Online Journalism Schools

Journalists research, analyze, and present information to the public about newsworthy local, national, and international events. Nearly all media outlets maintain an online presence that supplements their print, TV, or radio platforms. Some companies publish exclusively online. Core activities of journalists include seeking and reporting the truth, acting independently, and being accountable and transparent.

Careers and earning potential for bachelor’s in journalism degree-holders vary widely. Annual salaries range from about $30,000 for entry-level applicants to more than $100,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Positions include entry-level staff writers at small news outlets who cover community topics. More advanced positions include senior broadcast journalists who may report and analyze international breaking news.

Journalists use creative skills like writing, visual design, videography, and public speaking to present information to print, broadcast, and web-based audiences. They write news stories or broadcast scripts that employ engaging, accurate, and professional language.

These professionals also produce audio and video segments, provide narration for live events, and gather information through interviews and from publicly available records. Journalism professionals can also work as corporate communications or marketing specialists. Most undergraduate journalism majors complete their studies in four years or less. Tuition for online programs ranges from less than $10,000 per year to more than $30,000 for in-person, four-year programs.

The cost of a journalism degree depends on several factors. In-state tuition typically costs less. Online programs may offer lower per-credit costs but require technology fees. Some schools also charge lab fees for accessing the digital broadcasting and production studios students use to hone their skills.

Graduates with a journalism bachelor’s degree enjoy a variety of career options. Opportunities include working as a staff writer, who researches and publishes written articles for a media outlet. Journalism program graduates may also work as news producers or editors or as social media planners.

Other careers for journalism program graduates include working as public relations or corporate communications specialists, product marketing managers, and freelance writers. On the low end, entry-level journalists earn an annual starting salary of about $32,000, according to the BLS. The median annual wage is $49,300, and the top 90% of journalists earn $127,370 annually.

Although employment of journalists is projected to decline through 2029, the BLS projects that reporters will also face strong competition for the remaining jobs. Candidates with prior job experience and multimedia journalism experience need an advantage given that news and entertainment publishing continue migrating to digital media platforms.

Most undergraduate journalism programs value practical, hands-on skills. Students typically take a full-time course load that includes multiple journalism-focused courses each semester. Students need to develop and demonstrate their skills in areas such as interview techniques, gathering information using public records, writing scripts for broadcast, using multimedia technology, and public speaking.

Theoretical concepts comprise a core part of the curriculum, which varies by program and school. These courses may include ethics in journalism, legal considerations, and the history of mass communications. Requirements vary by program and school, but students typically complete 120 semester credits to earn a bachelor’s in journalism.

Most employers consider job candidates who earned a bachelor’s in journalism or mass communication. Some companies looking to fill niche roles may consider applicants with degrees in political science, finance, business, or health. In the U.S., journalists do not need certification or licensure from an accrediting body or organization. However, experience with and certification in professional media technologies benefits job-seeking graduates.

Journalism students at all levels enjoy access to scholarships, fellowships, and grants. Some organizations open scholarships to anyone in the journalism field. Other scholarships focus on specific subsets of journalism like photography, while others encourage newsroom diversity.