Best Online Bachelor’s in Journalism Programs
A bachelor’s in journalism prepares students to relay factual information and empower citizens to make informed decisions.
Journalists use their curiosity and persistence to bring truth to communities. They work in various media formats, informing the public about important events. With an online journalism degree, students gain the technical training necessary to enter this profession, as well as a flexible skill set that applies in other disciplines and industries.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an 3% job decline for news reporters and correspondents between 2033 and 2033, but aspiring multimedia journalists can also pursue opportunities with media outlets on new platforms. Overall, the BLS projects media and communications occupations to earn a median annual salary of $57,500, higher than the average for all occupations.
While COVID-19 accelerated the decline of traditional print journalism, it also accelerated diversification and growth in the field. The industry provides plenty of opportunities for journalism majors, especially those with internet savvy. To help aspiring journalists, we examine the details of a bachelor’s in journalism, including career pathways and the best journalism schools in the country.
The Best Online Bachelor’s in Journalism Programs
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Students looking to earn a flexible college degree should consider Regent University's online BA in journalism. Undergraduates seeking flexible, remote study can choose from one of 32 online bachelor's degree programs. From its campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia, the school offers an online BA in communication studies degree. The journalism program supports flexible study for distance learners.
Enrollees complete both foundational and advanced coursework, granting them the knowledge and skills needed to advance in the journalism field. Students also fulfill general education requirements, gaining additional knowledge. Enrollees can customize their degree by choosing electives, minors, and concentrations.
Graduates greatly benefit from their education, gaining access to more job opportunities and a higher earning potential. At the college, students earn a median salary of $34,800 six years after graduation. To learn more about admission requirements and financial aid opportunities, prospective students should contact the journalism department.
Regent University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 9,507
Total Online Programs: 137
Online Bachelor's Programs: 32
Admission Rate: 86%
- In-State$17,220
- Out-of-state$17,220
- In-State$15,552
- Out-of-state$15,552
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled10,365
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
Colorado State University
- Fort Collins, CO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Colorado State University, a public, four-year college, enables study across 39 online degree programs. Three of these online programs offer an undergraduate-level education. Learners seeking competitive, customizable study relevant to the journalism field will find the school's online bachelor's in journalism and media communication to be an attractive option. The program prioritizes flexibility through full- or part-time study options.
Throughout their coursework, students gain industry-relevant knowledge through general and advanced classes. The journalism curriculum, which consists of foundational and advanced coursework, equips students with relevant skills needed to succeed in the journalism field. Students can modify their degree by choosing electives, minors, and concentrations.
After earning their degree, graduates benefit from greater access to employment opportunities and higher earning potential. Graduates who have completed their degree earn a median salary of $39,900 after six years. The college reports that the average undergraduate pays $16,793 in tuition and fees yearly, after aid. Prospective learners can explore funding opportunities, eligibility requirements, and other opportunities by connecting with the Office of Financial Aid.
Colorado State University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 8,786
Total Online Programs: 39
Online Bachelor's Programs: 3
Admission Rate: 81%
- In-State$9,426
- Out-of-state$28,147
- In-State$10,520
- Out-of-state$25,791
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled33,426
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment26%
- AccreditationYes
Southern Illinois University
- Carbondale, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Looking to earn a flexible online degree in journalism? Consider Southern Illinois University. The college offers 20 fully online bachelor's degree programs to undergraduate students. For students looking to advance in a journalism-adjacent career, the online bachelor's in journalism program is a wise choice. The journalism program prioritizes flexibility through full- and part-time study options.
Enrollees complete industry-relevant classes throughout their studies, gaining broad and specific knowledge of the journalism field. Students also complete general education requirements. Enrollees can work with their academic advisor to customize their degree through electives, minors, and concentrations.
A bachelor's degree connects graduates with numerous job opportunities with higher earning potential. The institution reports that graduates six years out from their degree earn a median salary of $36,700. Undergraduate students at the college can expect to pay $16,299 in tuition and fees yearly. Before applying, prospective students should connect with the journalism department to learn more about admission requirements and application materials.
Southern Illinois University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 4,417
Total Online Programs: 30
Online Bachelor's Programs: 20
Admission Rate: 66%
- In-State$9,456
- Out-of-state$23,640
- In-State$11,268
- Out-of-state$28,170
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled11,695
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Bachelors
Journalism
2023
Online Bachelor’s in Journalism Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings MethodologyWhat to Expect From a Journalism Major
Online journalism degrees equip students with the skills necessary to responsibly contribute to the public discourse. They gain technical, interpersonal, and communication skills, along with specialized training in common technologies and platforms. While students can choose from many concentrations and courses in a bachelor’s program, the most popular options are listed below.
Journalism Concentrations
Journalism Curriculum
- News Writing and Reporting: In this class, students learn the fundamentals of writing and reporting the news. In addition to gaining writing skills, students learn reporting techniques, media ethics, and strategies to make reports more compelling.
- Digital Media Production: Digital media production classes teach students how to use digital media to tell the stories people want to read, see, and hear. Along with content creation strategies, students learn to use digital media successfully. They may also study photography and live streaming, or examine marketing and branding tactics.
- Multimedia Writing: Multimedia writing courses examine the writing craft and how it changes for various digital mediums and platforms. They explore how to adapt storytelling and story reception for different audiences, how to create multisensory experiences, and how to supplement writing with other media.
- Data Journalism: Data journalism courses teach students how to research and use data to inform their stories. The training looks at ways of interrogating data, analyzing it, and putting it in perspective.
- Journalism and Mass Communication Ethics: Journalism and mass communication ethics courses cover the journalistic standards and ethical frameworks that guide the profession. Students examine challenges these professionals face, their rights and freedoms, and their responsibility to truth and the community.
What Is the Difference Between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Journalism and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Journalism?
Journalism schools typically offer either a bachelor of art (BA) or a bachelor of science (BS) degree, with minor differences between the two. BA degrees emphasize course flexibility and arts training, often including a foreign language requirement, while BS degrees emphasize STEM and more technical aspects of the field. Some institutions may offer both degree types.
While these degrees are similar, the different focuses may lead graduates down varying career paths. For example, BA graduates may pursue traditional reporter and news broadcaster and writer and author careers, whereas BS graduates may be more likely to pursue camera operator or public relations specialist careers.
Choosing an Online Program
When choosing an online journalism degree, aspiring students need to consider factors like program cost, location, and length. They also need to examine the curriculum, ensuring it offers the appropriate courses and specializations for their career interests. Online students should also look into their in-state tuition eligibility and whether programs use an asynchronous or synchronous format.
Finally, learners need to make sure their school and program hold any necessary accreditations. For journalism degrees, schools should have regional accreditation. The most common programmatic accreditation for online journalism degrees comes from the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.
Journalism Careers
After completing an online journalism degree, graduates can pursue an array of journalism careers. While many enter the workforce as reporters and news broadcast analysts, the training also prepares students for jobs in communications, writing, marketing, and public relations. They can also pursue technical writing, content management, and social media management careers.
Throughout their studies, learners can expand their career options through targeted course and concentration selection, or they can choose internships to build experience and get a foot in the door prior to graduation. The data below outlines career options available to journalism graduates and median annual salaries for each.
| Career | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialists | $66,750 |
| Technical Writers | $80,050 |
| Writers and Authors | $73,690 |
| Editors | $75,020 |
| Radio and Television Broadcasters | $57,500 |
| Announcers | $42,557 |
| Newspaper, Periodical, Book, and Directory Publishers | $57,500 |
