Online Master’s in Journalism Programs in 2025: What Are Some of the Best Options?
Have you always dreamed of a career in journalism? Are you interested in reporting news, working in broadcast media, or digital storytelling? Then a master's degree in journalism might be the path for you. This advanced, often fast-paced, degree program teaches students how to write, report, produce, code, publish and promote stories across a variety of platforms. Many programs allow students to choose a journalism specialty area such as broadcast television and radio, online multimedia news production, or audio and video documentaries.
A master's degree in journalism can lead to careers in:
- Traditional news media outlets, such as newspapers and magazines
- Documentary film-making
- Broadcast media such as radio and television
- Online and multimedia news outlets
- Social media management
- Marketing and advertising copywriting
- Public relations and corporate communications
Once you've decided to take the next step in pursuing a master's level degree in journalism, you must find the right school and program to fit your career aspirations. A myriad of online degree options makes it even easier to find a program to fit into your schedule and budget, putting your journalism dreams within reach.
2026 Best Online Masters in Journalism Programs
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN - Public 4-Year - memphis.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Journalism and Strategic Media
Concentration: News and Storytelling - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Memphis' online Master of Arts in Journalism and Strategic Media with a News and Storytelling concentration offers a comprehensive 33-credit program designed for media professionals seeking advanced skills. Students explore in-depth storytelling techniques, digital journalism strategies, and multimedia reporting within a flexible online learning environment. The program requires a capstone project, providing practical experience in news gathering, narrative development, and modern journalistic practices. Military-friendly and featuring four specialized emphases, this degree prepares graduates to excel in contemporary news and media industries by blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on skill development.
- Online and on-campus options
- 33 total credit hours
- 4 specialized emphases
- Capstone project required
- Comprehensive media professional training
- Flexible learning environment
- 15 hours core classes
- 18 hours emphasis courses
Master's - Master of Arts in Journalism and Strategic Media
Concentration: Integrated Strategic Media - Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Memphis' online Master of Arts in Journalism and Strategic Media, focusing on Integrated Strategic Media, equips students with advanced communication and media management skills. This 33-credit program combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications in advertising, public relations, and strategic communication. Students develop comprehensive professional competencies through a curriculum emphasizing ethical media practices, research methodologies, and strategic storytelling. The program's flexible online format and capstone project requirement ensure graduates are prepared for leadership roles in evolving media landscapes, with a strong emphasis on integrating multiple communication platforms and strategic messaging techniques.
- Online and on-campus options
- 33 total credit hours
- Four emphasis areas available
- Comprehensive media education
- Capstone project requirement
- Flexible learning formats
- Professional skills development
- Ethical media training
- Research and practical focus
Master's - Master of Arts in Journalism and Strategic Media
Concentration: Visual Media - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Memphis offers an online Master of Arts in Journalism and Strategic Media with a Visual Media concentration, providing a cutting-edge 33-credit program for aspiring media professionals. Students delve into advanced visual storytelling, digital media production, and multimedia design techniques. The curriculum focuses on developing sophisticated visual communication skills across various platforms, including digital journalism, interactive media, and strategic visual communication. With a capstone project requirement and military-friendly policies, this program prepares graduates to create compelling visual narratives and excel in modern media production environments, blending technical expertise with creative storytelling approaches.
- Online and on-campus options
- 33 total credit hours
- 4 emphasis areas available
- Capstone project required
- News and storytelling focus
- Integrated strategic media
- Visual media concentration
- Research-oriented track
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL - Public 4-Year - ufl.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Mass Communication
Concentration: Digital Journalism and Multimedia Storytelling - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Florida's fully online Master of Arts in Mass Communication with a Digital Journalism and Multimedia Storytelling concentration provides a cutting-edge pathway for media professionals seeking advanced digital reporting skills. Designed for working journalists, this 37-credit hour program enables completion in just 16 months with exceptional flexibility. Students engage with industry-expert faculty, developing comprehensive multimedia storytelling techniques across digital platforms. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, technical expertise, and professional skill development, preparing graduates for dynamic careers in modern digital journalism. With three semester start options and an affordable per-credit tuition rate, the program offers comprehensive training for aspiring multimedia storytellers. Recommended entrance exam: GRE.
- 100% online master's program
- 37 total credit hours
- 16-month completion possible
- Tuition $484.48 per credit
- Industry-guided curriculum
- Three semester start options
- Professional skill development
- Advanced multimedia training
- Flexible course schedule
- Expert faculty instruction
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY - Public 4-Year - stonybrook.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Journalism
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Stony Brook University's online Master of Science in Journalism presents a comprehensive multimedia journalism experience designed for modern storytellers. The hybrid program allows students to complete 33 credits in 1.5 to 5 years, emphasizing solutions journalism and digital storytelling techniques. Students benefit from award-winning faculty guidance, data storytelling courses, and opportunities for community engagement. The program uniquely focuses on preparing journalists to address complex societal issues through innovative media approaches. Optional GRE scores and international student support enhance program accessibility. With flexible learning options and a robust curriculum, graduates emerge equipped with advanced multimedia reporting skills and ethical journalism principles.
- 33-credit Master's program
- Flexible 1.5-5 year completion
- In-person with online electives
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- Solutions journalism focus
- Multimedia journalism training
- Award-winning faculty
- Optional GRE scores
- International student friendly
- Data storytelling courses
New York University
New York, NY - Private 4-year - nyu.edu
Master's - American Journalism Online Master’s
Online Learning - Visit Website
New York University's online Master's in American Journalism represents a cutting-edge digital media program designed for aspiring journalists seeking comprehensive multimedia training. Students navigate a flexible curriculum spanning eight carefully curated courses, including investigative reporting, multimedia storytelling, and media ethics. The program accommodates both full-time and part-time students, enabling professionals to advance their journalism skills without disrupting career trajectories. With 30-32 total credit hours and a maximum five-year completion timeline, NYU offers a strategic pathway into modern journalism. The curriculum emphasizes digital-first storytelling techniques, ensuring graduates are equipped with versatile skills for today's dynamic media landscape. Military-friendly status further enhances the program's accessibility.
- Online Master's in Journalism
- 30-32 total credit hours
- Eight total courses required
- Five mandatory core courses
- Three elective course options
- Full-time and part-time tracks
- Maximum 5-year completion time
- Most courses four credits
- Working Journalist course two credits
- Prerequisites for course progression
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC - Public 4-Year - sc.edu
Master's - Master of Mass Communication
Concentration: Strategic Communication Management - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of South Carolina's online Master of Mass Communication (MMC) program offers a specialized Strategic Communication Management concentration that prepares professionals for advanced media leadership roles. With a flexible online format, students develop sophisticated strategic communication skills, leveraging multimedia journalism techniques and professional portfolio development. The program uniquely combines theoretical knowledge with practical experiences, catering to working professionals seeking career advancement. International students are recommended to submit TOEFL scores, and the program offers unique opportunities like a combined JD/MMC degree. Ideal for communication practitioners aiming to enhance strategic communication expertise in digital media environments.
- Campus and online options
- Two concentration areas
- Multimedia journalism focus
- Strategic communication skills
- Professional portfolio development
- Combination JD/MMC degree available
- Recommended TOEFL for international students
Choosing an Online Master's in Journalism Program
Because there are many online master's in journalism programs to choose from, it can be a challenge to decide which program is right for you. There are several factors to consider when researching prospective schools, including program cost, length, and quality. Here are some program elements to look for when considering an online masters in journalism program.
Accreditation
Program accreditation by a legitimate accrediting organization means that a program has been vetted according to rigorous academic standards, ensuring a high-quality education for all students. Look for a school accredited by an organization such as Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and the Higher Learning Commission. You can be assured of a program's quality.
Program Cost
There are a number of factors impacting a master's in journalism program cost, including the size and type of school, the geographic location of the school (yes, even for online programs this can have an impact on the price tag of a program), residency status and program length. When considering the total cost of a program, make sure to factor in mandatory school fees, books, and other program materials in addition to the tuition price.
While online programs are often more affordable than their traditional on-campus counterparts, this is not always the case. As an example of program costs, the University of Memphis' online 33-credit hour Master's in Journalism program costs $606 per credit hour for in-state residents and $606 per credit hour for non-residents. In addition, there may be special course fees and materials fees based on specific courses taken.
Program Length
The average master's in journalism program generally takes 1-2 years to complete, although some may be completed in as little as 9 months. Another benefit to online programs versus on-campus programs, many online programs admit students on a rolling basis, meaning students can begin their studies in the fall, spring, or summer semesters.
Admissions Requirements
In order to gain admission to a master's in journalism program, students should keep in mind the following admissions requirements:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree, ideally in journalism, communications, or a related field
- GPA of 3.0 or above in their undergraduate coursework
- Transcripts from all undergraduate colleges attended
- Letters of recommendation and/or a personal statement
- Writing samples and/or portfolio of applicable work
In some cases, journalism schools may also prefer master's students to have some professional experience in journalism prior to beginning their coursework. In these cases, prospective students may also need to submit a resume or professional journalism work samples (i.e. published articles).
Classes and Courses
Coursework may vary depending on if a specialization is chosen (e.g., broadcast, multimedia, etc.), but sample courses may include the following, which are offered by the University of South Florida as part of their online Masters in Digital Journalism and Design program:
- Multimedia Reporting & Storytelling
- Mass Communications Ethics
- Law and Mass Media
- Mass Media Theory & Research Methods
- Digital Media Technology
- Web Publishing
- Social Media
- Multimedia Production
Advantages of Online Master’s in Journalism Programs
An online master's in journalism is ideal for students with full- or part-time jobs, family commitments, and other obligations that restrict their availability to pursue a master's degree. Online coursework allows students to study and complete coursework on their own time, from home or wherever is convenient. In addition to the flexibility in scheduling, online programs are often more cost-effective options than traditional on-campus programs, and students do not need to factor commute costs into the total price tag. Online programs also allow students to choose from a more significant number of schools than what is geographically near their homes, opening up a range of options to those who live in rural or remote settings.
Colleges That Offer Accredited Online Master’s in Journalism Programs in 2025
Select Your State:
Alabama
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
The University of Alabama Programs | Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 (800) 467-0227 |
Colorado
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
University of Colorado Boulder | 1511 University Ave. Boulder, CO 80309 |
Florida
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Full Sail University Programs | 3300 University Boulevard Winter Park, FL 32792 (800) 226-7625 |
University of South Florida | 4202 East Fowler Avenue, CIS1040 Tampa, FL 33620-7800 (813) 974-9969 |
Georgia
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
University of Georgia | Athens, GA 30602 (844) 842-3294 |
Indiana
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Ball State University Programs | Art and Journalism Building (AJ), Room 300 Muncie, IN 47306 (765) 285-8200 |
Maryland
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
University of Maryland Programs | 7765 Alumni Drive College Park, MD 20742 (301) 405-2399 |
Massachusetts
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Harvard University Programs | 51 Brattle St Cambridge, MA 02138 (617) 495-4024 |
Missouri
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
University of Missouri Programs | 120 Neff Hall Columbia, MO 65211 (573) 882-4852 |
Nebraska
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
University of Nebraska | 3835 Holdrege Street Lincoln, NE 68583 (140) 247-2211 x1 |
University of Nebraska - Lincoln Programs | 313 N 13th St Lincoln, NE 68588 (402) 472-3041 |
New York
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
New York University Programs | 20 Cooper Square, 6th Floor New York, NY 10003 |
St. Bonaventure University Programs | 3261 West State Road St. Bonaventure, NY 14778 (844) 424-4960 |
Ohio
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Kent State University | 201 Franklin Hall, 550 Hilltop Dr., P.O. Box 5190 Kent, OH 44242 (330) 672-5093 |
Tennessee
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
University of Memphis | Memphis, TN 38152 (844) 302-3886 |
Virginia
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Regent University Programs | 1000 Regent University Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23464 (866) 910-7617 |