Why This Matters

  • 46,200 MORE JOURNALISTS, NEWS ANALYSTS, AND REPORTERS NEEDED BY 2029

    While a decline of 11% is expected across the industry, the demand for those with multimedia journalism experience will remain high.

  • EARN A MEDIAN SALARY OF $46,270 PER YEAR

    Journalists who hold a bachelor’s degree and work as correspondents and news analysts earn a median salary that is $6,460 higher than the national average of $39,810.

  • USE YOUR BACHELOR’S DEGREE ACROSS MULTIPLE INDUSTRIES

    Occupations such as technical writers, editors, and public relations managers are additional career paths available to those who obtain a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Technical writers earn a median salary of $72,850, which is $33,040 more than the U.S. median salary.

Our Research

This list covers undergraduate programs in journalism, with many schools awarding a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. We’ve included programs that offer both online and hybrid learning formats.

Also, we only included programs that have been accredited by institutions such as the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC), the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

  • 50 hours to write this article
  • 56 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 103 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Online Bachelor’s in Journalism Programs

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What You Should Know About This Degree

When deciding on a program of study for your bachelor’s degree, consider the type of journalism you’d like to focus on during your career. While excellent writing skills are needed for news coverage and online reporting, you will also need additional on-camera and public experience for broadcast journalism. Check for the specializations and specific coursework offered by each degree program to make sure you’ll learn the required skills for your desired profession.

Graduates can expect stiff competition as the number of jobs continues to decline due to a loss in advertising revenue across newspapers, television, and magazines. Prospective employers who are looking to maximize their team’s output will look for candidates with a diverse skillset and strong knowledge of how to operate in the rapidly transforming world of modern journalism.

Obtaining additional certifications and licensing can help you stand out from other candidates and improve your career prospects.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching online bachelor’s in journalism programs:

  • Am I eligible for this program? Most students with a high school diploma are eligible to pursue an undergraduate degree in journalism. However, many programs may request writing samples, a minimum GPA, and some previous experience in journalism. Visit the website of the program you wish to attend to learn more detailed information about what is required.
  • How long does it take to complete this online degree? The programs on this list require around 120 credits, which takes most students about four years to complete.

Be mindful of application deadlines and entry requirements, as they vary between programs. Most schools share information about admissions directly on their website. You can also learn more by contacting the office of the registrar.

Higher education can be expensive, so it’s important to consider how you’ll cover these costs. Scholarships, federal student aid, and other financial funding opportunities are available to help alleviate these costs.