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What Can I Expect From an Online Master’s in Journalism Program?
As a student seeking an online journalism program, you can expect to find a range of programs that offer you the same quality and type of education you would find in an on-campus program. You will learn valuable journalistic skills with the most advanced degree programs emphasizing the growing field of digital media. For working journalists, one of the primary benefits of continuing your education online is the flexibility it offers. Professionals can continue working while enhancing their professional knowledge and leadership skills by earning their master’s degree. Because programs vary greatly, compare curriculum, concentrations, format, and cost to find the right program for your career goals.
Available concentrations
Journalism programs cover a broad range of skills, and there are several possible concentrations you can choose from in your program. Below is a list of focus areas that are commonly included in many journalism programs across the country.
Investigative journalism: Covers the investigative process, emphasizing the importance of documentary evidence and the traditional forms of investigative materials. Graduates will be equipped for positions as investigative or broadcast reporters/journalists.
Documentary: Trains students in the craft of long-form visual storytelling and the business side of documentary production. Graduates may become documentary writers, documentary producers, or documentary filmmakers.
Politics: Students learn how politics works, including social and political affairs and the formation of the nation-state and political institutions. Coursework will qualify students to become political journalists, correspondents, or press secretaries.
Business and economics: An online master’s in journalism with a concentration in business and economics emphasizes the global marketplace, global economy, national economy, financial markets, and corporate and individual economics. This concentration can lead to a job as an investigative journalist, business and economics reporter, or features writer.
Arts and culture: Helps students develop historical knowledge and contextual understanding across a broad range of disciplines and examine the emotional force of the arts while finding news value and writing with authority. Students may go on to jobs as a cultural reporter or art critic.
Science: Focuses on scientific fields emphasizing understanding the culture and practice of science, whether it involves hard sciences, health, or technology. Graduates are qualified for jobs as an investigative reporter or medical writer.
Common degree curriculum
The curriculum for online master’s degrees in journalism varies by school, but most programs have similar core courses and allow you to enroll in various electives to customize your degree. Choosing a specific concentration helps you to meet your personal and professional needs and goals.
Some programs are entirely online, but some are hybrid programs offered partially online and on campus. Many programs require a capstone project or thesis to conclude the program and finish your degree. Despite the differences, many programs offer similar coursework, which may include these courses.
News Writing and Reporting: Improve your reporting and news writing skills, including interviewing, researching, and fact-checking.
Investigative Techniques: Develop in-depth researching skills using multiple sources of information and learn how to gather, verify, and evaluate facts to create unique and accurate written materials.
Feature Writing: Learn to balance informative reporting with an earnest narrative that gives issues the human touch while helping expand interview skills and develop the writer’s voice.
Deadline Writing: Focus on the techniques and ability to assemble accurate, clearly written stories on a deadline.
Journalism Ethics: Explore the ethical issues that often arise in journalism, including verifying information and the relationship between personal values and journalistic decisions, such as the pressure of writing on a deadline.
Journalism Law: Cover the protections and restrictions of the law as they apply to journalism, including significant court cases and legal rules and journalistic standards both domestically and internationally.
Business of Journalism: Examine the historical challenges and changes in the journalism industry and business issues that affect journalism organizations.
Certification and license preparation
Many journalism positions do not require certification or licensing. You may be interested in becoming a Certified Journalism Educator, bestowed by the Journalism Education Association. Completing your online master’s in journalism may help fulfill some of the requirements for this certification.
Program accreditation
Accreditation assures students a school meets the basic standards of educational excellence when measured against national standards. Colleges and universities may be accredited in three ways, including federal, regional, or program-specific accreditation. Regional and national accreditation agencies are recognized by the Department of Education or Council for Higher Education Accreditation and assess the school. Always choose an accredited school to ensure eligibility for federal and state financial aid and many private scholarships.
Program-specific accreditation is less common and only assesses a specific department or degree path. While online programs have gained popularity, it’s relatively new for them to receive accreditation. However, some distance learning programs, including some online master’s in journalism programs, are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Also, the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication is responsible for evaluating professional journalism and mass communications programs in colleges and universities. Some schools have sought accreditation through this organization for their online journalism programs.
Program completion timeline
The time it takes to complete your online master’s degree in journalism depends on many factors, including whether you enroll as a full-time or part-time student. Another significant factor is whether the program allows you to work at your own pace or is a cohort-based program requiring you to complete the program requirements with your classmates. Whatever the format, programs typically range from 30 to 36 credits, and most students complete their degree in two years. However, accelerated programs may be completed in as little as one year.
Employment Outlook for Master’s in Journalism Graduates
Earning your bachelor’s degree in journalism prepares you for many entry-level jobs; however, journalists seeking higher-level positions, especially managerial roles, often find quicker promotion with a master’s degree. Besides quicker advancement, your advanced degree also sets you up for a higher salary.
According to Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, journalism professionals with bachelor’s degrees earn a median salary of $56,000, but those with a master’s degree earn a median salary of $71,000. Earning your master’s degree in journalism online offers the same upward mobility and salary capacity as completing the same program through a traditional on-campus program.
Your online master’s in journalism program provides you with highly transferable skills that open up numerous professional opportunities. Your learned skills allow you to perform accurate research and write concise, entertaining stories of interest to a broad audience. Whether you work for print, broadcast, or digital media outlets, this makes you a valuable asset. You also have the option to work freelance and cater to various clients.
Writers and authors develop written content for various media types, including fictional stories, novels, poetry or script or nonfiction reporting, blogs, advertising material, biographies, or technical papers.
Technical writers transform technical information into more easily digested material as they prepare journal articles, instruction manuals, technical guides, and other supporting documents for distribution through various communication channels.
Public relations specialists use their writing skills to create and maintain a favorable public image for the individuals, companies, or organizations they represent, which may include crafting print and online media releases and social media programs. If your online master’s in journalism program had a concentration in politics, you may work for government officials or agencies in a public relations capacity as a press secretary.
$67,440 per year
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Professional organizations
Journalists are part of a tight-knit group that supports other professionals in all types of workplaces, from small-town newspaper reporters to foreign correspondents working for major news networks. Joining professional organizations provides new journalists the support to succeed with networking, training, mentoring, job leads, and other members-only benefits. Some notable organizations for journalism professionals include:
Society of Professional Journalists: As one of the most broad-based journalism organizations in the nation, the SPJ strives to inspire and educate current and future journalists. SPJ membership offers numerous benefits, including national and regional conferences, training programs, career support and job listings, industry insights, professional publications, and advocacy in your chosen vocation.
National Press Club: Designed for journalism, communications, and public relations professionals, the NPC is a vigorous advocate of freedom of the press nationally and worldwide. It offers numerous career development, networking, and social opportunities, including professional training and workshops, internal newsletters, conferences, and other members-only benefits.
Online News Association: Intended especially for digital journalists, the ONA is a nonprofit organization that connects journalism and technology. Benefits include networking and training opportunities like volunteer-led local meetups, a premier journalism industry conference, a career center, online journalism awards, and significant members-only discounts for events and workshops from partner organizations.
Financing Your Online Master’s in Journalism
While online master’s in journalism programs typically cost less than on-campus programs, paying for an advanced degree is still a financial investment some students have trouble affording. Online students have many of the same financial aid resources as traditional students.
Start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to learn about scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs offered through the federal government. Many states also use this form to see if you qualify for state aid, but some require a separate form.
Numerous scholarships, fellowships, and other financial assistance are also available from various professional organizations, nonprofits, and corporations, some especially for online students.
Student finance resources and guides
If you have questions about financial aid, don’t worry: there are numerous resources available online that can help you wrap your head around the complexities of financial assistance, including information about loans, the FAFSA, and other options for financial aid. Review the following resources for more information on financial assistance.
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
