Northeastern University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Digital Communication and Media degree, instructing students in areas including digital channels (websites, social media, email, mobile marketing, search engines), communications research, and how to design, implement, and manage communication campaigns. This full-time, 120-credit, degree-completion program requires
Best Online Bachelor's in Journalism Degrees
Investigating and reporting news is a proud tradition that’s inextricably linked to democracy and civil rights. Students who decide to pursue online degrees in journalism will learn the essential skills of properly sourcing information, expertly interviewing sources, carefully interpreting facts, and writing well, along with delivering the news through modern communications media. Those who opt for careers in broadcasting will also learn to present themselves on camera. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that reporters can expect to earn a median salary of around $38,000, while broadcast reporters can expect to earn significantly more, approximately $55,000. The following is a ranked list of the best schools offering online degrees in journalism. Continue reading to learn more about choosing an accredited journalism program, careers in the field, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Online Bachelor's in Journalism with the Highest Return on Investment

The average ROI for a journalism degree in the US is $312,200. The top 9 online journalism programs have ROIs above that average, and all 12 top schools having ROIs above $270,000. The 10-year ROI incorporates alumni salary and debt data to project the how much journalism students end up benefiting from their degrees financially. Northeastern University ranks first with an ROI of $411,600 and an annual tuition of $16,230.
ROI amounts are based on data reported by the U.S. Department of Education. Tuitions are manually researched in order to determine tuition amounts specific to online degrees. Read our methodology for more details.
Rank | School | Annual Tuition | Median Starting Salary | Median Debt | 10-year ROI |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Northeastern University | $16,230 | $42,682 | $22,302 | $411,600 | |
Arizona State University | $17,186 | $37,856 | $21,500 | $363,000 | |
University of Florida | $15,500 | $37,054 | $15,000 | $362,800 | |
University of Iowa | $10,110 | $38,000 | $23,250 | $362,300 | |
University of Massachusetts - Amherst | $11,700 | $35,566 | $24,250 | $336,000 | |
Pennsylvania State University - World Campus | $15,098 | $35,327 | $26,000 | $331,300 | |
University of New Mexico | $11,376 | $33,687 | $17,500 | $325,000 | |
Colorado State University - Fort Collins | $14,280 | $33,789 | $20,449 | $322,400 | |
Texas Tech University | $21,030 | $33,281 | $18,750 | $319,300 | |
DePaul University | $40,551 | $31,133 | $23,667 | $291,000 | |
Loyola University New Orleans | $15,750 | $30,228 | $27,000 | $277,600 | |
Southern Illinois University - Carbondale | $9,645 | $29,685 | $25,000 | $274,500 |
Best Bachelor's Degrees in Journalism Rankings Details
#1
Northeastern University
- 10-Year ROI: $411,600
- Median Salary: $42,682
- Annual Tuition: $16,230
- Median Debt: $22,302
#2
Arizona State University
- 10-Year ROI: $363,000
- Median Salary: $37,856
- Annual Tuition: $17,186
- Median Debt: $21,500
An online Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Media Studies is available at Arizona State University (ASU). Offered through the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, the degree requires 120 credit hours. The curriculum includes 41 classes that cover subjects in politics, media issues, economics, pop culture, and technology. Graduates will be prepared to enter the workforce
#3
University of Florida
- 10-Year ROI: $362,800
- Median Salary: $37,054
- Annual Tuition: $15,500
- Median Debt: $15,000
The online Bachelor of Science in Journalism: Sports & Media degree at the University of Florida (UF) offers students cross-disciplinary instruction in both journalism and core sports concepts, as well as writing for communicators, data literacy, reporting skills, and more. Students in the 124-credit full-time program typically take 14-18 credits per semester. All students take
#4
University of Iowa
- 10-Year ROI: $362,300
- Median Salary: $38,000
- Annual Tuition: $10,110
- Median Debt: $23,250
The University of Iowa's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers an online Bachelor of Science in Sport and Recreation Management with a concentration in communications, public relations, and journalism. This program requires 120 credit hours, and incorporates foundation classes, field experience electives, and 12 credit hours of courses specific to the concentration. Subjects
#5
University of Massachusetts - Amherst
- 10-Year ROI: $336,000
- Median Salary: $35,566
- Annual Tuition: $11,700
- Median Debt: $24,250
The University of Massachusetts (UMass) - Amherst offers an online Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism Studies degree-completion program through its University Without Walls system. Students can complete their bachelor's degree entirely online after transferring in up to 105 credit hours from coursework completed at another college or university, prior learning,
#6
Pennsylvania State University - World Campus
- 10-Year ROI: $331,300
- Median Salary: $35,327
- Annual Tuition: $15,098
- Median Debt: $26,000
Pennsylvania State University's World Campus (PSUWC) offers students an online Bachelor of Arts in Digital Journalism and Media degree, providing instruction in areas including creation of digital content, storytelling, digital content management, digital production, multimedia skill development, journalism ethics, and more. This 120-credit, full degree program is customizable to
#7
University of New Mexico
- 10-Year ROI: $325,000
- Median Salary: $33,687
- Annual Tuition: $11,376
- Median Debt: $17,500
The online Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication degree-completion program at the University of New Mexico (UNM) is offered as a standalone degree or with a concentration in strategic communication. Applicants must have an associate degree, or at least 60 credit hours of previous college credit, with at least a 2.5 GPA to be eligible for the program. The 120-credit
#8
Colorado State University - Fort Collins
- 10-Year ROI: $322,400
- Median Salary: $33,789
- Annual Tuition: $14,280
- Median Debt: $20,449
Colorado State University's (CSU's) Fort Collins campus offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media Communication for prospective journalism majors. Students in the program discuss the role of the media, improve their writing skills, and learn how to use digital technologies. The curriculum requires an internship component and a capstone course, which includes guest
#9
Texas Tech University
- 10-Year ROI: $319,300
- Median Salary: $33,281
- Annual Tuition: $21,030
- Median Debt: $18,750
The Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media and Professional Communication offered online by Texas Tech University (TTU) is a full degree program worth 120 credits. The focus of the program is on digital forms of media and how they are used for professional communication, including journalism, social media, and marketing. The university offers career resources such fieldwork and practicum
#10
DePaul University
- 10-Year ROI: $291,000
- Median Salary: $31,133
- Annual Tuition: $40,551
- Median Debt: $23,667
DePaul University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media degree-completion program for transfer students seeking a journalism degree. The program requires 192 total quarter credit hours. Students may take either a two- or three-year course load, depending on their number of transfer credits. Courses cover topics in public relations, news reporting, and business
#11
Loyola University New Orleans
- 10-Year ROI: $277,600
- Median Salary: $30,228
- Annual Tuition: $15,750
- Median Debt: $27,000
Loyola University New Orleans (LUNO) offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication degree with concentrations in digital media, journalism, visual communications, and public relations. The full degree program consists of 120 credit hours. The university is part of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. The focus of the program is to offer skills that are
#12
Southern Illinois University - Carbondale
- 10-Year ROI: $274,500
- Median Salary: $29,685
- Annual Tuition: $9,645
- Median Debt: $25,000
Southern Illinois University (SIU) - Carbondale hosts an online Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Mass Communication degree. The program requires 120 credits, and courses cover subjects in advertising, copywriting, and journalism law. Students are provided with both a broad overview of the mass media and communications industry and an in-depth study of the skills required for
Online Journalism Degree Overview & Career Information
There are a variety of online degree and certificate programs available for those interested in pursuing a career in journalism. Online degrees in journalism include associate degrees, Bachelor’s of Arts in Journalism, Master’s of Arts in Journalism, and online journalism certificate programs. Some journalism degrees are part of a Bachelor’s of Arts in Communication, which encompasses not only journalism but broader communication topics.
Those seeking entry-level positions in the field of journalism may be interested in obtaining an online associate degree in journalism, which can be completed in two years, or completing an online certificate program, which can be finished in one year. A Bachelor’s of Arts in Journalism is a four-year degree program that will provide a broader liberal arts educational background while focusing on journalism. A Master’s of Arts in Journalism will require an additional two years of coursework after completing a bachelor’s degree but will provide more specialized training.
Journalism programs teach students to write, edit, and report articles for broadcast or publication. Classes also include media and ethics and basic business concepts, such as advertising, communications, marketing, and public relations. A degree or certificate in journalism will prepare students for a variety of careers in media. Students obtaining a degree in journalism may enter the workforce prepared with skills in communication, research, writing, and reporting.
Online Bachelor's Degrees in Journalism
An online bachelor's degree in journalism can help prepare students for careers in print, online, and broadcast journalism.
Curriculum
Almost every online bachelor's degree in journalism will have a liberal arts component in addition to journalism-specific coursework. General education requirements typically include courses in math, science, social science, and the arts and humanities. Classes that are specific to journalism often include writing and the ethics of reporting as well as broader topics such as web development, and photo and video editing. Some schools offer internships, allowing you to gain experience in your field as you pursue your degree.
Program Requirements
Online bachelor's degrees in journalism typically require the equivalent of around 120 semester hours, or 4 years of study. Such programs can be found at a variety of public and private colleges and universities. Most schools require a high school diploma or GED for admission as well as letters of recommendation and application essays. Students may also be asked to submit SAT or ACT scores, depending on the school.
After completing an online journalism bachelor's degree, some students may go straight into the workforce. Others may pursue a master's degree to further their careers and their journalism expertise.
The Importance of an Accredited Online Journalism Degree
The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) provides accreditation to journalism and mass communication programs. Programmatic accreditation from ACEJMC helps to ensure that a journalism degree program offered by a college or university meets established standards. The curriculum of journalism and communications degrees can vary from school to school. Attending a school that has been ACEJMC-accredited ensures that you are receiving a degree that meets or exceeds the quality level set forth by the ACEJMC.
Regional accreditation is also important to look for when deciding which school to attend. Agencies that offer regional accreditation have been approved by the United States Department of Education and they work to ensure that entire academic institutions are meeting nationally agreed upon standards for higher education. Attending a regionally accredited school will make you eligible for federal financial aid and will help to ensure that you can transfer credits between institutions of higher education.
Online Broadcasting Degrees
For individuals interested in working in front of or behind a broadcasting camera, a broadcast journalism degree may be the right fit. With behind-the-scenes career options that include writing, editing, and producing, or center stage careers as a news anchor, broadcast journalism programs provide technical and practical experience. The diversity of the program affords students the ability to combine critical thinking and masterful storytelling to reach diverse audiences through ethical reporting.
Bachelor's coursework includes newsgathering fundamentals, media research and analysis, television news reporting, and information graphics and visualization. Applicants typically must submit documentation of high school transcripts or GED, SAT or ACT scores, and letters of recommendation. This degree, along with an internship, is a good choice for students pursuing positions as news anchors, reporters, content writers, station managers, or production assistants.
Professionals with three or more years of experience may pursue a graduate degree. A master's degree program allows individuals to choose a specialty area to focus on, including long-form audio and video documentaries, online multimedia news production, or app creation, among many others. A doctoral degree in broadcast journalism may prepare a professional for the field of academia and administration, as well as positions in media entities, strategic communication firms, and corporations. Master's and doctoral degree students complete a thesis or a dissertation respectively.
Careers in Journalism
Many students who pursue an online journalism degree look to standard forms of media in hopes of entering the field as a newspaper, television, or magazine reporter. However, with the ever-expanding world of new media, a wide variety of careers are available to those who graduate with a journalism degree.
Editor
Editors are often employed by newspapers, magazines, and publishing companies to oversee the overall content and quality of work submitted by reporters and writers. Many times, editors assign stories or articles to their contributors and proceed to suggest new directions in the piece or shape a developing story with new ideas. They are also often responsible for making sure finished work is presented without mistakes and that it meets all necessary guidelines. In addition to checking the work of others, editors may submit their own articles or stories for publication. As mass media steadily expands, there is a growing need for editors at online magazines and newspapers.
News Analyst
News analysts often work closely with editors. They advise journalists about trending subjects and the bigger picture of a story. Analysts work with editors to shape a newspaper or news program with interesting content that will hold audience attention. They often weigh public interest in a story with the media's obligation to keep the public informed of current events. News analysts may also write their own columns or appear on the broadcast to directly share their insight on current events with the public.
Reporter
Journalists working on the front lines to gather news often either work on regular beats or take assignments from an editor. Reporters follow up on stories, conduct interviews, gather facts, and produce quality research that is transformed into stories by editors and staff writers in the newsroom. Broadcast news reporters, however, often directly deliver their research and findings to the audience via remote broadcasts.
Public Relations Specialist
Publicists manage publicity for individuals, businesses or corporations. The majority of pubic relations specialists handle multiple clients in a private practice. Their primary functions are to present a positive public image for the individual or business, generate press coverage, and serve as a bridge between clients, media, and the public. A successful publicist manages campaigns, writes press releases, and performs a variety of other public relations functions.
Major strides and advances in media have opened up a wide pool of tools and career opportunities to those interested in a journalistic career. This demanding field requires commitment and diligence to be successful. Prospective journalism students would do well to interview local professionals about industry trends, typical work days, and other industry-related issues before deciding if journalism is the right career path.
Frequently Asked Questions About Journalism Degrees
What is the career outlook for journalists?
The demand for new journalists is admittedly declining. Due to major shifts in the news media industry, including many mergers and the rise of the internet, news media outlets are now able to consolidate their resources, which means fewer jobs for journalists. However, the skills and knowledge acquired while pursuing an online degree in journalism are transferable to many other professions. The ability to research, analyze, and synthesize information and to effectively communicate are extremely useful, especially for careers in marketing and communications.
How much can I expect to earn as a journalist or reporter?
According to O*NET Online, professional reporters earn an annual median salary of $49,300. Demand for journalists is projected to grow at an average rate of about 5-10% over the next eight years.
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By the OnlineU team | 11/29/2021