Online Journalism Degree: Requirements to Enroll in and Complete an Online Journalism Degree

Published Nov 04, 2009

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Degrees in journalism are offered online at the undergraduate and graduate level. Some degrees are offered with concentrations in areas like public relations or strategic communications. Online degree programs are often developed for working professionals or others who need more flexibility than a traditional on-campus program may allow. Read on for more information about enrolling in and completing an online journalism degree.

Online Journalism Degree Program Enrollment Requirements

Students wishing to enroll in an online journalism degree program usually start by filling out an application and submitting an application fee. Since many online programs do not have maximum class sizes, enrollment requirements may be less stringent than traditional on-campus programs. Most schools will still ask that students submit high school transcripts and transcripts of any previous college work. Graduate programs require an undergraduate degree and may require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores, a personal essay, a resume and letters of recommendation.

Online Journalism Degree Program Completion Requirements

Online bachelor's degree programs in journalism generally require around 120 credit hours of coursework with a set number of credit hours in the major field of study. Students complete courses in mass communication, communication in society, communication theory, psychology, news writing, journalism law and ethics, research methods, broadcast journalism and public relations. Students may be required to maintain a certain grade point average and complete the program within a specified time frame.

Graduate programs typically require between 30 and 40 credit hours of coursework and might include more research-based subjects or courses in a specific area, such as media management. Graduate programs in journalism might require a professional project or a thesis.

Online students at both the undergraduate and graduate level are required to set their own schedules to keep up with coursework and submit assignments on time. Additionally, students might be required to arrange for their own proctors for exams.

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