Why This Matters
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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.
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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.
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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
intelligent score 97.99
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Intelligent Pick
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Intelligent Pick
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Journalism
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
Department College of Mass Communication and Media Arts
Estimated Cost per Credit
$321.50 per credit
accreditation
Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
618-536-3361
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Journalism
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
intelligent score 97.51
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Best Christian Option
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Best Christian Option
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
BA in Communication Studies -" Journalism
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
Department College of Arts & Sciences
Estimated Cost per Credit
$450 per credit
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
757-352-4000
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
BA in Communication Studies -" Journalism
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
intelligent score 97.2
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Best Dual Options
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Best Dual Options
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
Required Credits to Graduate
192 credits
Department College of Communication
Estimated Cost per Credit
$655 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
312-362-8600
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
Required Credits to Graduate
192 credits
intelligent score 96.39
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Best in the Northeast
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Best in the Northeast
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
Department College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
Estimated Cost per Credit
$390 per credit
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
413-545-1378
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
intelligent score 96.29
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Best Co-op Program
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Best Co-op Program
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Communication - Journalism Concentration
Required Credits to Graduate
180-184 credits
Department The College of Arts and Sciences
Estimated Cost per Credit
$530 per credit
accreditation
National Association of Schools of Arts & Design
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
215-895-2456
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Communication - Journalism Concentration
Required Credits to Graduate
180-184 credits
intelligent score 95.77
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Most Customizable
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Most Customizable
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Journalism and Media
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
Department College of the Liberal Arts
Estimated Cost per Credit
$576 - $617 per credit
accreditation
Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
814-865-5403
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Journalism and Media
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
intelligent score 94.56
Award
Best Sports Media Concentration
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Best Sports Media Concentration
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Science Major in Journalism
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
Department School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $297.34 per credit; Non-Resident: $706.34 per credit
accreditation
Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
512-245-2656
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Science Major in Journalism
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
intelligent score 89.87
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Best in the South
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Best in the South
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Journalism
Required Credits to Graduate
130 credits
Department School of Christian Studies & the Arts
Estimated Cost per Credit
$550 per credit
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
Phone:
601-925-3229
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Journalism
Required Credits to Graduate
130 credits
intelligent score 88.53
Award
Best in the Southwest
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Best in the Southwest
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
Department College of Arts and Sciences
Estimated Cost per Credit
$350.86 per credit
accreditation
Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
505-277-5305
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
intelligent score 87.64
Award
Best in the West
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Best in the West
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media Communication
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
Department College of Liberal Arts
Estimated Cost per Credit
$476 per credit
accreditation
Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
more program informationEmail:
Phone:
970-491-6310
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media Communication
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
intelligent score 87.05
Award
Best Multimedia Program
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Best Multimedia Program
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media Production
Required Credits to Graduate
124 credits
Department School of Arts and Sciences
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $215 per credit; Non-Resident: $529 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
580-581-2491
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media Production
Required Credits to Graduate
124 credits
intelligent score 86.74
Award
Best for Transfer Students
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Best for Transfer Students
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
B.A. in Communications Concentration in Journalism
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
Department School of Arts and Humanities
Estimated Cost per Credit
$478 per credit
accreditation
WASC Senior College and University Commission
more program informationEmail:
Phone:
661-654-6345
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
B.A. in Communications Concentration in Journalism
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
intelligent score 85.5
Award
Best for Digital Journalism
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Best for Digital Journalism
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Communication (Digital Journalism)
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
Department College of Arts and Sciences
Estimated Cost per Credit
$381 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
Phone:
877-967-5464
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Communication (Digital Journalism)
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
intelligent score 80.89
Award
Best for Experiential Learning
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Best for Experiential Learning
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
Department College of Arts and Sciences
Estimated Cost per Credit
$320 per credit
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
603-428-2223
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
intelligent score 79.55
Award
Best for Convergence Journalism
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Best for Convergence Journalism
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Convergence Journalism
Required Credits to Graduate
121 credits
Department College of Arts and Cultural Studies
Estimated Cost per Credit
$410 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
918-495-6518
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Convergence Journalism
Required Credits to Graduate
121 credits
intelligent score 79.41
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Best Hybrid Option
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Best Hybrid Option
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
Department College of Arts & Sciences
Estimated Cost per Credit
$355.85 per credit
accreditation
National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
701-777-2159
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
intelligent score 78.09
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Best Early Start Program
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Best Early Start Program
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Journalism
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
Department Reed College of Media
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $319 per credit; Non-Resident: $1,000 per credit
accreditation
Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
304-293-2121
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Journalism
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
intelligent score 76.42
Award
Best for Ministry Media
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Best for Ministry Media
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Multimedia Communication
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
Department College of Arts & Sciences
Estimated Cost per Credit
$495 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
877-465-4838
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Multimedia Communication
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
intelligent score 75.72
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Best Concentration Options
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Best Concentration Options
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
Department School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Estimated Cost per Credit
$337 per credit
accreditation
Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
319-335-3486
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
intelligent score 74.71
Award
Best Concurrent Degree Options
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Best Concurrent Degree Options
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Journalism and Mass Communication, BA
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
Department Walter Cronkite School of Journalism & Mass Comm
Estimated Cost per Credit
$541 per credit
accreditation
Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
602-496-5555
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Journalism and Mass Communication, BA
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
intelligent score 74.01
Award
Best Evangelical Option
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Best Evangelical Option
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Digital Journalism, Bachelor of Science
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
Department College of Arts & Media
Estimated Cost per Credit
$390 per credit
accreditation
Association for General and Liberal Studies
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
863-667-5657
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Digital Journalism, Bachelor of Science
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
intelligent score 73.42
Award
Best Tech School Option
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Best Tech School Option
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
Department College of Arts and Sciences
Estimated Cost per Credit
$541 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
260-422-5561
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
intelligent score 73.42
Award
Best Internships
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Best Internships
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
Department School of Communication, Media and the Arts
Estimated Cost per Credit
$353 per credit
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
315-312-2250
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
intelligent score 71.93
Award
Best Portfolio Program
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Best Portfolio Program
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
BA in Journalism
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
Department School of Communications
Estimated Cost per Credit
$780 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
314-968-7154
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
BA in Journalism
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
intelligent score 71.07
Award
Best PR Option
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Best PR Option
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
Department College of Business & Communication
Estimated Cost per Credit
$678 per credit
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
770-534-6100
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
intelligent score 70.33
Award
Best for Vets
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Best for Vets
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
B.S. in Digital Media & Journalism
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
Department School of Communication & the Arts
Estimated Cost per Credit
$390 per credit
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
877-298-9617
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
B.S. in Digital Media & Journalism
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
intelligent score 70.14
Award
Best Self-Paced Program
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Best Self-Paced Program
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
Department School of Arts and Sciences
Estimated Cost per Credit
$488 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
563-425-5918
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
Required Credits to Graduate
120 credits
Discover More Options
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.