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Compare Bachelor’s in Journalism Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Compare Bachelor’s in Journalism Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

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Compare Bachelor’s in Journalism Programs
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The Best Online Bachelor’s in Journalism Programs of 2025
Compare Bachelor’s in Journalism Programs
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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).

Why Trust Us

The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.

  • Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
  • 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
  • Content is informed by reputable sources, surveys, and interviews with academic advisors and other experts
  • Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources

How we rank schools

Our list features the best online Journalism degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.

We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:

Academic Quality:

  • Admission rate versus enrollment rate
  • Retention rate of students who return after year one
  • Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
  • Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions

Graduation Rate

  • Overall graduation rate
  • Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
  • Student-to-faculty ratio

Cost and ROI

  • In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
  • Required credits to graduate
  • Earning potential after graduation
  • Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options

Student Resources

  • Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
  • On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries

Read more about our ranking methodology.

  • 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

Best Online Bachelor's in Journalism Programs badge
01
Intelligent Pick
Southern Illinois University
01
Best Christian Option
Regent University
01
Best Dual Options
DePaul University
01
Best in the Northeast
University of Massachusetts Amherst
01
Best Co-op Program
Drexel University
01
Most Customizable
Pennsylvania State University
01
Best Sports Media Concentration
Texas State University
01
Best in the South
Mississippi College
01
Best in the Southwest
The University of New Mexico - Communication & Journalism
01
Best in the West
Colorado State University
01
Best Multimedia Program
Cameron University
01
Best for Transfer Students
California State University, Bakersfield
01
Best for Digital Journalism
Wilmington University
01
Best for Experiential Learning
New England College
01
Best for Convergence Journalism
Oral Roberts University
01
Best Hybrid Option
University of North Dakota
01
Best Early Start Program
West Virginia University
01
Best for Ministry Media
Olivet Nazarene University
01
Best Concentration Options
The University of Iowa - School of Journalism and Mass Communication
01
Best Concurrent Degree Options
Arizona State University
01
Best Evangelical Option
Southeastern University
01
Best Tech School Option
Indiana Tech
01
Best Internships
State University of New York at Oswego
01
Best Portfolio Program
Webster University
01
Best PR Option
Brenau University
01
Best for Vets
Liberty University
01
Best Self-Paced Program
Upper Iowa University

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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.


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