Online Master’s In Journalism Programs

Earning a master's in journalism can lead to new career opportunities. Here, we list the top programs available.

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Updated April 10, 2023

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Online Master’s In Journalism Programs

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News analysts, reporters, and journalists inform consumers about the news through articles, radio programs, and television reports. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that these professionals earn a median $46,270 annual salary. In May 2019, the largest employers for these workers included publishers, broadcast stations, and other information services companies.

The BLS projects that the journalism field should contract 11% in 2019-2029. As a result, workers need every advantage to succeed in a tight job market. A master's in journalism allows recent college graduates and experienced professionals to hone new, in-demand skills.


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Answers to Concerns About a Journalism Degree


What kind of jobs can you get with a journalism degree?

Popular careers for master's in journalism degree-holders include associate producers, news anchors, and corporate communications assistants. Other graduates work as reporters or online communications managers.

How long does it take to get a master's in journalism?

Some online journalism master's degrees require as few as 11 months to complete. Other degrees may take 18-24 months, depending on requirements and enrollment status.

How hard is it to get a journalism job?

Many bachelor's and master's journalism degree-seekers complete internships and freelance assignments to develop a personal brand. Some graduates continue working freelance until they find a permanent position.

Are journalists in high demand?

The BLS projects the need for journalists to shrink 11% in 2019-2029. Professionals need new skills, such as those that journalism master's degrees emphasize, to increase their employability.

Why Get a Degree in Journalism?

A journalism degree confers many advantages, including in-demand writing skills applicable to numerous professions. Students adapt to an evolving job market by selecting a specialization, such as political or sports journalism. A master's in journalism emphasizes interpersonal skills, a necessity when networking with potential employers.

Students enrolled in asynchronous online programs continue working while earning a degree, allowing them to apply and hone new skills on the job. Online learning's other benefits include the ability to enroll in an out-of-state program, develop time management skills, and learn industry-leading software suites employers expect job applicants to know.

How Much Does a Journalism Degree Cost?

Most master's in journalism programs charge a flat per-credit tuition rate, meaning full-time and part-time students pay the same for their degree. However, some universities charge per-term tuition. This structure benefits full-time, accelerated students, as their part-time peers end up paying more per credit.

An online degree may cost less than an on-campus program, depending on the school. Some reputable public universities waive out-of-state tuition for online learners. Other cost savings include not paying for on-campus housing, a meal plan, or a commute. Many online students continue working while in school, helping them avoid debt.

Online students should expect to save on many school fees, including parking and specific student support services applicable only to on-campus learners. However, some online schools charge degree-seekers a per-semester or per-course technology fee. Prospective students should consult schools' financial aid offices to receive a tuition and fee breakdown.

Break down your current financial situation, and receive a college tuition estimate you can afford to pay.

How Much Do Journalism Majors Make?

Salaries for journalism degree-holders depend on profession, employer, geographic location, and years of experience. A newscast director at a regional news station may earn only $15,000 annually, while professionals working for national networks earn $40,000-$50,000. Jobs that pay more regardless of location include researcher and field producer.

The BLS reports that journalists working in Washington, D.C., New York, and Georgia earn the highest annual mean salaries at $68,780-$103,320. New York, California, and Texas employ the largest number of journalists, making them an attractive option for master's in journalism graduates considering where they should start their career.

Like many workers, journalists achieve career advancement by gaining work experience in lower-paying positions. Other options include becoming a subject-matter expert or completing one or more university certificates, such as interactive media.

Courses in Journalism

Students customize their education and prepare for a career with a specialization, such as health communication, media management, or strategic communication. However, all programs emphasize the reporting and multimedia skills journalists need for career success. Many journalism master's degrees conclude with a capstone project where degree-seekers perform independent research and write multiple articles.

The following sample curriculum describes three typical courses most master's in journalism programs require. Please keep in mind that course names and requirements vary by school. Fortunately, many colleges and universities publish curriculum details on their website. Admissions advisors also answer prospective students' questions regarding academic expectations.

Scholarships for Journalism

Students need not go into debt when earning a master's in journalism. Scholarships award funding to academically gifted learners and those who demonstrate financial need. All of the following awards feature a 2021 application deadline. Please visit the sponsoring organization or agency's official website to review the latest requirements and deadlines.

Scholarships for Journalism
Scholarship Amount Who Can Apply

Council for International Cooperation/Anna Chennault Scholarship

$5,000 CIC accepts applications from Asian American students preparing for a journalism career. Applicants submit official transcripts, one recommendation letter, relevant work samples, and an essay.

The National Press Club/Shirley and Dennis Feldman Fellowship for Graduate Students

$5,000 NPC accepts applications from graduate school applicants and current students majoring in journalism. Application materials include transcripts, a 500-word essay, and three recommendation letters.

Overseas Press Club Foundation Scholarships

$3,000 Aspiring overseas journalists apply to the OPC Foundation scholarships. Applicants submit a resume and a writing sample, and photo and video journalism students must provide a work portfolio.

Online Master's in Journalism Programs 2022

#1 Online Master’s In Journalism Programs

University of Missouri

  • Columbia, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Missouri offers an online journalism program for distance learners. The school enrolls 6,464 students in its online courses. The university offers an online master's degree in journalism. Employers value the rigorous education from the accredited program. The master's program emphasizes advanced skills and knowledge for journalism careers. The institution reports a student-to-faculty ratio of 17-to-1, giving students one-on-one time with faculty.

The university's website provides more information about support services and student organizations. The school charges affordable tuition rates and offers financial aid. This makes it easier for master's students to cover the cost of their degree. Learners can expect a 71% graduation rate at the university.

University of Missouri Facts:

Total Online Enrollment: 9,722

Number of Online Master’s Programs: 21

Graduate Tuition: $9,264/year in-state; $25,363/year out-of-state

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $10,464

Average Net Price: $15,850

The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,120
Out-of-state
$26,991
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,264
Out-of-state
$25,363
Retention Rate
88%
Acceptance Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
30,014
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
32% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#2 Online Master’s In Journalism Programs

Regent University

  • Virginia Beach, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Among Regent University's academic offerings are online master's programs in fields including journalism. Of the private institution's students, 9,507 attend classes in an online format, while others study in person at the Virginia Beach campus. Busy learners balancing work and school can benefit from online programs' scheduling flexibility.

The MA in journalism curriculum emphasizes career skills and field-specific knowledge. Specialized electives allow students to customize the program based on their goals and interests. The online program prioritizes flexible scheduling and specialized industry skills development. Learners currently employed in the journalism field often qualify for career advancement after graduation. Students and alumni can access career services from the institution.

Learners in the school's master's programs can access career advising and financial aid counseling. The school charges online students affordable tuition rates and offers institutional funding for eligible applicants. Private scholarships and institutional fellowships can also help learners fund their master's studies.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$17,220
Out-of-state
$17,220
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,552
Out-of-state
$15,552
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
86%
Students Enrolled
10,365
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Online Master’s In Journalism Programs

Marshall University

  • Huntington, WV
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Based in Huntington, West Virginia, Marshall University educates graduate degree-seekers through in-person and flexible online programs. The public institution's offerings include an online master's in new media studies for distance learners throughout the country. Professionals currently employed in the journalism field can pursue promotions or raises after earning their master's degree.

Graduate students can discuss the journalism field and plan their academic track with experienced faculty advisors. The program features a rigorous curriculum, helping enrollees develop foundational knowledge in the field. In addition to journalism knowledge, coursework emphasizes industry-specific analytical and leadership skills.

Affordable tuition rates and institutional funding make pursuing graduate studies easier for many learners. Degree-seekers can discuss funding options with financial aid counselors.

Marshall University at a Glance:

Online Master's Programs: 50

Total Online Programs: 29

Number of Online Students: 4,754

Graduate Tuition In-State: $7,506

Graduate Tuition Out-of-State: $19,840

Accepts Transfer Credits: No

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,190
Out-of-state
$18,044
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,506
Out-of-state
$19,840
Retention Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
87%
Students Enrolled
12,852
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
37% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Online Master’s In Journalism Programs

University of Iowa

  • Iowa City, IA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Iowa delivers undergraduate and graduate programs from its Iowa City campus. Along with in-person programs, the school offers online master's programs.

The institution's online master's degree in strategic communication benefits distance degree-seekers seeking career advancement in the journalism field. The flexible course options and rigorous curriculum allow professionals to launch or advance their journalism career. Support services including faculty mentorship and career counseling prepare learners to succeed academically and professionally.

The school charges online enrollees affordable tuition rates, making graduate studies more accessible. Students with financial need can submit the FAFSA to qualify for federal grants, scholarships, and loans. Additional financial aid options to help learners fund their master's studies include private scholarships and fellowships.

University of Iowa Numbers:

Average Cost Per Credit: $661

Students Receiving Aid: 85%

Students Receiving Loans: 43%

Total Master's Programs: 136

Total Online Master's Programs: 136

Transfer Credits Accepted: No

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,073
Out-of-state
$30,036
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,079
Out-of-state
$29,026
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
31,240
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
50% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

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