The Best Online Journalist Degrees

Journalism and writing are skills valued not only among news publishers, but in fact across all business careers and many other specialized non-business professions. The ability to communicate one's ideas through the written word is key to any successful career. Below is a list of accredited schools who have relevent online degree programs in journalism and communications.

Ashford University
BA in Journalism
BA in Communication Studies
BA in English/Language Arts
Ashford University — Ashford's bachelor's degree program in either journalism & mass communications or communication studies is a good fit for anyone pursuing a career in business, communication management, media, journalism, or public policy. Upon completion of either program, graduates are highly valued and sought after in the job market in all of these industries. Ashford also offers a similar degree in English/Language Arts that is geared toward individuals interested in a liberal arts education.
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Southern New Hampshire University
BA in Communication
Southern New Hampshire University — Southern New Hampshire University offers a BA degree in communication that combines courses in communication with a solid foundation in the liberal arts. Graduates of this program will be prepared to enter careers in advertising, business writing, corporate communications, journalism, and more.
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University of Phoenix
AA in Communication
BS in Communication
University of Phoenix — The University of Phoenix offers its communications programs at two degree levels, Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Science. The associate's degree-level communications program develops a foundation for understanding effective exchange of information regarding journalistic news presentations for print, Web, and broadcast media. The bachelor's degree-level program builds on these lessons and helps develop critical thinking and problem solving skills that journalists will use in a career.
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Kaplan University
BS in Communication
Advanced Start BS in Comm
Kaplan University — For aspiring journalists seeking a communications degree, Kaplan University offers two such programs, the BS in Communication/Organization Communication and the Advanced Start BS in Communications for students who have already earned an associate's or bachelor's degree. Students enrolled in online programs engage classes through the use of online communities of peers, multimedia, and hands-on assignments
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Full Sail University
MS in New Media Journalism
Full Sail University — The MS in new media journalism from Full Sail University allows journalists to keep their skills sharp all while meeting the demands required by today's media consumers. The degree program combines traditional methods of journalism with emerging technology. You'll learn how to produce multimedia content, use social media to engage audiences and promote your work, and publish and distribute content across digital delivery platforms.
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Walden University
BS in Communication
Walden University — Walden University offers a Bachelor of Science degree in communication that combines communication theory with practical skills. This particular degree focuses on journalistic aspects of new media, including Web publishing, online video, podcasts, Web conferencing, and more. Assignments consist of exercises reflecting the material and interaction with other students taking the same course.
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Arizona State University
BS in Technical Comm.
Arizona State University — At the Arizona State University BS in technical communication, students are able to earn their bachelor's degree entirely online. The curriculum teaches students to both design and manage information using traditional and next generation technologies. Graduates can be found in corporate and non-profit companies.
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Grand Canyon University
BA in Communications
BA/Comm in Digital Film
BA/Comm in Graphic Design
BA/Comm in Public Relations
Grand Canyon University — For the aspiring journalist, Grand Canyon University offers a BA in communications degree with three different specializations: digital film production, graphic design, and public relations. Students of the communications program are prepared to become leaders in the fields of media and communications.
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George Washington University
MPS in Strategic PR
George Washington University — Connecting with those interested in a melding of public relations and politics, the George Washington University online MPS in strategic public relations program fully utilizes the university's place in Washington. Students will analyze the U.S. public policy system and the role public relations plays in the nation's capital.
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Gonzaga University
MA in Comm. Leadership
Gonzaga University — Gonzaga University offers an online MA in communication leadership program that combines business leadership skills with 21st century communication theory. The students of this program come from a variety of backgrounds, including PR, corporate communications, advertising, broadcast journalism, and more.
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Regent University
BA in Communication
Regent University — Students of Regent University's bachelor's in communication degree program study communication in all roles of life and learn to apply their knowledge to emerging technologies of new journalism media, including podcasting, social media, blogs, and more. Being a Christian university, Regent has built a reputation for preparing its students spiritually as well as academically for their careers.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Journalism Degrees

What exactly is a journalism degree?

Journalist

A journalism degree is a degree that can help anyone who is interested in covering news in a variety of different venues. Journalism colleges typically offer courses that entail a significant amount of writing. This is to prepare students for journalism careers in newspaper, magazine, or web site publications. Depending on the type of degree, graduates can pursue careers in everything from print to broadcast journalism. Journalism degrees typically take anywhere from two to four years for completion. This time varies in accordance with the school and any previous credit the student may have.

What types of degrees are available in this field?

The vast majority of journalism degrees are centered around the development of communication skills. English, and communication are two main focuses by many of the top journalism schools. There are also other related degrees that students can apply to the journalism career, such as public relations, graphic design, and digital film. Having a command of the English language is a must for any aspiring journalist. It is essential to evaluate alternatives so that one may choose the best journalism degree for long term career goals. It is important to note, that in order to pursue these degrees, students should have at least completed high school or passed their GED.

What is the average salary of someone with an online journalism degree?

Because of the sheer amount and variety of journalism positions available, salaries can vary widely. However, the median annual wages for reporters and correspondents has been reported as $34,850 most recently. With a few years experience, journalists can expect to make salaries between $50,000 and $75,000. Broadcast journalists can make significantly more than other mediums, with some obtaining salaries as high as $150,000 per annum.

What schools offer journalism degrees?

There are many top journalism schools to choose from when evaluating options. Some schools offer only communication degrees, while others have specific journalism degrees tailored to fit the needs of their students. It should be noted that obtaining a journalism degree online is an excellent option for those who may have other commitments such as family or work. The following schools offer excellent courses and degree programs for hopeful news leaders:

  • University of Massachusetts: UMass Online offers a highly-regarded journalism degree that students can pursue from the convenience of their own homes. The BA in Journalism degree contains journalism courses that focus on a variety of essential skills such as research, writing, interviewing, and more.
  • University of Phoenix: The University of Phoenix is one of the largest universities in the world, and students can benefit from vast resources as a result. For journalism, the U of P has an associate and bachelor level degrees in communications that students can work towards.
  • Ashford University: Founded in 1918, Ashford University has been helping students achieve their goals for almost a century. Aspiring journalists can enroll in degree programs for a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies, or English and language arts.
  • Walden University: Walden University is one of the premier online institutions offering degrees that can help journalists achieve their personal career goals. Walden offers a BS in Communication degree program that will cover courses essential to a journalist.
  • University of California at Berkeley: The Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism is geared towards students who have undergraduate degrees, or some previous journalism experience. Those who are interested in improving their journalistic skills can benefit from Berkley's highly ranked programs.
  • University of Missouri: The Missouri School of Journalism gives students the opportunity to pursue their journalistic goals through an excellent education. Additionally, those who enroll will have the opportunity to graduate and be a Mizzou Tiger for life.
  • Columbia University: The Journalism School at Columbia University is one of the best programs in the country. Students benefit from a strong Ivy League institution and excellent faculty with significant journalistic experience.
  • The City University of New York: The CUNY Graduate School of Journalism has an excellent degree program designed to challenge students and help them further their careers and achieve their journalistic aspirations. Broadcast journalism and print journalism are covered extensively through coursework.
  • Indiana University: The IU School of Journalism has many degree programs that can help aspiring journalists achieve their professional goals. Hoosiers can also benefit from an involved alumni and dedicated faculty and staff.
  • The University of Kansas: The William Allen White School of Journalism & Mass Communications at KU prepares students by giving them instruction in a variety of essential media areas. This includes broadcasting, writing, and radio journalism.

What financial aid is available for schools offering online journalism degrees?

Degree programs carry with them a significant cost. For students interested in obtaining a journalism degree, this need only be an obstacle and not a barrier. There are a wide variety of avenues one can pursue to help finance the cost of an education. The first avenue, and one that every student should take, is by filling out a FAFSA. One never knows eligibility for federal aid until an application is filled. The other avenues are seeing what kinds of journalism scholarships and grants are available for journalism students. There are a variety of scholarships that can be awarded based on an essay, one's racial background, economic status, history, and much more. Some of these scholarships include the Al Neuharth Free Spirit Journalism Scholars Grant, the Inter-American Press Association Scholarships, the Washington Post High School Writing Seminar and Scholarship Program, the Jack R. Howard Fellowships in International Journalism, the National Press Club Scholarship for Journalism Diversity, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, and more.

Find an online Journalism school

Find the journalism program that's right for you by filling out this short form below:


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