet skills. Information is undoubtedly distributed effectively via the Internet.
However, one of its apparent downsides is how misinformation and fake news are now getting more rampant. Since everyone can quickly post and contribute online, sources aren’t as accurate as conventional news media.
According to Statista, Facebook remains the central platform for people to check and read online news. Youth are especially susceptible to these situations as they’re more likely exposed to the Internet than elderly adults.
Responsible journalism is now a part of the advocacy supported by reputable news outlets to correct this. When you join the journalism industry, you’ll probably feel the same urge and call to spread only real news and information to the public.
What can you do when you earn an online Bachelor’s degree in Journalism?
A journalism degree will equip graduates with writing and research skills and media and communication knowledge, allowing them to pursue diverse career opportunities. Your job options are expansive, so you won’t have to worry about how newspapers and conventional media outlets are now obsolete.
Media reporters, editors, and copywriters are common professions. Graduates can also work as journalists for digital publications, broadcast news outlets, or freelance writers.
Despite the decline of traditional journalism jobs over the last decade, journalism skills are relevant for various careers. You may want to consider these careers:
- Technical Writer
Writing technical content can rely on the research and writing skills learned in journalism programs. These professionals develop instruction manuals, research papers, and other written content that explains complex technical matters.
Writing technical instructions is a collaborative process between technical writers and product developers. Many companies are hiring writers who are keen on technicalities. Additionally, as a technical writer, you’ll be responsible for drafting product documentation and collecting user feedback to improve prior work.
- Public Relations Expert
An organization’s or client’s public image can be created and maintained by using various media-based tools. Journalism graduates offer clients effective ways of communicating through an understanding of the media landscape.
In addition to organizing interviews in newspapers, magazines, and other media formats, PR professionals also work with media organizations. Their ultimate goal is to enhance and enlighten the brand image of their client company.
- Media Reporter
Journalists write about the news on a national, international, and local level. A reporter’s job duties include pitching stories to editors, conducting research and interviews, and writing articles for blogs and magazines.
A media reporter will be able to use different mediums and technologies. One of their roles is to build rapport with experts, contacts, and other professionals in the field.
- Editor
Content is reviewed, revised, and developed by these professionals. Editors also rewrite copy for clarity, ensure factual accuracy, and ensure that the product meets the editorial standards of their publication. They also manage article details, writing touches, photographs, and advertisements while collaborating with writers.
What are the different concentrations for Journalism?
- Investigative Journalism
Investigative journalism concentrations provide students with the tools they need to conduct investigative reporting, including using public records, archives, and conducting interviews.
The students also learn about the laws and regulations surrounding public records and access to information. Reporters, correspondents, authors, and writers are all possible career options for graduates specializing in this field.
- Multimedia Journalism
These concentrations in multimedia journalism employ innovative storytelling strategies to encourage interaction with readers on a wide variety of platforms.
Students consider changing audiences and landscapes and devise new strategies to increase exposure, visits, and shares. Writers, authors, and public relations specialists can all benefit from this specialization.
- Sports Journalism
Rather than traditionally covering sports teams, sports journalism examines how sports teams are covered in a rapidly changing media landscape.
There are sports broadcasting classes, sports writing courses, and social media training classes to take when you choose this major. This might just be perfect for you if you’re a sports enthusiast. You can work as a sports announcer or reporter.
- International Journalism
Learning about international issues and reporting is one of the areas of focus in global journalism. These journalists may also study ethics, law, and the media landscape while in training.
The jobs you can apply for when you choose this major are endless. You can work overseas, especially if you’ve interned in a media company outside your home country.
Why pursue a career in Journalism?
A career in journalism is highly competitive, fast-paced, and requires quick thinking, adventure, and curiosity. Despite many changes in the profession, especially with more and more people diverting to depend on online news, the basics remain the same.
Even if you have the gift of storytelling, you must have the ability to articulate your thoughts and ideas clearly and concisely in a way that captivates and informs your audience.
As a result of the many benefits the career field offers, people working hard and pursuing their dreams continue to reach their goals as journalists. Take a look at some of the many benefits when you join the journalism industry:
- You’ll have an opportunity to travel overseas.
An opportunity to work abroad exists when you are a journalist. The average reporter at a big media company rarely stays put for more than a week because they travel around the world often.
Therefore, journalism allows you to travel the world and report from cool and exciting places for free.
Like people working on airplanes and cruise ships, you’ll get paid while exploring foreign places and countries. That should be one reason many journalists love their job.
- You can take on unique and challenging projects.
As a journalist, you deal with the challenges and thrills of the job! If you’re a reporter covering local news, you must be there when it all happens! You will constantly have to deal with deadline pressures, hunt for real-time local events, and wish that there will be great stories and scenes to cover all the time.
- You’ll be able to build your network.
A journalist’s job also entails meeting many new people worldwide. Seeing the way people live throughout the world and how they view the world can be pretty exciting. You’ll understand different lifestyles, cultures, behaviors, and everything else from a different perspective when you surround yourself with a diverse set of people.
- You can take pride in your achievements.
The work of journalists is published for the public, as opposed to most people, who are recognized within an office space. This job would give you a lot of honor and pride, knowing how your information and reports have helped others. Regardless of your audience size, you can still leave an impact on someone out there.
- You’ll have endless opportunities to learn.
There is no standard job description for journalism. As you talk to different people every day, you will learn new things.
Additionally, you will also experience numerous experiences that will shape your worldview quite frequently. As a result, you continually have to keep learning while adapting yourself and trying to understand the reason behind this and that.
As a journalist, you’ll discover many skills that you can use later on in life, even if you quit journalism in the future.
- You reach out to a broader crowd or group.
Your journalism activities can also have quite a high reach depending on your level of skills, of course. With the many media mediums and platforms to use these days, you or your craft can be known and exposed too quickly.
You can be a reliable expert by a small to a large group who’s a fan of your work. Your ideas may go viral, reaching millions of people. When you get such a point, you can even be a freelancer and earn a living from many opportunities online.
- You can contribute to your community.
Local journalists are the best people to know their community. In their job, they should stay updated on what’s happening in their neighborhood. Because of your deep knowledge of a city, you are more connected to where you live. And your work can help out many people, as you can imagine.
Journalism majors are relevant contributors to society! By obtaining the right undergraduate education, future professionals become equipped with the competencies required for a thriving Journalism career.
In choosing our Best Online Journalism Bachelor’s Degree Colleges, a number of factors were considered. First, we acknowledge the importance of rigorous coursework so that students understand up-to-date concepts involving the industry better and become ready for a challenging work environment. Because the courses are offered online or in a hybrid format, students can earn the degree online while keeping a job.
A faculty of well-credentialed professors in academia is a must, too, for aspiring journalists. Nothing beats field
experts imparting their knowledge of the subject. Accreditation is a must for every college or university we feature on this website. Financial assistance services are available for qualified online journalism students as well.
For more information, see our Methodology page.
Best Online Journalism Bachelor’s Degree Colleges
Texas State University
There are over 200 programs offered on campus and online by Texas State University within the Texas State University System. Approximately 30,000 students attend the school, with about 70% receiving financial assistance.
A partially online bachelor’s in journalism is available through Texas State’s School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
They offer a hybrid program, but students can study a quarter to half of all the degree courses online. Texas State offers numerous internship opportunities and opportunities for media on campus.
A 120-credit degree typically takes four years of full-time enrollment to complete. You can expect to learn some introductory mass communication courses and courses in media law and ethics, digital and online media, and media writing.
Location:
- San Marcos, Texas
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Program Features:
- 120 total credits are required for completion
Course Options:
- Media Writing
- Data Journalism
- Multimedia Journalism
- Editing and Managing Content
Admission Requirements:
- GPA of 2.25
- Must have taken courses such as ENG 1310, ENG 1320, and COMM 1310, or at least their equivalent
- SAT or ACT scores
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
- Texas Grant
What’s Unique About the Program:
- Journalism faculty members combine professional and academic expertise in their classrooms.
- Part-time professors are working journalists who maintain a connection with the industry, so you’ll get to be taught by real-life journalists.
University of Florida
At the University of Florida (UF), students can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism: Sports & Media online. Students acquire not only journalism skills but also data literacy, report writing, and reporting skills. Full-time students generally take 14-18 credits each semester in the 124-credit program.
You can expect to be engaged in various hands-on, practical, and immersive activities and projects. Some of the courses you’ll be taking include Multimedia Sports Reporting, Sports Media Law, and Sports Communication. However, you can personalize your elective courses according to your preferences.
Online students use the Canvas learning management system at UF. Its interface is user-friendly and motivating for distance learners. If you’re wondering how you can avail of financial assistance, don’t worry.
They have expansive offerings as the majority of students have been receiving aid. Students can connect with alumni during and after their degree programs, courtesy of UF’s vast alumni network.
Despite learning online, you’ll be able to gain access to many services and events, such as IT support, student organizations, university clubs, and counseling services. Head on to their site to check more.
Location:
- Gainesville, Florida
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Program Features:
- 124 credit hours are required for completion
- Has an online enrollment of more than 1,000 students
Course Options:
- Applied Fact-Finding
- Sight, Sound, and Motion
- Sports Media Law and Ethics
- Sports Capstone
- Sports Communication
Admission Requirements:
- Overall GPA of 3.0
- Must have completed 3 out of 5-course pre-requisites
Financial Aid:
- Grants
- Scholarships
- Student Employment
- Loans
- Non-SFA administered aid
What’s Unique About the Program:
- Students can choose a curriculum tailored to their area of interest, making it easier to develop skills and talents that can hone them for the future.
Penn State World Campus
Online students can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Journalism and Media degree from Pennsylvania State University’s World Campus (PSUWC).
This specific major will train you in digital content management, digital production, reporting, storytelling, journalism ethics, and digital content creation. You can expect this program to be as thorough and diverse as it should be.
There are 120 credits in this full degree program, and you can customize it based on your own goals and interests. Additional electives can be taken to round out the program. You can choose to study as a part-time or full-time online student.
PSUWC also uses the Canvas learning management system to access course materials and learning systems easily and swiftly. In this distance learning program, you’ll discuss, work in groups, write assignments, and take exams.
PSUWC accepts transfer credit, and several students receive academic credit for military service, academic study, and life experiences.
Scholarship opportunities are available through World Campus, as well as a payment plan from Penn State. PSUWC offers career services to students as well. Several services are available to PSUWC students, including IT support, tutoring, the University Library System, and more.
Location:
- State College, Pennsylvania
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Program Features:
- Requires 120 total credits for completion
Course Options:
- Basics News Writing Skills
- Law of Mass Communications
- Media Ethics
- Principles of Strategic Communications
- Writing for the Media
Admission Requirements:
- GPA of 2.0
- High school transcripts
- College or university transcripts
- English proficiency
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Federal student aid
- Transfer student aid
- Military payment options
What’s Unique About the Program:
- Top academic authorities have recognized the program, and professors teach highly engaging courses designed to help students succeed in the field.
- Students can enroll in online classes, gain access to top faculty in the field, and pursue postgraduate opportunities for a reasonable cost.
University of Massachusetts Amherst
If you want to take a Bachelor’s degree online focused on Journalism Studies, you can do so at the University of Massachusetts through their University Without Walls system. The online bachelor’s degree is completed entirely by transferring 105 credits from another college or university, prior education, or work experience.
This makes it convenient for learners to finish their Bachelor’s in a timely manner. It teaches the fundamental elements of journalism, including reporting, writing for each media platform, digital storytelling, ethics, the law as applied to journalism, and the forms of writing.
Students at UMass use Blackboard to read course materials, access and submit homework assignments, and complete class activities such as discussions.
Residents of the state who attend classes online pay the same tuition fees as those outside the state. Students can receive financial aid online, and UMass provides benefits and financial assistance to military personnel.
You can choose to study in the program with three starting date options. University Without Walls offers a range of resources to students throughout the program: IT support, counseling, library resources, and staff guidance.
Location:
- Amherst, Massachusetts
Accreditation:
- the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Program Features:
- You can transfer up to 75 credits, of which 45 must be taken in UMass Amherst
- 120 total credits are required for completion
Course Options:
- Principles of Public Relations
- Interviewing Essentials
- Intro to Media Programming and Institutions
- News and Public Opinion
- Journalism Ethics
Admission Requirements:
- Must have 12 transferrable credits
- GPA of 2.0
- Application fee of $60 for early application and $85 for regular
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Loans
- Work-study
- Summer aid
What’s Unique About the Program:
- You can earn up to 105 credits per program for your prior coursework, prior learning, and work and life experience. This will allow you to make a degree faster and save you money.
Regent University
An affordable online journalism degree from Regent University is a BA in Communication Studies specializing in Journalism. During the 8-week session, students will take basic education classes and elective subjects.
Students take major courses such as Communicating in the 21st Century, Communication Theory, and Narrative Concept and Development.
Students of online courses have access to the university’s media laboratory, which provides hands-on experiences and opportunities for experiential learning. Additionally, students must complete an internship before graduating.
One of the strengths of this program is its ranking by US News & World Report, which includes it among the top 20 best-value schools and top 10 most innovative schools.
Location:
- Virginia Beach, Virginia
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Program Features:
- 120 total credits are required for completion
Course Options:
- American Government and Politics
- Personal and Professional Editing
- Principles of Journalism
- Reporting
Admission Requirements:
- Online application
- Unofficial transcripts
- Admissions questionnaire
- Government-issued ID
Financial Aid:
- Federal Aid
- State Aid
- Institutional Aid
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Military Benefits
What’s Unique About the Program:
- Learn from faculty members who hold high academic degrees in Virginia Beach.
- Additionally, their programs have been rated the #1 Best Online Bachelor’s Program in Virginia for the past eight years.
University of Mexico
The University of New Mexico (UNM) runs an online bachelor’s degree completion program in Journalism and Mass Communication specializing in Strategic Communication. The program requires the candidate to have an associate degree or 60 college credit hours with a GPA of 2.5.
This is primarily because it’s an accelerated program that runs through 8-week classes. They will cover everything from media ethics to strategic writing to social media. One great opportunity that this curriculum offers is your choice to take advantage of elective internships.
Students in the online journalism program take courses using the Blackboard Learning Management System. The University of New Mexico’s distance education programs are certified by Quality Matters, an online education quality assurance standard. In the accelerated program, tuition is the same for out-of-state students and in-state students.
You will also be able to apply for financial aid online. As an online student, you can access help from their 24/7 IT support, supportive staff advising, online library resources, and tutoring services.
Location:
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
Accreditation:
- The Commission on English Language Accreditation
Program Features:
- 120 total credits are required for completion
- Has 1761 total enrollees online
Course Options:
- Persuasive Communications
- Video Journalism
- Creative Concepts
- Strategic Planning and Campaign
- Organizational Communications
Admission Requirements:
- GPA of 2.5
- Must have taken math course as pre-requisite
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Honors Program
What’s Unique About the Program:
- This concentration combines print, broadcast, and online journalism and helps students develop the skills necessary to succeed in various media careers.
Southern Illinois University
Online journalism students from Southern Illinois University receive the same quality education as students in the on-campus program. You’ll feel like attending the classes physically when you go for this online journalism program.
Students can complete the 120-credit program in four years, but transferring students can complete it half the time because they allow transfer credits. Writing Across Platforms and Creativity Across Platforms are just two of the core courses students can choose from.
When enrolled in this bachelor’s degree, some of the major courses to anticipate are Journalism Law, Writing for Mass Media, Social Issues in Advertising, and Mass Communication in Society. The program offers full- and part-time options. Students can enroll in courses over four, eight, and sixteen weeks.
Additionally, students have the option of starting at virtually any time to earn their affordable online bachelor’s degree in journalism. If you’re looking for convenience combined with quality learning, this institution won’t disappoint.
Location:
- Carbondale, Illinois
Accreditation:
- The Higher Learning Commission
Program Features:
- 120 total credit hours are required for the completion
Course Options:
- Copywriting
- Principles of Advertising
- Journalism Law
- Social Issues in Advertising
Admission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- GPA of 2.75
- Must be included in the top 10% of the graduating class
- ACT or SAT scores
Financial Aid:
- scholarships
What’s Unique About the Program:
- You can interact with scholars involved in current research and professionals with notable contributions to the journalism industry.
New England College
New England College’s reasonably priced online journalism degree program is a BS in Communication with an emphasis on journalism.
Some major courses you’ll be expecting to take are Overcoming Prejudice and Discrimination and Writing in Liberal Arts and Sciences. You’ll also be allowed to choose your elective classes.
As part of the communication major, you will take courses like interpersonal Relationships, Communication Ethics, Interview Skills, Communication Ethics, and Introduction to Journalism. Lastly, to concentrate and highlight journalism studies, you’ll need to take Multimedia Newswriting, Investigative Reporting, and other major Journalism courses.
A graduate might pursue careers as a copywriter, technical writer, public relations manager, reporter, or correspondent. US News & World Report has included New England College among the best colleges in regional universities north.
Location:
- Henniker, New Hampshire
Accreditation:
- The New England Commission of Higher Education
Program Features:
- Requires total credit of 120 for completion
Course Options:
- Multimedia Writing and Editing
- Journalism: Investigative Reporting
- Introduction to Journalism
- Interpersonal Relationships
Admission Requirements:
- Online application
- Official transcripts
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Loans
- Work-Study
- Graduate assistantships
What’s Unique About the Program:
- You’ll learn hands-on ways to analyze and understand different types of media and their audiences and the know-how to engage and maintain readers in a manner that reflects the quality.
Louisiana State University
There is an online Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication with a concentration in Journalism offered by Louisiana State University (LSU). The Department of Arts and Media offers the degree.
During this program, you will complete 16 core credits, which are 120 credit hours, the total requirement for graduation. You can specialize in three options such as Public Relations, Electronic Media, or Print Journalism.
As a graduate of LSUS’ online BA in Mass Communication-Journalism program, you will have a firm grasp of both the basics and the most sophisticated theories and techniques in journalism.
Your skills in writing, reporting, understanding laws and ethics in journalism, and philosophy will all be covered when you enroll in this online curriculum. A professional portfolio highlighting the student’s expertise is required before you’ll be able to graduate.
Location:
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Program Features:
- 120 total credits are required for completion
Course Options:
- Social Media and Digital Branding
- Visual Communication
- Newspaper and Online Journalism
- Mass Media Law
- Media Writing
Admission Requirements:
- GPA of 2.0
- Official transcripts
- ACT or SAT scores
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Private loans
- Federal loans
- Work-study
What’s Unique About the Program:
- Students can choose from numerous courses in various skill sets, which will help them land great jobs after graduation.
Loyola University – New Orleans
Loyola University is offering an online journalism degree through its Bachelor of Mass Communication program, emphasizing Journalism. Students will take Law of Mass Communications, Mass Communication Ethics, and Digital Communication courses.
As part of the journalism major, students will take Advanced Journalism classes related to studying photography and videography. Additionally, a practicum or internship is required for you to graduate with this bachelor’s degree.
Loyola University is highly renowned among different Press organizations like the Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association.
It was rated one of the leading regional universities in the South by US News & World Report and a top 10 college for veterans. You’ll be able to see their name among the best scholastic programs nationwide.
Location:
- New Orleans, Louisiana
Accreditation:
- The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Program Features:
- Requires 120 total credits
- 90 credits are transferable
Course Options:
- Communication Writing
- Videography
- Journalism
- Advanced Journalism
Admission Requirements:
- Online application
- High school transcripts
Financial Aid:
- Federal student loans
- Federal Pell Grant
- PLUS Loans
What’s Unique About the Program:
- In this department, you will find a world-class array of resources for developing skills and gaining valuable work experience.
Colorado State University
The bachelor’s degree in journalism taken at Colorado State University online will teach you communication skills sought after in nearly every field.
You will gain perspective on the role of media in society, learn how to use digital technology to reach and engage audiences around the world and fine-tune your writing and editing skills. There is a need for skilled communicators in various industries and organizations.
An undergraduate degree in journalism and media communication can lead to careers in marketing, journalism, public relations, nonprofits, government, and private business.
Location:
- Fort Collins, Colorado
Accreditation:
- The Higher Learning Commission
Program Features:
- 120 credits required
Course Options:
- Visual Communication
- Online Storytelling and Audience Engagement
- History of Media
- Media Ethics and Issues
- Communications Law
Admission Requirements:
- GPA of 2.0
- Online Application
- High School Transcripts
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Loans
- Employment
What’s Unique About the Program:
- The program provides students with tools to take their projects, portfolios, and learning to the next level.
- They are equipped with LinkedIn Learning, which allows you to develop your business, creative, and technology skills. Over 16,000 expert lead videos are available on LinkedIn Learning.
- You will gain access to their Universal Music Library. Custom music can be used for videos, slideshows, and more with one of the world’s largest music services.
Drake University
Drake University students can earn their Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a Digital Communication concentration entirely online. The program consists of six-week asynchronous courses so students can study at their own pace.
As a result of the number of credits transferred and several credits taken each semester, Drake’s 100% online BA in Journalism and Mass Communication, with a Digital Communication Concentration, will take different times to complete. Students can adapt and have flexible schedules and learning styles.
Location:
- Des Moines, Iowa
Accreditation:
- The Higher Learning Commission
Program Features:
- 124 credits required
Course Options:
- Mass Media in a Global Society
- Reporting & Writing Principles
- Foundations of Strategic Communication
- Magazine Staff Writing
- Persuasive Writing
Admission Requirements:
- Online application
- ACT or SAT Scores
- Official Transcripts
Financial Aid:
- Federal Student Loans
- Employee Tuition Support Plan
- Federal Stafford Loans
- Veteran Benefits
What’s Unique About the Program:
- No in-person meetings or in-person requirements are required.
Liberty University
The journalism field is an excellent fit for anyone looking for a fast-paced career that lets them travel and work on their schedule. Journalist careers allow you to pursue lifelong learning in addition to travel.
Having the ability to research stories, interview experts, and uncover the truth about situations are some of the benefits of being a reporter or journalist. As a result, you can educate and inspire others with your knowledge and information delivered.
Employers need to hire writers who can adapt, be creative, determined, persuasive, perceptive, and, most importantly, be skilled at writing. These skills can be developed through Liberty’s Bachelor of Science in English and Writing. It is no longer just newspapers and print media that offer careers in journalism.
In a world where technology impacts almost every industry, an online writing degree can help you stay updated on market trends and open doors to writing for popular online publications.
Location:
- Lynchburg, Virginia
Accreditation:
- SACSCOC – Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges
Program Features:
- 120 credit hours
- It can be completed in 3.5 years
Course Options:
- Composition and Literature
- Introduction to Creative Writing
- American Realism and Naturalism
- Modern Grammar
Admission Requirements:
- Application Form
- Official Transcripts
Financial Aid:
- Grants
- Scholarships
- Loans
- Work Study
What’s Unique About the Program:
- In Liberty, you’ll learn from Karen Kingsbury, bestselling author of the New York Times.
- You can learn from Kingsbury’s years of experience as an author, screenwriter, blogger, and producer in many core courses in this journalism degree.
Ohio University
Gain journalism and strategic communication skills by learning from world-class faculty and connecting with award-winning alums in this Journalism online degree offered at Ohio University.
By studying in the Carr Van Anda Journalism program online, you can develop the skills you need for a career in journalism, public relations, advertising, magazine journalism, or any other field requiring exceptional journalism skills.
An undergraduate degree in journalism is an excellent preparation for a career in any industry’s many facets. Investigative journalism, multimedia journalism, and print journalism are all possible careers.
There are many other possible job titles, including copywriter, editor, sportswriter, reporter, public relations strategist, and media relations specialist.
There are varieties of potential employers, such as newspapers, magazines, publishing companies, radio and TV broadcasters, as well as mixed and online media. Aside from public relations and marketing, students can also pursue research, writing, and advertising careers.
Location:
- Athens, Ohio
Accreditation:
- The Higher Learning Commission
Program Features:
- 120 credits required
Course Options:
- Communication Law
- Future of Media
- Precision Language for Journalists
Admission Requirements:
- High school diploma
- GPA of 2.0
Financial Aid:
- Student Employment
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Loans
What’s Unique About the Program:
- By taking asynchronous coursework and receiving flexible advising, students can complete their degrees at their own pace. You can take full-load classes or pace them according to your career and life circumstances.
Utah State University
With the online journalism and communication program offered at Utah State University, you’ll study issues, report stories, and create content that helps individuals make sense of the world around them. As a result of this program, you will be prepared to think critically and act professionally.
Learning how to ethically and effectively tell stories with the potential to change lives will strengthen your writing, reporting, and multimedia production skills.
Graduates are expected to become competitive candidates for careers in journalism or other professional communication fields.
Location:
- Logan, Utah
Accreditation:
- the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Program Features:
- 130 credits required
Course Options:
- Breadth Life Sciences (BLS)
- Breadth Humanities
- Critical Thinking
- Depth Humanities and Creative Arts (DHA)
Admission Requirements:
- GPA of 2.5
- English Proficiency
- Pre-major core courses
Financial Aid:
- Work Study
- Grants
- Loans
- Scholarships
What’s Unique About the Program:
- By learning from faculty who work in the fields they teach, you’ll understand the principles their students are learning in a real-life setting.
- A small faculty team allows for meaningful student relationships and offers unique insights and opportunities.
- You will build a strong professional network that will be useful as you begin your career.
DePaul University
At DePaul, you will develop skills that prepare you for careers as multimedia content producers and video storytellers. As journalism is constantly updating with new technologies, you will learn about trends in the industry and how to use equipment, software, and online resources.
DePaul’s journalism program offers green screen studios, control rooms, editing suites, and a digital equipment facility for students.
Some graduates are employed in the world’s biggest journalism and media companies. If you want to combine your degree with other majors, some choices you can have are Communication and Media, Health Communication, or Media and Cinema Studies.
Location:
- Chicago, Illinois
Accreditation:
- The Higher Learning Commission
Program Features:
- Requires 120 credits
Course Options:
- Photojournalism
- Radio News
- Television News
- Multimedia News Production
- Feature Writing
Admission Requirements:
- Online application form
- High School Transcripts
- ACT or SAT scores
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Assistantships
- Study Abroad
- Military and Veteran Benefits
What’s Unique About the Program:
- There’s an option available for high-achieving first-year students who want to combine their degrees in Communication and Law. This means you need to take courses in Communication for three years and another three years in Law.
New England College
Students who want to take up a communication degree but want to concentrate on Journalism should enroll at New England College.
Students are exposed to multimedia platforms, enabling them to develop their skills in professional storytelling. Journalism students learn to write for traditional media, social media, online platforms, and other forms.
Excellent journalism tells engaging, important, and powerful stories, which can be developed when you enroll in this program. Students who finish this degree can write for various media like printed media, online platforms, and social media.
You should also be able to recognize the purpose and audience for each type of media platform and find the best way to engage viewers and readers. Finally, you can analyze the global media industry and journalism’s role in society.
Location:
- Henniker, New Hampshire
Accreditation:
- New England Commission of Higher Education
Program Features:
- Requires 120 credits
Course Options:
- Writing in the Liberal Arts and Sciences I
- Overcoming Prejudice and Discrimination
- Introduction to Creative Writing
- Contemporary Art and Media
- Interpersonal Relationships
Admission Requirements:
- Online application form
- High school transcript
- SAT or ACT scores
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Loans
- Grants
What’s Unique About the Program:
- Rolling admissions are available throughout the year.
- The review process will begin as soon as they receive your application.
- Standardized test scores are not required, nor is there a fee for applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect from a Journalism major?
Students with online journalism degrees are prepared to contribute responsibly to the public discourse. Aside from gaining specialized knowledge of common technologies and platforms, they also improve their technical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
There are different major and minor concentrations in the field of Journalism. For instance, you can combine it with English degrees or Communication majors. This additional education will open more job opportunities in the future.
How does a Bachelor of Science in Journalism differ from a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism?
Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees are often offered by journalism schools. BS degrees emphasize STEM and more technical aspects of the field, while BA degrees emphasize course flexibility and arts training. Some institutions can offer both types of degrees.
Despite their similarity, these degrees may lead to various career paths depending on the focus of the degree. Reporters, news broadcasters, writers, and authors with a BA degree may pursue traditional careers, whereas camera operators or public relations specialists with a BS degree are more likely to pursue careers in these fields.
How long does it take to finish an online Bachelor’s in Journalism?
An extensive 120-credit-hour curriculum is required for a journalism degree. Online undergraduate degrees are typically completed in four years by full-time students.
Conversely, students with prior college credits may graduate after two years if they have earned them from an accredited institution.
It is best to choose an online program that offers optimum flexibility if you wish to pursue an online journalism degree. An online degree option also has more options for expediting your graduation.
What goes into the selection process for prospective online Bachelor’s in Journalism students?
Students should consider program costs, format, and duration when choosing an online Journalism degree. The curriculum should offer courses and specializations to advance their careers.
In addition to looking into their in-state tuition eligibility, online students should consider whether their programs are synchronous or asynchronous. This enables them to take their classes as flexibly as they want.
Lastly, students should ensure their schools and programs are accredited. Before enrolling in an online program, check if they’re regionally or nationally accredited.
For what careers do online Bachelor’s in Journalism graduates qualify?
Journalism majors have a wide range of career options, such as:
- reporters,
- writers,
- overseas correspondents,
- news analysts,
- or, editors.
Others pursue writing jobs, content creation for conventional and digital media, and editing work in publishing companies.
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