10 Best Online Journalism Degrees in 2026

Journalism degrees teach students how to research, write, and communicate stories that inform and engage the public. Whether your interests lie in digital media, broadcasting, or investigative reporting, an online degree can help you build the skills needed for today's fast-changing media landscape.

Students can find low-cost online journalism degrees that combine flexibility with hands-on experience in writing, editing, and multimedia production. In this article, we'll highlight some of the best online bachelor's in journalism and other top online degrees that prepare graduates for careers in communication, public relations, and media.

Best Online Journalism Degree Programs

Many colleges and universities throughout the country provide online learning opportunities in journalism. Let's look at some top options.

1. Colorado State University

Colorado State University is a public school in Fort Collins, CO. Students can pursue various online degrees through this school, including a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and media communication.

The program covers fundamentals, such as writing, marketing, web design, and media ethics. Students gain hands-on skills through internship and capstone opportunities built into the program. Students take focused courses on various topics, while having the freedom to choose from electives to personalize their degrees.

2. University of Florida

The University of Florida is a large public school with an enrollment of nearly 55,000 students. One of its online degree programs is a Bachelor of Science in journalism: sports and media.

This is a customizable, interdisciplinary program that provides courses in journalism and specialized sports topics. Students gain various skills and competencies in multimedia storytelling, sports media law, and sports communication.

3. Southern Illinois University

Southern Illinois University is headquartered in Carbondale, IL. Enrollees can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism online.

Students can tailor this program to their unique interests by pursuing a range of specializations including photojournalism, electronic journalism, and media industries. Course requirements vary depending on the specialization chosen. Students complete coursework and fieldwork requirements to gain a well-rounded education and prepare for various careers or pursue a top online master's in journalism.

4. Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University offers many online bachelor's and master's degrees through its World Campus. One of the programs available is a Bachelor of Arts in digital journalism and media.

The program includes room to customize your degree through electives and areas of emphasis. Students can study full-time, part-time, or on a self-paced basis, completing courses in a timeframe that works for them. This program is consistently ranked among the top journalism degrees by U.S. News and World Report.

5. University of Nebraska Lincoln

The University of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school that provides several online degrees. Students can pursue Master of Arts degrees in journalism and mass communications.

The flexible, affordable program is typically completed part-time within three years. It consists of 36 credit hours, including 24 electives. Students can use their elective hours to pursue specializations or certificates within the program, allowing them to prepare for the career path of their choice.

6. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is a public school known for providing various award-winning online degrees. One of these is an online Bachelor of Arts in journalism.

Courses in this program provide real-world training by mimicking newsroom settings. All courses can be completed asynchronously online, providing maximum flexibility. Topics covered include media law, news media, and sports media.

7. Ohio University

Ohio University is a public school in Athens, OH. It offers a top-ranking Bachelor of Science in journalism that can be completed online.

Students in this program complete flexible coursework on their own schedule and develop a personalized study plan. This helps them prepare for a wide range of careers in marketing, public relations, mass media, and more.

8. William Patterson University

William Patterson University is a public school in Wayne, NJ. It provides a highly flexible online Bachelor of Arts in journalism.

This fast online journalism degree can be completed in as little as a year with the proper combination of transfer and life experience credits. Students take courses in media writing, multimedia storytelling, reporting through social media, and more as they earn this flexible degree through online, self-paced coursework.

9. Utah State University

Utah State University is a public school in Logan, UT. Students can earn a Bachelor of Science online through this school.

This program features a range of courses to help students develop their storytelling and critical thinking skills. Courses include feature writing, literary journalism, and integrated marketing communication.

10. New York University

New York University is a large, private school with nearly 60,000 students. Though it's located in New York City, it provides online degrees for students throughout the country, including a master's degree in journalism.

The program covers investigative reporting, audio storytelling, and media startups. Students attend live online classes on a schedule that works for them, graduating within one to five years. An optional certificate in modern journalism is also available for students in this program.

How We Rank Schools

We reviewed online journalism programs that provide strong academics, professional preparation, and affordability. Each featured school helps students build the technical and ethical foundation needed for a career in modern media.

• Accreditation: Only accredited schools were included to ensure quality standards in communication and journalism education.
• Affordability: Tuition costs, transfer options, and financial aid availability were evaluated to feature programs that make education more accessible.
• Career preparation: We also considered programs that offer internship placements, digital media labs, and portfolio development opportunities.

What Should I Look for in a Journalism Program?

When selecting an online journalism degree, consider programs that blend classroom learning with real-world experience. The best options will strengthen your writing, critical thinking, and storytelling skills across multiple media platforms.

Accreditation and Industry Standards

Accredited journalism programs meet national benchmarks for communication education, ensuring your coursework is recognized by employers and graduate schools. Accreditation also verifies that instructors are experienced professionals and that programs value accuracy, ethics, and diversity in reporting. Choosing an accredited degree gives your credentials long-term credibility in the job market.

Practical Experience and Internships

Journalism is a hands-on field, so look for programs that include writing workshops, internships, or student media opportunities. Practical experience helps you apply classroom concepts to real-world reporting situations while building your professional portfolio. These experiences can also help you network and gain industry connections before graduation.

Curriculum and Concentration Options

Strong journalism programs offer concentrations in areas like multimedia reporting, public relations, or sports journalism. Concentrations let you specialize while still gaining a solid foundation in communication theory and media ethics. A well-designed curriculum should include courses in writing, editing, law, and digital content creation.

Flexibility and Online Learning Tools

Online journalism programs often combine asynchronous lectures with interactive projects and feedback sessions. This format allows students to study around their schedules while still developing collaborative and technical skills. Look for schools that provide access to digital design software, video editing platforms, and virtual newsroom tools.

Careers for Journalism Graduates

A degree in journalism can lead to careers in writing, editing, and digital communication across industries. Graduates often find work as reporters, social media managers, content strategists, or public relations specialists.

Some professionals pursue advanced roles in communications management, broadcasting, or media analysis. With strong research and storytelling skills, journalism majors can adapt to evolving technologies while continuing to inform and connect communities.

FAQs About the Best Online Journalism Degrees

Students considering journalism programs online often wonder about the workload, internships, and potential career paths. Below, we address a few of the most common questions about earning your degree in this field.

Can You Study Journalism Entirely Online?

Yes, many universities offer fully online journalism programs that provide coursework in reporting, multimedia, and digital storytelling. Students can complete assignments, participate in group projects, and build digital portfolios from anywhere.

Some schools may include optional internships or in-person workshops for practical training. Students can gain valuable exposure to professional environments and strengthen post-graduation prospects.

What Can I Do With a Journalism Degree?

A journalism degree opens the door to roles in reporting, editing, and communications across digital and traditional platforms. Graduates often work for news outlets, nonprofit organizations, or marketing agencies.

Others branch out into social media management, technical writing, or podcast production. The skills you develop, such as research, writing, and media literacy, are versatile and valuable in nearly every industry.

Are Online Journalism Degrees Respected by Employers?

Yes, employers recognize accredited online journalism degrees as equivalent to on-campus programs. Many universities offer the same curriculum and faculty across both formats.

Online learning also builds digital communication and time management skills, which are traits that are especially valued in today's multimedia-focused industry. A strong online portfolio can further demonstrate your capabilities to employers.

Find Online Bachelor's Degrees Today

If you're ready to begin your journalism career, explore the schools featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to the admissions office at any of the schools to learn more about their programs, admission requirements, and which one is the best fit for you.