Journalism is one of the most popular degree programs among online students. You can get associate’s, bachelor’s, and even master’s degrees in this field online, and once you do, you qualify for jobs such as reporting, magazine writing, professional blogging, publishing, and broadcasting. The quality of your education depends on the school you choose, so it is important to consider your options carefully. With more and more programs coming online every year, distance learning isn’t what it used to be, with just a few selections. Let’s cover some of the most important things to consider if you want the best online journalism degree possible.

Accreditation

Online colleges were once the topic of much speculation when it comes to the quality of your education. Today, there are many legitimate programs that are just as high-quality (if not more so) than traditional classroom programs at brick and mortar campuses. On the other hand, there are also scams that are attempting to cash in on the growing popularity of online degree programs. Diploma mills, for example, will give you a diploma in exchange for your “tuition” payment, even if you don’t actually go to classes, pass tests, or learn anything.

The best way to avoid such programs and other scams is to look for a college that is accredited. Accreditation means that a third party, usually a company or organization that is nationally recognized, has evaluated the program’s diploma or certification requirements to ensure that you’re getting a quality education. Without accreditation, you likely won’t qualify for many grants or scholarships, and your degree may not mean much on your resume after you graduate.

Interaction with Professors and Students

Even if you’re a self-guided learner, it is important to share ideas with others in a classroom setting. At an online college, you won’t find a traditional room filled with chairs and tables, but you will find that many programs have online chats, conference calls, and other interactive “classes” that require students to help one another learn. The best online journalism degree programs will allow you to talk to other students via college-run portals.

Being able to contact your professor is also important. Some online programs are written but never actually taught by a live person. This isn’t an optimal way to learn, since there’s no opportunity to ask questions or get clarification. You don’t want to end up with just a basic grade at the end of the semester, based on standardized tests. In the field of journalism, this is especially important, since your writing skills will guide your career.

Qualified Professors

Who is teaching your classes? Not every online school has professors who are big names in the world of writing, but these professors should be experienced in journalism and in teaching. Not every professor needs a PhD to be qualified, but someone who has little real-world experience in journalism can’t answer your questions with authority or give you tips on finding a job after graduation.

These factors aren’t the only standards you should use to judge an online journalism degree program, but it is a start. “Tour” a number of online colleges because you determine which one is right for you.