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.

2025 Best Online Masters in Journalism Programs

Looking for the best online master's in journalism programs for 2025? Mastersincommunications.org has you covered. We've ranked the top programs to help you find the perfect fit for your career goals. Our list highlights schools that offer flexibility, quality education, and strong support for online students. Start your journey to becoming a top journalist today with our guide to the best programs. Check out our ranking methodology to see how we chose the top schools.

#1

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 Master of Science in Journalism offers a hybrid learning format, blending in-person and online electives for flexibility. This 33-credit program, which can be completed in 1.5 to 5 years, focuses on cutting-edge storytelling, ethical reporting, and solutions-driven journalism. With an emphasis on community engagement and digital storytelling, students gain professional skills to address complex societal issues through innovative media. The program boasts award-winning faculty and offers courses in data storytelling, preparing graduates for impactful careers in journalism. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, with optional GRE scores, making it accessible to a wide range of students, including international applicants.

• 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

#2

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 Online Master of Arts in Mass Communication, with a concentration in Digital Journalism and Multimedia Storytelling, is tailored for those aiming to excel in the digital journalism field. This 37-credit hour program, entirely online, equips students with cutting-edge skills in digital reporting, multimedia storytelling, and technical proficiency across diverse media platforms. Designed for flexibility, it allows working professionals to complete their degree in as little as 16 months. The curriculum, led by industry veterans and seasoned faculty, emphasizes critical thinking and storytelling, preparing graduates for the dynamic landscape of modern journalism. Highlights include a tuition rate of $484.48 per credit, three start options per year, and a focus on professional skill development and advanced multimedia training.

• 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

*NCES, IPEDS 2023 survey, U.S. Department of Education. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

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

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