Online Broadcast Journalism Schools

<p>Online journalism or communications programs offering a specialization in broadcasting are available but rare. You might have better luck finding online bachelor's or master's degree programs in journalism that include broadcasting coursework as part of core or elective program requirements. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Degrees</b></td><td> Bachelor's and master's degrees in broadcast journalism</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Online</b></td><td> Technically available, but it's hard to find the broadcasting specialization online</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Schools</b></td><td> Students should look for schools that offer hands-on training, up-to-date equipment and potential industry connections</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesCanITake">What Courses Can I Take?</h3> <p>Courses featured in an online journalism bachelor's degree program may include broadcasting and cable, radio production and video production. In the broadcasting courses, you could learn the fundamentals of production, how to use broadcasting equipment and a variety of production techniques. </p> <p>At the master's degree level, online broadcast courses are less commonly available. But you can take foundational journalism courses that focus on mass communication theories, media law and research, tools of journalism, and public relations. You can also learn the skills necessary to excel in the field of broadcast journalism with courses like: </p> <ul><li>News writing and reporting </li><li>Visual communication </li><li>Feature writing and specialty reporting </li><li>Civic journalism </li></ul><p>Many master's programs are now also including courses that focus on social media and Internet marketing, multimedia reporting, mobile field production and participatory journalism. </p> <h3 id="section---WillIBeAbleToParticipateInAnyHandsOnTraining">Will I be Able to Participate in Any Hands-On Training?</h3> <p>Even if you're enrolled in an online undergraduate program, you may be asked to contribute work to on-campus publications. Some programs require you to participate in on-campus internships to gain hands-on experience. </p> <p>Graduate degrees are for professionals who are already working in the journalism field, so on-campus internships or labs are typically not required. However, you might have to participate in one on-campus seminar or visit the campus to defend your thesis. </p> <h3 id="section---HowDoIGetStarted">How Do I Get Started?</h3> <p>The first step to getting started is to make sure you have access to a computer with a high-speed Internet connection. You'll also need multimedia and word processing software to participate in an online program. Depending on the school you attend and courses you take, you might also need editing software, a DVD burner and an external hard drive. Schools may provide access to stock cameras or other equipment needed for production. </p> <p>Some online bachelor's degree programs require you to possess an associate degree in media studies, radio and television, media studies or mass communication. If you don't already possess an associate degree, you might need to complete specific coursework to gain admission. For online master's degree programs, it's typically okay for enrollees to possess a bachelor's degree in any field; however, you might need years of professional experience in a journalism-related field.</p>