The Best Online Master’s in Journalism Programs
Summary of work: More than 44 hours of research. Every online Master in Journalism program in the US analyzed. 22 industry experts, hiring managers, current students, and alumni consulted. 12 of the best programs identified.
Overview
Journalists research and write news, features, and opinions that cover current and critical events. Due to the gravity of these events, journalists must be well trained in clear communication and the ethics of reporting. With the rise of digital publications and social media, journalists also have the responsibility of ensuring that the public receives trustworthy content that speaks to social, cultural, and political reality. To develop the skills necessary to do so, many pursue master’s degrees.
Graduate programs offer advanced coursework in the fundamentals of contemporary reporting. Courses include multi-platform journalism, ethics, and media management. Students can also specialize in specific fields including politics, environmental policy, and media. No matter what topic a student chooses, they can feel confident they are receiving the latest instruction in how to provide essential information in a manner that will engage audiences.
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WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A MASTER'S IN JOURNALISM?
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CAN I GET A MASTER’S IN JOURNALISM ONLINE?
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HOW DO I GET A MASTER'S IN JOURNALISM?
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HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A MASTER'S IN JOURNALISM?
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HOW WELL ACCEPTED ARE ONLINE JOURNALISM DEGREES?
Reliable journalism is more important than ever. The stories and knowledge journalists surface are important for encouraging a critical and reflective public—essential tools for combatting miseducation. Whether they are reporting on the news, sports, or even the entertainment industry, well-educated journalists provide informed perspectives that can pave a path through the threat of misinformation.
For more more resources and career information related to this degree, please read our career guide here.
Our Methodology
Best Online Masters in Journalism Programs
We took a deep-dive and analyzed every online Masters in Journalism program in the nation. Below are the results of our analysis and a list of the 12 best online Masters in Journalism programs.
Read about our methodology here.
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA 2138Harvard University's online master's in journalism program comes with the distinction of earning a degree at one of the most prestigious universities in the nation. An award-winning faculty delivers the coursework and thoroughly educates students in the art of journalism, covering everything from internet reporting and the media to fact checking and reporting the news using ethical principles.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master in Journalism
DeliveryFormat: Online, On-campus
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 12 Courses
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time
Program Length: 5 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
Graduation Rate
98%
School Type
Private Non-profit
Tuition
$2,750 per course
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65211The University of Missouri became the first school in the nation to found a journalism program and continues to deliver a quality education to both on-campus and online students. Full- and part-time students who want to learn from industry leaders and a career-driven program should consider Mizzou for its long history of developing professional journalists.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Journalism
Program Name: Master in Journalism
Available concentrations: Health Communication, Interactive Media, Media Management, Strategic Communication.
Accrediting body: ACEJMC
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 37 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Summer: April 15; Fall: July 1; Spring November 15
GPA: 3.0
Work Experience: 3 or more years of professional experience in a journalism-related field
Graduation Rate
69%
School Type
Public
Tuition
$700 per credit
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
1400 R St Lincoln, NE 68588UNL designed its online master's in journalism program with professional journalists in mind, helping them to enhance their knowledge of the field. Students can attend the program on a part-time basis while continuing to work and using what they've learned in their own professions.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Journalism & Communications
Program Name: Journalism & Mass Communications, MA (Professional Journalism)
Accrediting body: HLC
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: February 1; Spring: September 1
GPA: 2.0
Graduation Rate
67%
School Type
Public
Tuition
In-state: $357 per credit; Out-of-state: $629 per credit
University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487The University of Alabama's online master's in journalism program prepares students for management or administrative roles by challenging student's ability to critically and creatively think, and understand the ever changing field of journalism. The coursework is delivered entirely online and develops the students' skill set in media communications, news reporting, journalism research, and much more.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Journalism and Creative Media
Program Name: Master of Arts in Journalism
Available concentrations: Digital media and information, Entrepreneurialism and management, Writing and reporting, Social science and research for journalism
Accrediting body: SACS/CC
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 31 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2 years
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0
Graduation Rate
66%
School Type
Public
Tuition
$394 per credit
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ 85281Arizona State University offers a Master of Science in Business Journalism program for journalists and communications professionals who want to complete their studies online. Graduate students develop the knowledge and expertise not only in business but also communicating about business more effectively in their professional careers.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Program Name: Online Master of Science in Business Journalism
Accrediting body: HLC
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's or master's degree in journalism, mass communication, public relations, business or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: November 7
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
Work Experience: Have some professional communications experience
Graduation Rate
63%
School Type
Public
Tuition
$533 per credit
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN 38152The University of Memphis offers a master's degree program for journalism students who want to learn online but also get real-world practice. During the students' time in the program, they work together with local and national news outlets to improve their journalism knowledge and skills for use in their current or future careers.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Social Science
Program Name: Master of Arts in Journalism and Strategic Media
Available concentrations: News and Storytelling, Integrated Strategic Media, Visual Media, Research
Accrediting body: SACSCOC
DeliveryFormat: Online, On-campus
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 33 credits
Field Education Requirements: Capstone project, a practicum, or a thesis to graduate
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Admission Requirements
Graduation Rate
44%
School Type
Public
Tuition
$603 per credit
Ball State University
2000 W University Ave Muncie, IN 47306Ball State University offers a flexible master's in journalism program for online students who can't commit to a full-time schedule. This program provides students with the flexibility to complete the coursework at their own pace, to choose between a creative project and a thesis, and to pursue one of several specializations to enhance their degree.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Journalism
Program Name: Master of Arts in Journalism
Available concentrations: Reporting and Storytelling, Media Analytics and Management
Accrediting body: HLC
DeliveryFormat: Online, Hybrid
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from an institution that is accredited by its regional accrediting association
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Fall: Third Monday in August; Spring: First Monday in January; Summer: Second Monday in May
Graduation Rate
59%
School Type
Public
Tuition
In-state: $410 per credit; Out-of-state: $616 per credit
Mississippi College
200 Capitol St Clinton, MS 39056Mississippi College's online master's in journalism program is perfect for students who want to advance their careers in sports broadcasting. The curriculum includes professional communication in sports, preparing graduates for careers as announcers for numerous sports networks.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Christian Studies and the Arts
Program Name: Integrated Communication, Journalism Concentration, Journalism Concentration, MSC.
Accrediting body: SACSCOC
DeliveryFormat: On-campus
Program requirementsPrerequisites: A baccalaureate degree
Credit Requirements: 31 credits
Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.5
Graduation Rate
54%
School Type
Private Non-profit
Tuition
$588 per credit
Kent State University
800 E Summit St Kent, OH 44240Kent State University designed its online master's in journalism program for educators who want to increase their skills, knowledge and credibility in the classroom. Students who want to advance their careers as journalism teachers should consider Kent State's program for its rigorous coursework, supportive faculty, and flexible scheduling.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Communication & Information
Program Name: Master of Arts in Journalism ans Mass Communication
Accrediting body: HLC
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Credit Requirements: 33 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Part-time
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
School Type
Public
Tuition
$525 per credit, out-of-state waivers available
Regent University
1000 Regent University Dr Virginia Beach, VA 23464Regent University presents its online master's in journalism program from a Christian worldview, developing the next generation of journalists with Christian principles. The program covers everything from social media to internet marketing, giving students the skills to succeed as journalism professionals with moral and ethical values.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Communication & the Arts
Program Name: M.A. in Journalism
Accrediting body: SACS/CC
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Credit Requirements: 33 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: October 29
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
Graduation Rate
50%
School Type
Private Non-profit
Tuition
$595 per credit
Clarion University
840 Wood St Clarion, PA 16214Clarion University offers an accelerated master's in journalism program for students who want to advance their careers without spending years in school. Graduate students in this program can complete every semester online and earn their degree in just 18 months.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Communication
Program Name: Master of Science: Mass Media Arts and Journalism
Accrediting body: ALA
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 18 months
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: August 15; Spring: January 7; Summer: April 1
GPA: 3.0
Graduation Rate
50%
School Type
Public
Tuition
In-state: $397 per credit; Out-of-state: $449 per credit
University of South Florida St. Petersburg
140 7th Ave S St. Petersburg, FL 33701USF St. Petersburg's online journalism program develops students skill in all aspects of digital media publication and production. Graduates will learn how to conceptualize their written work into a visually captivating design and be able to publish it to various multimedia and social media platforms.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Arts and Sciences
Program Name: Master of Arts in Digital Journalism and Design
Accrediting body: Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC)
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree
Credit Requirements: 33-39 hours
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall: May 1; Spring: October 15
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0
Graduation Rate
70%
School Type
Public
Tuition
In-state: $426 per credit; Out-of-state: $871 per credit