Key Takeaways:
- Online journalism programs range from short certificates to full master’s degrees, so you can start small or dive straight into a specialized track.
- Costs vary widely, with several accredited options costing under $15,000 in total estimated tuition.
- Many programs let you transfer credits or build on a mass communication background, making it easier to switch directions later.
Breaking into journalism today means keeping up with digital storytelling and multimedia platforms, and picking the right program can feel like a big decision. Whether you are starting fresh or going back to school while working full-time, an online journalism education should fit around your life rather than the other way around. GetEducated built this guide to compare programs by cost and format, and our online journalism degree directory rounds up more options if none of these are quite the right fit. The list below ranges from short certificates to full graduate degrees, with plenty of price points in between.
Journalism Programs At A Glance
These programs span multiple states and degree levels, but each one focuses on building practical journalism and communication skills you can use right away. We looked closely at cost and accreditation to narrow this list down to programs worth your time. Prices range from just under $7,000 for a certificate up to around $21,000 for an associate degree, with several master’s programs landing in between. If you want to compare online journalism programs against other communications degrees, this affordable online communications degree ranking is worth a look, too.
GetEducated's Picks
- East Mississippi Community College Associate of Arts (AA) - Journalism Emphasis
- Liberty University Bachelor of Science in Creative Writing - Journalism
- American Public University System Bachelor of Arts in English
University of Massachusetts Amherst: Certificate in Journalism
This 17-credit certificate was named a Program of Excellence by the University Continuing Education Association, and it focuses on modern reporting and multimedia skills for today’s digital newsroom.
- Credits: 17
- Format: 100% Online
- Admission: High school diploma or equivalent
- Estimated Cost: $6,928
If a full degree is not in your plans right now, you can browse more online journalism certificate programs to compare formats. Visit UMass Amherst’s tuition page for exact per-credit pricing before you enroll.
Georgia State University: Associate of Arts in Journalism
Georgia State’s online AA in Journalism teaches you how to gather and present news across different media, preparing you to transfer into a four-year journalism program afterward.
- Credits: 60
- Format: 100% Online
- Admission: High school diploma or GED
- Estimated Cost: $7,620
Compare this against other online associate journalism degrees if you are still weighing your options. Check Georgia State’s tuition and fees page for current rates.
New Mexico State University-Grants: Associate of Applied Science in Electronic Publishing
If you want to blend writing with design work, this AAS in Electronic Publishing covers page layout and digital production skills used across newsrooms and marketing teams alike.
- Credits: 60
- Format: 100% Online
- Admission: High school diploma or equivalent, ACCUPLACER required
- Estimated Cost: $9,733
It is also worth comparing this against other online digital media and communications associate degrees. See NMSU’s tuition rate sheet for the latest cost breakdown.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale: Certificate in Journalism & Mass Communication
This 30-credit certificate can apply directly toward SIU’s Bachelor of Science in Journalism, and it covers the legal and ethical foundations every reporter needs.
- Credits: 30
- Format: 100% Online
- Admission: High school diploma or equivalent
- Estimated Cost: $11,824.50
You can also browse online communications certificate programs if you want a broader business communication focus. Review SIU’s tuition calculator to estimate your total cost.
Marshall University: Master of Arts in Journalism / New Media Studies
Marshall’s online MA in Journalism with a New Media Studies concentration is built for working communicators who want to add digital skills like content strategy to their resume.
- Credits: 30
- Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree, GRE required
- Estimated Cost: $12,555
Compare it with other online journalism master’s degrees before you apply. Marshall’s tuition and fee schedule breaks down exact per-credit costs.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock: Master of Arts in Mass Communication
UA Little Rock’s online MA in Mass Communication lets you choose a concentration, so you can lean toward strategic communication or a more traditional journalism track depending on your goals.
- Credits: 33
- Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree
- Estimated Cost: $12,639
If strategic communication interests you more than reporting, take a look at online communications master’s programs, too. UA Little Rock lists full pricing on its cost of attendance page.
Georgia Military College: Associate of Science in Mass Communication
This associate degree builds a foundation in public speaking and media writing, giving you critical thinking skills that transfer well into journalism or corporate communication roles.
- Format: 100% Online
- Admission: High school diploma or equivalent, placement test required
- Estimated Cost: $13,950
Browse more online associate communications degrees if you want to compare against similar two-year options. Georgia Military College keeps tuition details on its online program cost page.
East Mississippi Community College: Associate of Arts (AA), Journalism Emphasis
This two-year AA with a journalism emphasis is designed as a transfer pathway, so you can knock out general education requirements before moving into a four-year journalism program.
- Credits: 60
- Format: 100% Online
- Admission: High school diploma or equivalent, ACCUPLACER or ACT/SAT
- Estimated Cost: $14,400
Find current rates on East Mississippi Community College’s tuition and fees page.
University of Kansas: Master of Journalism in Digital Content Strategy
KU’s Master of Journalism in Digital Content Strategy stacks two graduate certificates together, one in social media strategy and one in content strategy, so you graduate with a specific, in-demand skill set.
- Credits: 30
- Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree
- Estimated Cost: $15,000
For more programs in this space, check out online digital media master’s degrees. KU’s cost of attendance tool can help you budget for the full program.
South Dakota State University: Master of Mass Communication
SDSU’s online Master of Mass Communication is ACEJMC-accredited and built for working journalists who want to sharpen their professional skills without leaving their current job.
- Credits: 36
- Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree
- Estimated Cost: $16,768.80
- Accreditation: Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
SDSU lists full costs on its tuition and fees page.
Kansas State University: Master of Science in Mass Communications
Kansas State’s online MS in Mass Communications lets you focus on strategic communication or health and science reporting, depending on where you want your career to go.
- Credits: 30
- Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree; proof of English proficiency required for international students
- Estimated Cost: $17,976
K-State’s global tuition and fees page has the most current numbers.
Murray State University: Master of Science in Mass Communications, Public Relations
This 31-hour non-thesis program leans into public relations and branding, with a required capstone project that lets you apply what you have learned to a real communication challenge.
- Credits: 31
- Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree
- Estimated Cost: $18,414
Murray State’s graduate tuition rates are listed by the Bursar’s Office.
Stephen F. Austin State University: Master of Arts in Mass Communication
SFA’s online MA in Mass Communication blends public relations and broadcasting coursework with core journalism training, so you leave with a broad view of how modern communication teams operate.
- Credits: 36
- Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree
- Estimated Cost: $19,250
SFA’s tuition calculator can estimate your total cost based on your course load.
SUNY College at Oswego: Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting & Mass Communication
Built for students who already have some college credit, this bachelor’s completion program covers broadcast production and media regulation, preparing you for on-air or behind-the-scenes roles.
- Credits: 60
- Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Associate degree required
- Estimated Cost: $20,254
If you are finishing a degree you started elsewhere, browse more online bachelor’s completion journalism programs. SUNY Oswego breaks down costs on its student accounts page.
Austin Community College District: Associate of Arts in Journalism
ACC’s online AA in Journalism focuses on writing and reporting skills, with photography coursework built in, the core abilities you will lean on most in an entry-level newsroom job.
- Credits: 60
- Format: Mostly Online
- Admission: High school diploma or equivalent
- Estimated Cost: $21,180
ACC keeps updated numbers on its tuition table.
Best Online Journalism Programs: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some common questions students ask before enrolling in a journalism program online.
What can I do with an online journalism degree?
Journalism graduates often become reporters or editors, though many also move into content strategy roles across digital and traditional outlets alike, or pivot into corporate communication. If you want to see a fuller list of career paths, this journalism career guide breaks down options by experience level.
Is accreditation important for a journalism program?
Yes. Beyond regional accreditation, some journalism and mass communication programs also carry specialized accreditation, which signals that the curriculum meets industry standards for skills and ethics training. It is worth checking a program’s accreditation before you apply, especially if you plan to work at a large newsroom.
How much do journalism graduates typically earn?
Pay varies a lot by role and market, but the median annual wage for reporters and journalists was just over $62,000 as of the most recent government data. Editors and specialized beats, such as business journalism, often pay more.
What is the difference between a journalism degree and a mass communication degree?
Journalism programs tend to focus more narrowly on reporting and writing, while mass communication degree programs often cover a broader mix that includes public relations and strategic communication, sometimes alongside broadcasting classes. Some schools blend both into one program.
Are online journalism programs respected by employers?
Most newsrooms care more about the strength of your clips and portfolio than where you took your classes. That said, choosing a properly accredited program still matters for building credibility and access to strong faculty connections, and internships can help you build both.
How long does an online journalism master’s degree take to complete?
Most online journalism master’s programs run 30 to 36 credits and take one and a half to two years to finish if you study part-time while working. If you want to see how programs stack up against one another, this online journalism master’s degree ranking is a useful starting point.
Take the Next Step Toward Your Online Journalism Degree
Whichever program fits your budget and goals, doing your research now can save you time and stress later on. GetEducated keeps tracking tuition changes and new programs as they launch, so it is worth checking back before you commit to one school. If you want to weigh even more choices first, this complete online journalism degree guide rounds up additional programs worth a look.