Online journalism degree, broadcast, USA, UK, degrees, distance learning, accredited, journalist, CV

Journalism is about professionally reporting events, news, trends and issues to an audience. Journalists inform people and tell them what has happened, and it’s for all of these reasons that some people view them as translators between the business or social elite and the general public.

It’s a popular subject for online students, many of whom rightly see journalism as an important and essential part of our society, and an exciting and fast moving profession to be involved in. To them enrolling on an online journalism degree course is an ideal way to break into what is a constantly developing and evolving field. It’s not an easy subject to learn, and curriculums reflect this as they tend to be wide ranging, and cover areas such as news gathering, reporting, writing and sub-editing. They also concentrate on helping students to explore the history, sociology, economics and development of journalism.

The courses listed on this page are suitable for people new to the field, as well as experienced journalists or active researchers who want to top up their existing skills. The subject is taught entirely online through multimedia lectures and assignments, with students being continually assessed, and regular feedback given back to them.

Online Journalism degree overview

Study is done and classes are taught over the Internet through online chats, conference calls, and other interactive “classes”. Contemporary courses tend to examine journalism and the media in a digital age, and there are always opportunities to ask questions or get clarification.

Classes offer flexible modes of study, and allow students to build on their abilities as they progress. Programs are often identical in content to the one offered on campus and can be completed on a part-time basis. You should note that some modules are not self-paced, meaning that students must complete assignments and exams in a set schedule.

Enrolling on a course
Some universities may ask prospective students to present written work so that they can assess their abilities, skills and potential to succeed at this level of study.

Typical modules and subjects on a online journalism degree course

Broadcast Journalism
Content management
Current affairs
Documentary Making
Feature writing
Financial journalism
Issues in Contemporary Journalism
International Journalism
Language and journalism
Law and investigative journalism
Media law & regulation
Media ethics
News writing
Newsroom cultures
Online media
Photojournalism
Political Science
Public relations
Publishing
Social media
Understanding the Media
Writing for the media
Web Journalism

Student will learn about the

Cutting-edge practices of journalism today.

Students will learn how to

Source, research and write good copy.
Write in shorthand.
Work online.
Check facts.
Layout pages.
Write hard news and feature stories.
Observe, watch and listen.
Get to the facts of a good story.
Provide readers with accurate and reliable information.
Investigate events.
Cut through the trivial and get to the truly meaningful.
Write in a style that is interesting.
Present facts in a informed and balanced way.
Develop a natural flair for writing.
Become a strong communicator.
Spend time in the field investigating stories and interviewing people.
Write for publications.
Start a story with a ‘lead’, and then add background or details.
Work to deadlines.
Interact and communicate with a wide range of people from different social backgrounds.

Courses are suitable for
These courses are suitable for someone who wants to be a journalist and who has an enthusiastic interest for local, national and international news. Distance learning is ideal for people who cannot commit themselves to a full time, campus based course. To successfully settle into a program and progress, it’s essential that new students quickly adapt to this online academic environment. This last point is important as a student must complete a set number of modules every year.

Choosing a course
A good quality curriculum is a key consideration when deciding on a course, and students are advised to clearly know their ultimate career goal and to carefully consider their options carefully before you make a final choice.

Career prospects for journalism graduates
A degree in journalism can open the door to a wide range of job opportunities such as authors, writers, editors, copywriter, public relations officer. Jobs exist in areas such as;

Digital media.
Freelancing
Local, regional and international newspapers
Public relations
Marketing
Magazines
Radio and TV
Online media outlets
Online publications

Prospective journalists should note that being a journalist is not a conventional 9 to 5 occupation, it can mean lengthy shifts working long irregular and anti-social hours.

According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, employment rates for correspondents and reporters is expected to decline by 8 percent from 2010 to 2020. A combination of the following reasons is given for this; increased use of the Internet, a decrease in readership of newspapers and consolidation of news organizations. Click here Bureau of Labor Statistics for more on this.

Personal traits that a good journalist needs

Being curious and inquisitive.
Wanting to look into the detail of things.
Enjoy reading.
Wanting to find out about the world around them.

About this page
This is a resource page that will give you basic information about what you can expect to learn on an accredited online journalism degree course. It will also give you links to established US and UK universities that run these courses, this is because at present it is the United States of America and the United Kingdom where most English language Internet courses are run from. Through the links on this page you will find out about the:
Course cost (tuition)
Course length
Modules
Admission requirements
Enrolment dates
Financial aid available to students

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