Best Online Master's Degrees in Journalism

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*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

To earn an online master's degree in journalism, students must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited program or school. Most master's programs do not require students to have a specific undergraduate degree for admission. Some journalism experience may be required, however, so a bachelor's in a related field may be the most common.

For example, students who want to earn a master's in journalism may consider getting an associate's degree in a subject like mass communications. These degrees are typically Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degrees. They teach students the basic skills needed for a career in mass communications such as mass communication theories, basic journalistic writing, copy editing and more. It normally takes around two years to earn such a degree, as students must complete about 60 credit hours.

At the next level, students may consider obtaining a bachelor's in a subject like mass communications, possibly with a concentration in journalism. Like associate's degrees, these can be found as both Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) options. Many of the same topics covered in two-year programs are typically taught at this level, though the courses will probably delve into more depth. Additionally, new areas like media law, media ethics, feature writing and advanced classes on subjects already covered liked reporting may also be featured. Most bachelor's programs in this subject take around four years to complete, with students finishing roughly 120 credit hours of coursework.

The most common academic option for those who complete a master's in journalism is a doctoral degree, which is the terminal degree in the field. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Journalism may be the most common; these are designed for those who want to teach, research, consult or lead at the highest levels in the industry. Some doctoral programs may require students to have a master's to qualify, while others allow them to earn their master's simultaneously.

Students are not limited, however, to only a doctorate in journalism. Other degrees within the communication discipline, particularly mass communications, may also apply to those who get a master's in journalism. PhD programs in communications or media and public affairs are examples of other areas in which graduates with a master's in journalism may shift their focus.

In addition to furthering academic studies, perhaps the most common reason to obtain an online journalism master's degree is career advancement. Some leadership positions within media organizations may require such a degree, and the enhanced specialization and expertise given by these programs can be beneficial for getting more prestigious and high-paying jobs in journalism. Students may also pursue this degree to change their careers or en route to becoming an academic. By earning a master's online, graduates can complete a program in around one or two years in many cases, providing speed and flexibility.

With the variety of skills required to be a journalist in the 21st century, it may come as no surprise that a diverse range of courses is offered depending on your chosen master's program. These programs typically at least cover some basic areas of journalism like reporting and law before moving into more concentrated studies on higher-level concerns within the profession. To graduate, students may need to complete a capstone project that takes the form of an internship or some other type of real-world experience. Below, we'll cover some of the most common courses for a master's degree in journalism.

Journalism Foundational Courses

Virtually all online master's programs require students to complete classes in foundational journalism skills. If a pupil does not have an undergraduate degree in journalism, the number of these classes may increase, or that student may have to pass a test on basic journalism capabilities. Common foundational courses include:

• Video journalism
• Journalism ethics and law
• News reporting
• Interactive journalism
• Writing (may include news and feature writing classes)

Journalism Specialist & Elective Courses

Many online master's degrees require students to take elective courses to complete the program. Some also have specialization options, though journalism is also frequently a specialization within the larger communication school. Specializations within journalism may include:

• Media management
• Health communication
• Strategic communication
• Media innovation
• Politics, policy and foreign affairs
• Sports media
• Media analytics and management
• Reporting

In terms of elective classes, these can vary widely from program to program. Possible examples include:

• Video reporting
• Video editing
• Data visualization
• Visual storytelling
• Sports journalism
• Photography
• Investigative reporting
• Diversity in journalism

Licensure & Certification in Journalism

Licensure or certification is not required to practice journalism in the United States, nor is it a common feature of many graduate programs. Nevertheless, those who want to take the academic route with their career can earn certification as a journalism educator. Two of the most common options are the Certified Journalism Educator and Master Journalism Educator certifications offered by the Journalism Education Association.

The CEJ is geared toward those who want to demonstrate their knowledge of the basics of journalism and media advising. To obtain this certification, individuals must be JEA members, submit a resume and letter of recommendation, pay a $60 fee, and take a test. For the MEJ certification, candidates must have at least five years experience teaching or advising in journalism, as this shows someone is enough of an expert to help fellow educators, help students with specific projects, adapt or design journalism programs or act as spokesperson. Other requirements include submitting a resume, letter of recommendation, three professional growth activities, proposal for a project, and integrity statement, paying a $85 fee, and passing the test. Students can retake the test for either option.

The admission requirements for online journalism master's programs vary for each school. There may be no better example than the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), a test that applicants must take to get into many graduate programs but that is not required for at least some journalism programs. Other possible requirements include:

• A basic application with your information
• An application fee
• Writing samples like a statement of purpose, essay or research paper
• Experience in journalism
• A resume
• Letters of recommendation
• Academic transcripts
• A minimum GPA

As previously mentioned, many graduate programs in journalism at the master's level are designed for those looking to further their journalism careers. There are, however, programs that are more academically minded, with the long-term goal of those students often being to obtain a doctorate in the subject. For those who are searching for employment after graduation, getting a master's degree in journalism may improve your salary and career prospects., as an advanced degree may be necessary to qualify for more senior positions or leadership roles within journalism. These jobs may be more senior versions of those found by undergraduate students. Examples include:

• Communications director
• Editor
• Media critic
• Public affairs director
• Social media manager
• Publisher
• News director
• News anchor
• Senior reporter
• Media account executive

Job Outlook for a Master's in Journalism

Journalism is a poster child for career fields that have been upended by the advances in technology in recent years. The dominance of the internet and social media companies has drastically altered the business model for journalism, making many traditional jobs more difficult to find and increasing the importance of determining whether you should major in journalism. Still, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2019 that employment in media and communications jobs is projected to grow by 4 percent between 2019 and 2029, which is about the average rate. It also found that the median annual wage for all these occupations was higher than the average for all occupations, as of May 2019.

How to Become a News Director

The news director at a TV news station sets the standards that govern who, what, when, where, why and how news is covered or not, making this one of the top positions for those pursuing a career in broadcast journalism. This person is the head of the news department, making big-picture decisions on what topics reporters write or talk about based on a variety of news and business factors. These long-range thinkers plan ahead for the station to ensure a steady stream of news content. They also must complete management duties like developing budgets and responding to shifts in ratings.

Although a news director is typically someone with extensive experience in journalism, a master's degree may be beneficial because of the expertise it provides and the opportunities it may present. That advanced degree may be necessary to obtain the position as well.

How to Become an Executive Editor

Like news directors, executive editors are often individuals who work their way up the ranks to obtain this supervisory position. These individuals plan, review and revise content for publications. They may also serve as a sounding board for writers and reporters who pitch story ideas. Executive editors typically also have managerial responsibilities. That can include hiring and firing employees, budgeting, and supervising current workers. The BLS reported in 2019 that editors had a median annual wage of $61,370, but employment in this field is projected to decline 7 percent between 2019 and 2029.

As with undergraduate degrees, for an online master's in journalism, it is important to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). That is the first step to determine what federal monies students may qualify for. Filling out this form might take an hour or two and require documents like social security numbers, driver's license number and federal tax information for you, your spouse (if you are married) and your parents (if you are a dependent student).

In addition, one of the main ways graduate students in journalism can obtain financial aid is through graduate assistantships. In that role, students serve in a support role at a university, earning a salary or tuition discount for their work. The duties for each position vary depending on the school, department, or faculty member a student works for.

There are also numerous scholarship opportunities available to graduate students in journalism programs. Many of these are specific to individual schools, so be sure to check with your chosen university to see what options are available to you. For instance, journalism programs at California universities might offer special scholarships for students pursuing this field. One such scholarship is the California Chicano News Media Association (CCNMA), which is offered through the University of California-Berkeley and awards $500 to $1,000 to Latino students who plan to go after a career in journalism.

• The Society of Professional Journalists - The SPJ is the largest journalism organization in America, with chapters in most states. Founded in 1909, the group seeks to ensure a free press for its roughly 6,000 members. It is also an industry authority on ethics, publishing a handbook on the subject regularly.
• The International Radio & Television Society - The IRTS was founded for all those involved in electronic media, so in today's digital work it includes those who work in internet, mobile, publishing, and advertising. The goal of the group is to use the wisdom of industry veterans and current leaders to build better leaders within the media.
• Online News Association - The ONA is the largest digital journalism association in the world, with members including journalists, executives, students, educators and other professionals. The group's membership focuses on the areas of developing strategies for emerging technology, sharing best practices on audience engagement and metrics, developing innovative news storytelling, experimenting and finding new ways to make money, and cultivating newsroom leadership, culture, and diversity.