Many schools offer journalism and communications programs, though not all of them offer health journalism programs. While it's possible to do a double major in health sciences and journalism, there are a number of factors to consider when choosing a school.
10 Schools Offering Health Journalism Degree Programs
The following table providers additional information for these programs.
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degree Offered | Tuition and Fees (2018-2019)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson University | Clemson, SC | 4-year, Public | Postgraduate certificate | $10,602 in state, $20,992 out of state |
| DePaul University | Chicago, IL | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Master's | $19,422 |
| Emerson College | Boston, MA | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Master's | $28,728 |
| George Washington University | Washington, DC | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Master's | $30,838 |
| Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI | 4-year, Public | Master's | $18,132 in-state, $35,628 out-of-state |
| Ohio University - Main Campus | Athens, OH | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate | $12,192 in-state undergraduate, $21,656 out-of-state undergraduate; $9,720 in-state graduate, $17,712 out-of-state graduate |
| San Diego State University | San Diego, CA | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's | $7,488 in-state, $19,340 out-of-state |
| Tufts University Medford, MA | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Master's | $56,382 | |
| University of Houston | Houston, TX | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's | $8,913 in-state undergraduate, $21,273 out-of-state undergraduate; $9,216 in-state graduate, $18,465 out- of-state graduate |
| Winona State University | Winona, MN | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's | $9,425 in state, $15,348 out of state |
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
School Selection Criteria
Students should consider the following:
- Health journalism programs vary in structure; choose a curriculum that balances broad journalism study with more specific coursework in health and medical reporting.
- Bachelor's degree programs offer courses in reporting and writing along with the opportunity to study scientific health subjects
- Master's degree programs offer further specialization possible dual-degree options; Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs can lead to career opportunities in academic or research-based professions.
- Students may want to find schools that offer internships to journalism students; these are usually for credit and are strong additions to a resume.
Bachelor's Degree in Health Journalism
Some bachelor's degree programs in health journalism include a capstone research project, an internship, or both. Curriculum features courses in scientific medical subjects such as epidemiology, health informatics and healthcare law.
Master's Degree in Health Journalism
Master's degree programs may concentrate on health journalism or result in dual degrees in both public health and journalism and have the opportunity to specialize in specific health subjects. Completion time can vary between two and three years.
Ph.D. in Health Communication
Some doctoral programs offer health communication as concentration area. Coursework can include mass communication techniques, distribution of health information, communication research and public health issues. Students must complete and defend a dissertation.
Health journalism may be a bachelor, master or doctoral level program. Each level of program study will have specific courses and focus to prepare the student for career reporting on health issues.
