Discover online courses that teach cutting-edge journalism skills

Thanks to the emergence of digital media over the past two decades, traditional journalism—the journalism of radio, newspapers, and television—is moving to the online world to stay relevant. Now the average person can be a citizen journalist as long as they have a smartphone and some news. This guide can help anyone find the courses they need, from the traditionally-trained professional staying on the forefront of new technology to the amateur building a sturdy foundation in interview techniques.

What Types of Online Journalism Classes Are Available?

Online courses can give individuals with any kind of journalism experience the opportunity to learn about a new subject like business journalism, a different medium such as podcasts, and new techniques needed to be a successful freelancer or land a steady job in the industry. Someone interested in trying out sports journalism might be best suited for a short informational course, whereas a professional music journalist looking at new opportunities in the job market may want a more formal course. Whether you are looking to explore the field of journalism for the first time or seeking to bolster your portfolio and attract higher-caliber clients, the table below will help you decide what course type is right for you.

Certificate

• Description

  Certificate courses frequently cost money (although less than a for-credit program) and include a certificate of completion. Courses are often offered by journalism professionals and focus on specific subtypes of journalism.

• What takes this type of course?

  Professionals already established in the journalism, news or media production field looking to expand their skill set and add new qualifications to their resumes.

For-Credit

• Description

  For-credit courses are typically offered by a college and generally cost more than certificate or informational courses. Classes often involve mentorship from someone established in the field and focus on traditional journalism topics.

• What takes this type of course?

  Students working towards a degree in journalism or a related communications field, whether undergraduate or graduate.

Informational

• Description

  Informational courses are usually free and self-paced with limited mentorship from the professional offering the course. Classes often teach technical skills for journalists, such as how to edit a podcast or current trends in digital media.

• Who takes this type of course?

  Individuals curious about the field, casual hobbyists, and those exploring new topics prior to committing to a more formal class.

10 Best Online Journalism Courses For Student and Professionals

Through online journalism courses, enrollees can learn the ins and outs of social justice journalism, sharpen their video editing skills or brush up on their grammar. Look below for some of today's top online journalism courses and find classes for beginners, professionals, and writers of all skill levels.

Journalism for Social Change

• Offered by: UC BerkeleyX
• Price: Free, optional verified certificate for $49
• Length: Self-paced
• Format: Video lectures, submitted assignments, discussion boards
• Eligible for college credit? No

This lecture-style course teaches students to propose solutions to social issues through journalism. The course also studies the ethics of journalism by highlighting media coverage of vulnerable children. This course would best serve introductory-level students and those passionate about current social activism.

English for Journalism

• Offered by: University of Pennsylvania
• Price: Free, optional verified certificate for $49
• Length: Five units, self-paced
• Format: Video lectures, downloadable readings
• Eligible for college credit? No

English for Journalism is intended to help non-native English speakers develop their media literacy and reporting skills. Students learn the fundamentals of journalism, including the basics of interviewing. This class is most beneficial to non-native English speakers and those who want to improve their English skills.

Journalism Masterclass: The Ultimate Guide to News Writing

• Offered by: Udemy.com
• Price: $25
• Length: 26+ hours of video lectures, self-paced
• Format: Video lectures
• Eligible for college credit? No

This course intends to teach students the fundamental mechanics of journalism and to provide them with methods they can use to get their work published in major magazines and newspapers. Students looking to break into mainstream media will benefit most from this journalism masterclass.

Mobile Journalism: 100+ Tips to Shoot and Edit Videos

• Offered by: Udemy.com
• Price: $40
• Length: 7.5+ hours of video lectures, self-paced
• Format: video lectures
• Eligible for college credit?: No

Students enrolled in this course learn how to create and broadcast video using apps and smartphones with emphasis on using videos on social media. Those interested in creating visual media will learn the most from this class, along with students interested in modern online and independent journalism.

Video Journalism Storytelling Technique

• Offered by: Lynda.com
• Price: subscription-based website; $19.99/month basic or $29.99/month premium access
• Length: 2 hours
• Format: Video lectures
• Eligible for college credit?: No

Through this course, students learn how to produce videos from the inception of the idea to the final edits, with specific emphasis on how to collaborate with clients. This course is best suited for journalists—professional and amateur alike—looking to improve their video editing and storyboarding skills.

Journalism: How to Write a Killer Magazine Article Pitch

• Offered by: SkillShare.com
• Price: Subscription-based website, $9.95/month or $96/year
• Length: 45 minutes, self-paced
• Format: Video lectures
• Eligible for college credit?: No

Students learn how to pitch stories to magazine editors and write engaging article proposals; the emphasis is not on writing articles but rather getting them published. Journalists with a solid background in writing who are looking to find publication opportunities for their work will find this course most beneficial.

Law of Mass Communication (COMM403)

• Offered by: Pennsylvania State University World Campus
• Price: $1,600 (2016 tuition rates)
• Length: 16 weeks
• Format: Textbook readings, exams, submitted work
• Eligible for college credit?: Yes

With special emphasis on the First Amendment, this course studies the legal protections and responsibilities of journalists as well as the difference between the laws and the ethics of journalism. This course will best serve those seeking careers in professional journalism who need to know their rights.

Gender, Diversity, and the Media (COMM205)

• Offered by: Pennsylvania State University World Campus
• Price: $1,600 (2016 tuition rates)
• Length: 16 weeks
• Format: PDF downloads, films, quizzes, submitted work
• Eligible for college credit?: Yes

Enrollees study diversity in media and its implications for larger society with class, sexual, gender, and ethnic differences as the primary focuses. Although this course is intended for anyone interested in media, students who are passionate about the inclusion of diverse social groups in media will learn the most.

Cultural Codes in Communication (COM484)

• Offered by: University of Washington Professional and Continuing Education
• Price: $1,880
• Length: 10 weeks, self-paced
• Format: PDF downloads, videos
• Eligible for college credit?: Yes

Students learn different communications styles and methods with a focus on the variety of American subcultures. This course emphasizes face-to-face communication, so it will be most useful for students interested in conducting interviews with individuals from a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds.

Sports and Media (MCO465)

• Offered by: Arizona State University Online
• Price: $1500
• Length: 7.5 weeks
• Format: Video lectures, quizzes, submitted assignments, downloadable readings, discussion boards
• Eligible for college credit?: Yes

This course emphasizes the social importance of sports journalism, including material on the overall ethics and principles of journalism. Although this class is typically taken by those working towards a bachelor's degree in Mass Communications and Media Studies, anyone aspiring to improve their sports journalism skills would benefit from this course.

Key Advantages to Studying Journalism Online

While in some ways the field of traditional journalism—the journalism of the radio, television, and newspapers—is shrinking, ultimately the career is becoming more accessible to the average person with the rise of social media and citizen journalism. As a result, modern journalism courses are increasingly relevant in today's technology- and internet-driven society, so taking online courses in journalism can provide multiple advantages for those looking to improve their standing in the field.

Stay Up-to-Date in Journalism: Must-have Apps and Podcasts

Apps

Journalists follow current trends by nature of the profession, so apps and social media have become important tools for professional and novice journalists alike. Apps are increasingly used to promote and to create news, and journalists can use them to follow breaking stories, find new writing subjects and publish their writing. Luckily, journalists stepping into the field have a wide variety of apps at their disposal.

Podcasts

While some journalists have chosen podcasting as their primary reporting method, anyone interested in journalism has a variety of podcasts they can benefit from. Some podcasts can help listeners explore new kinds of journalism—like music or local interest journalism—while others feature news stories and issues relevant to those working in the media. Listen to the podcasts below to find inspiration, new events, and new ideas.

• National Public Radio Politics Podcast

  Tamara Keith, Scott Detrow, Sam Sanders, and Domenico Montanaro among others
  Recent Episode to Try: Quick Take: Supreme Court Strikes Down Texas Abortion Law

  National Public Radio (NPR) is a high-profile radio program producer with award-winning news journalism. The Politics Podcast blends light humor with friendly discussion to present current events. While more informal than a traditional radio broadcast, it still typically covers the same material.
  

• Journalism.co.uk

  Catalina Albeanu, Caroline Scott, Mădălina Ciobanu
  Recent Episode to Try: On air: Advice for women journalists working in broadcast media

  is a news outlet for journalists, by journalists. The podcasts focus on issues and current events relevant to journalists as well as provide tips and stylistic ideas for reporters to use when honing their skills.

• Serial

  Sarah KoenigRecent Episode to Try: Season Two, Episode One: Dustwun

  The first season of Serial, focusing on the death of high schooler Hae Min Lee, uncovered evidence that brought the murder conviction against Adnan Syed into question. Serial has won multiple awards, including a Peabody, so it's an excellent example of high-quality journalism.

• On Media

  Brooke Gladstone, Bob Garfield
  Recent Episode to Try: Sad!

  WNYC's podcast On Media focuses on both current global events, with emphasis on the United States, and on how the media covers those events. This podcast provides the news while also stepping back and discussing how that news is covered.

• Neighbors

  Jakob Lewis
  Recent Episode to Try: The Genius Improviser

  Neighbors is a high-quality local interest podcast based in Nashville, Tennessee, and centered around the idea that Nashvillians should get to know their fascinating neighbors. The host Jakob Lewis skillfully blends extensive interviews with relevant background information.