Online Journalism Degree Programs

• 1). Review the programs offered by the University of Missouri, University of Memphis and the University of Massachusetts, as they are among the well-known schools offering online journalism programs. At Missouri, you can earn a master's in journalism and specialize in either media management or strategic communications. Memphis offers both a bachelor's and a master's program online. The latter is intended for working journalist returning to school. At Massachusetts, you have the opportunity to follow a five-course certificate program or get your bachelor's degree with individualized concentrations.
  
  
• 2). Enroll in training programs and single courses if you want a quick review of the profession and practices of journalism. A number of institutes and organizations offered world-renown and highly sought-after online classes. Columbia Interactive, a service of Columbia University, offers numerous short, interactive classes combining journalism lessons, such as basic reporting, to current events, such as terrorism and economic crises. The Poynter Institute prepares working journalists to work in multimedia formats, with webinars on both traditional core journalism curriculum in writing and editing, with website building, computer-assisted investigative reporting, and web analytics. Poynter along with the Knight Foundation also created the News University, which is a clearinghouse of webinars, short interactive course, self-directed courses, and online group classes covering the entire spectrum of journalism and media. Many of the courses are free and low cost. The International Center for Journalism offers free online courses on topics such as digital journalism, business and economics, and others that are both instructor-led and self-directed.
  
  
• 3). Know that online journalism courses free you from having to attend the brick-and-mortar buildings on a weekly basis, but to successfully complete the courses, you will still need to buy the books, software and other equipment used in the courses. Make a careful decision on the program you decide on: A degree program costs significantly more and requires more time than the free, self-directed courses offered by very reputable institutions. Decide based on what your goals are. If you are just entering the field, or a practicing journalist who wants to enter management, a degree program will make you most competitive. For those who want new skills, a non-degree program works best.