List of Bachelors in Journalism Programs – Campus & Online

A bachelor’s degree in journalism is often a necessary prerequisite for a career in this field. It’s a popular degree path among undergraduates, and as such, many schools offer a BS or a BA in journalism or a related area of study, such as mass communication or media. Journalism is a field with a wide range of concentrations and courses to choose from, making it an exciting and very diverse career path.

Where Can I Earn My Bachelors in Journalism Degree?

While you’re listening to the podcast, check out our list of schools with journalism programs in the US. For each school, we provide a few highlights, including program offerings, course breakdown, and accreditation.

Click on the links below to jump to a specific state’s programs. You can also skip ahead to our Quick Facts about a bachelor’s degree in journalism, or information about degree types and accreditation.

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Ashford University Accredited by WASC Click To Request Info »	Ashford University’s BA in Journalism and Mass Communication degree program aims to enhance the research, writing, and editing skills needed to produce content for a variety of media platforms. This program consists of a minimum of 120 credits, with 39 of those credits dedicated to the journalism and mass communication major.
University of Massachusetts Accredited by NEASC Click To Request Info »	The BA in Journalism Studies Concentration degree program at UMassAmherst UWW (University Without Walls) is designed to enhance writing, editing, and reporting skills for those both new to the field and seasoned journalists. This program consists of a minimum of 120 credit hours, and includes classes covering ethics, interviewing skills, food writing, public relations, and more.

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Alabama

The University of Alabama Accredited by SACS

The Department of Journalism and Creative Media at the University of Alabama offers a BA in News Media that helps students gain expertise in writing, editing, design, broadcasting, visual communication, videography, multimedia production, history, law and ethics. This program is designed to prepare graduates for jobs in the journalism industry and for jobs in many other professions.

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Alaska

University of Alaska Anchorage Accredited by NWCCU

At the University of Alaska Anchorage, students can earn a BA in Journalism and Public Communications. This program teaches students to understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information. Students learn how to conduct research and evaluate information and how to best present that research in their communications professions.

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Arizona

Arizona State University Accredited by HLC	The journalism major at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication is a highly recognized journalism school. Students can earn a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication and have the option to earn a master’s degree in just one year, for a combined five years of school.
University of Arizona Accredited by HLC	At the University of Arizona, students can pursue a journalism major through the College of Journalism and Behavioral Sciences. Top students in the program can earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in journalism in five years. Students are required to choose a minor or a double major in order to graduate.

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Arkansas

University of Arkansas Accredited by HLC

The J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas offers a BA in Journalism that offers three areas of sequence to choose from editorial / news, broadcast radio and TV, and advertising and public relations. Students participate in internship opportunities, special projects, and in advertising and public relations campaigns.

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California

Ashford University Accredited by WASC	Ashford University’s BA in Journalism and Mass Communication degree program aims to enhance the research, writing, and editing skills needed to produce content for a variety of media platforms. This program consists of a minimum of 120 credits, with 39 of those credits dedicated to the journalism and mass communication major.
California State University, Northridge Accredited by WASC	The Department of Journalism at the California State University, Northridge offers a BA in Journalism. All students majoring in journalism are required to complete a collateral field in another discipline, such as history, political science or sociology.
University of Southern California Accredited by WASC	At the University of Southern California, the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism offers a BA in Journalism. This program offers team-taught courses to provide a comprehensive curriculum in video, audio, text and digital journalism. Students are required to produce digital portfolios and personal websites featuring their best work before they can graduate.

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Colorado

University of Colorado Boulder Accredited by HLC

Through the College of Media, Communication and Information at the University of Colorado Boulder, students can pursue a BA in Journalism. Students can choose from a variety of journalism courses, including the following: Covering Political Campaigns; Editing and Presentation; Advanced Reporting; TV Reporting; Opinion Writing; Broadcast Projects, and many more.

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Connecticut

Central Connecticut State University Accredited by NEASC

Central Connecticut State University is a 40-credit program that prepares students for entry into journalism and related fields where information-gathering, writing, editing, and public affairs. This program leads to a BA in Journalism, and students must choose one of two tracks, print or broadcast.

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Florida

University of Florida Accredited by SACS

The College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida offers a BS in Journalism with the option to earn a master’s degree as part of a five-year plan. The program is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. Students are able to take advantage of a flexible curriculum that allows them to work in all kinds of traditional and new media platforms.

University of Tampa Accredited by SACS

At the University of Tampa, students can earn a BA in Journalism, a program that provides students with a wide array of news writing, reporting, editing and multimedia skills. Students also gain an understanding of journalism history, ethics and legal principles. The program provides opportunities for students to intern at Pulitzer-winning newspapers and nationally admired broadcast outlets.

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Georgia

Georgia State University Accredited by SACS

Georgia State University offers a BA in Journalism with the option to choose an area of concentration in print journalism, public relations, or telecommunications. The journalism major is one of the most popular majors by undergraduate enrollment in the college. This program is designed to prepare students to research efficiently and write concisely through varying mediums.

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Hawaii

University of Hawai’i at Manoa Accredited by WASC

The journalism program at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa is part of the School of Communications within the College of Social Sciences. The program is designed to develops students’ critical thinking skills and ability to gather, analyze and organize information. Students are then able to communicate those ideas via print, broadcast, online and other new media.

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Idaho

University of Idaho Accredited by NWCCU

At the University of Idaho, students can earn either a BA or BS in Journalism. Internships are offers to students in this program to help prepare them for real-world positions. Students also receive personal mentorship and coaching in a simulated newsroom environment.

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Illinois

Columbia College Chicago Accredited by HLC	At Columbia College in Chicago, students can earn a BA in Multimedia Journalism, a degree path that students how to report, write and produce news and features for television or traditional and internet-based radio, including podcasts. This program is an interdisciplinary concentration, which is a collaboration among the Communication, Radio, and Television departments.
University of Illinois Accredited by HLC	The College of Media at the University of Illinois offers a BS in Journalism. The Journalism Department at school is an award-winning community online news and information project devoted to investigative and enterprise coverage of social, justice and economic issues. Students must choose a recognized minor or one 18-hour specialization or two 9-hour specializations.

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Indiana

Indiana University Bloomington Accredited by HLC

At Indiana University Bloomington, students can earn a BA in Journalism. This program requires students to complete a 12-credit Media School core as well as a 15-credit concentration in either News Reporting and Editing or Public Relations, and an approved 9-credit specialization associated with their concentration. Students are also required to complete a second concentration consisting of 24 hours in a field other than journalism or public relations.

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Iowa

University of Iowa Accredited by HLC

At the University of Iowa, students can choose to earn a BA or a BS in Journalism and Mass Communication. Both options require a minimum of 120 s.h., including 36-48 s.h. in Journalism and Mass Communication courses – depending on when you entered the major. However, students do complete the same Journalism and Mass Communication coursework for both degrees.

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Kansas

University of Kansas Accredited by HLC

The William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Kansas offers a BS in Journalism with the option to choose the New and Information track. This track prepares students to adapt to an ever-changing media landscape. Graduate typically pursue jobs at websites, magazines, TV stations, sports organizations, startups and nonprofits.

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Louisiana

University of Louisiana at Lafayette Accredited by SACS

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette, through the Department of Communication, students can earn a degree in communication with a concentration in journalism. The journalism sequence prepares students for careers in the traditional print media, such as newspapers, magazines and newsletters, as well as in the emerging online publications.

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Maine

University of Maine Accredited by NEASC

The University of Maine offers a BA in Journalism, a program designed for students seeking print, broadcast and digital broadcast news careers. The program also prepares students for graduate study in related communication fields, law, the humanities and the social sciences.

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Maryland

University of Maryland Accredited by MSCHE

The University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism offers two undergraduate programs to choose from – Broadcast or Multiplatform – and a center for sports journalism. All journalism majors take courses covering the basics of news photography, videography, audio recording and editing, Web production and digital storytelling.

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Massachusetts

Boston University Accredited by NEASC	The College of Communication at Boston University offers a BS in Communication with a focus areas in Online Journalism, Broadcast Journalism, Journalism, Magazine Journalism and Photojournalism. A total of 128 credits and 32 four-credit courses is required for graduation. Elective courses will be needed to satisfy this requirement.
Northeastern Universityy Accredited by NEASC	The School of Journalism at Northeastern University, through the College of Arts, Media, and Design, offers a BA in Journalism. This program combines opportunities for graduates to pursue a variety of careers in this field, such as a journalist or public relations practitioner. Students are also required to study subject areas outside of journalism in order to achieve a broad view of the world.
University of Massachusetts Accredited by NEASC	The BA in Journalism Studies Concentration degree program at UMassAmherst UWW (University Without Walls) is designed to enhance writing, editing, and reporting skills for those both new to the field and seasoned journalists. This program consists of a minimum of 120 credit hours, and includes classes covering ethics, interviewing skills, food writing, public relations, and more.

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Michigan

Michigan State University Accredited by HLC

MSU’s BA in Journalism degree program strives to hone students’ writing, editing, and reporting skills for a myriad of news and information media outlets. In this program, students can choose to take classes in subjects like broadcast journalism, media design, photojournalism, information graphics, international reporting, sports journalism, media relations, journalism education, and environment, science, and health.

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Minnesota

University of Minnesota Accredited by HLC

The BA in Journalism degree programs at the University of Minnesota can prepare students for a plethora of careers including news reporting, writing, editing, producing, photojournalism, advertising, public relations, media effects, media industry studies, international communication, and more. Students must choose a concentration in Professional Journalism, Mass Communication, or Strategic Communication.

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Mississippi

University of Southern Mississippi Accredited by SACS

The University of Southern Mississippi offers several BA in Journalism degree programs that aim to prepare students to write and produce content for a variety of media platforms. Students must pick a concentration in Broadcast Journalism, Photojournalism, News-Editorial, or Public Relations.

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Missouri

University of Missouri Accredited by HLC

At the University of Missouri, students can earn a Bachelor of Journalism degree that is designed to provide a liberal arts and sciences foundation along with journalism and strategic communication skills. This program consists of a minimum of 120 credits, with a minimum of 44 credits towards the journalism major.

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Montana

University of Montana Accredited by NWCCU

The University of Montana’s BA in Journalism degree program focuses on providing learning opportunities both in the classroom and through hands-on experience. Students in this program can have the chance to produce written and multimedia content for newspaper, magazine, radio, television, and documentary film platforms.

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Nebraska

University of Nebraksa Lincoln Accredited by HLC

The undergraduate degree in journalism at the University of Nebraska Lincoln is designed to teach students to convey stories from all over the world through a variety of media platforms. Students in this program can take courses in subjects like photojournalism, multimedia, public service, and data journalism, and engage in hands-on experience through internships, student organizations, and study abroad opportunities.

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Nevada

University of Nevada Las Vegas Accredited by NWCCU

At UNLV, students can earn a BA in Journalism and Media Studies that focuses on developing students’ conceptual knowledge of journalism, in addition to honing the writing, editing, reporting, presentation, multimedia technology, and critical thinking skills needed for a career in this field. Coursework for this program includes Global Media, Professional Internship, Interviewing, and News Reporting and Writing.

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New Hampshire

University of New Hampshire Accredited by NEASC

The University of New Hampshire’s BA in English and Journalism degree program is designed to prepare students to work as writers and editors for a variety of media platforms. In this program, students can take internship-based classes, as well as courses like Travel Writing, Editing, Feature Writing, Entrepreneurial Journalism, and Writing and Reporting the News.

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New Jersey

Rutgers University Accredited by MSCHE

The Journalism and Media Studies major at Rutgers University aims to prepare students for a variety of career paths including, news, entertainment, public relations, marketing, and graduate school. Students in this program can pursue one of three pathways, Journalism and Emerging Media, Creative Media Practice, or Media and Society, and also choose to specialize in Global Media or Sports Journalism.

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New Mexico

University of New Mexico Accredited by HLC

At UNM, students can earn a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication that is designed to prepare students for careers in journalism, advertising, or public relations. Students must pick a concentration in Multimedia Journalism, Strategic Communication, or Digital Field Multimedia, and the core courses for this program include History of Media, Multimedia and Visual Communication, and Media Ethics and Law.

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New York

New York University Accredited by MSCHE	The Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute at NYU offers BA in Journalism degree programs that focus on developing journalism concepts, as well as honing the writing, editing, reporting, and multimedia skills needed for a career in this field. Students must choose a concentration in Journalism or Media Criticism, and can take classes like Investigating Journalism, Multimedia, and The Written Word.
Pace University Accredited by MSCHE	Pace University’s BS in Digital Journalism degree program aims to develop the writing, editing, reporting, and multimedia skills needed for a career in this field. Students in this program can take classes like Journalism at the Movies, The Global Newsroom, Digital Storytelling, Propaganda, and Producing the Documentary, in addition to taking internship-based courses.

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North Carolina

University of North Carolina Accredited by SACS

The University of North Carolina’s BA in Media and Journalism degree strives to hone students’ writing, editing, multimedia, reporting, and critical thinking skills to prepare them to present news and information on a variety of platforms. In this program, students can take courses like Media Law, Publication Design, Talk Politics, and Writing and Reporting.

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North Dakota

North Dakota State University Accredited by HLC

At NDSU, students can earn a BA or BS in Journalism degree, designed to prepare students for careers in news reporting, media writing, broadcast writing, and broadcast production. Students must choose a concentration in Print or Broadcasting, and can take classes like Communication Analysis, Advanced Media Writing, and Understanding Media and Social Change, along with a Field Experience course.

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Ohio

Ohio State University Accredited by HLC	The BA in Journalism degree program at Ohio State University is designed to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities to develop their writing, editing, and multimedia skills. In this program, students can take classes covering subjects like news and feature writing, reporting, blogging and micro blogging, and social media and multimedia.
Ohio University Accredited by HLC	Ohio University’s BS in Journalism degree program aims to prepare students for the future of journalism, and hone the writing, editing, reporting, critical thinking, and ethical skills needed for a career in this field. This program consists of 120 semester hour credits, with 48 credits towards this major. Students must pick a concentration in Strategic Communication or News and Information.

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Oklahoma

University of Oklahoma Accredited by HLC

At the University of Oklahoma, students can pursue an undergraduate degree in journalism that is designed to prepare them for careers as reporters, news anchors, copy writers, editors, and broadcast journalists. This program consists of a minimum of 124 hours, with a maximum of 50 hours towards the journalism major. Coursework for this program includes Television News, and Multimedia Newsgathering.

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Oregon

University of Oregon Accredited by NWCCU

The BS and BA in Journalism degree programs at the University of Oregon strives to provide students with the skills needed to research, report, and communicate news for a variety of media platforms. In this program, students can take classes like Photojournalism, Feature Writing, Newspaper Editing, and Digital Video Production.

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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania State University Accredited by MSCHE

PennState’s BA in Journalism degree program is designed to prepare students for careers as writers, editors, reporters, and photographers for a variety of media outlets. Students in this program must pick a concentration in Broadcast Journalism, Photojournalism/Visual Communication, or Digital and Print Journalism. Core courses for this program include classes like News Media Ethics and News Writing and Reporting.

Point Park University Accredited by MSCHE

At Point Park University, students can earn a BA in Journalism degree that aims to hone students’ writing, editing, multimedia video, reporting, and interviewing skills for a multitude of media platforms. Coursework for this program includes Investigative Reporting, Entrepreneurial Journalism, International Media, Graphic Design, and Video Production and Editing.

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Rhode Island

University of Rhode Island Accredited by NEASC

The University of Rhode Island’s undergraduate degree in journalism focuses on providing students with the research, writing, reporting, and editing skills needed for a variety of communities and media platforms, helping to prepare them for a career in this field. In this program, students can take classes like Public Affairs Reporting, Media Criticism, and Magazine Article and Feature Writing.

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South Carolina

University of Sourth Carolina Accredited by SACS

The BA in Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of South Carolina is offered as a general journalism degree, or with a Broadcast Journalism concentration. During their senior year, students can participate in the weekly newspaper, The Carolina Reporter. Students pursuing the Broadcast Journalism track can produce a live, daily television newscast for a local cable and campus channel.

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South Dakota

South Dakota State University Accredited by HLC

At South Dakota State University, students can earn a BA or a BS in Journalism degree that aims to hone their writing, speaking, critical thinking, and technological skills as it applies to the journalism field. Coursework available for both programs include Writing for Social Media, Video Production and Lab, Media Law, and Photojournalism and Studio.

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Tennessee

Middle Tennessee State University Accredited by SACS

The BS in Journalism degree at MTSU focuses on writing and reporting skills, theory, ethics, design, management, research, new media and freedom of expression. Students in this program can take classes like Electronic Media News Writing, Media History and American Culture, Feature Writing, and Broadcast Announcing and Performance.

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Texas

Texas State University Accredited by SACS	Texas State University’s BS in Journalism degree program focuses on enhancing media writing and digital skills. Students can pursue a general journalism degree, or choose a concentration track in Digital Media or Multimedia Production. In this program, students can take classes like Editing for Clear Communication, Web Design Publishing, and News Writing and Reporting.
University of Texas Austin Accredited by SACS	The Bachelor of Journalism degree program at the University of Texas at Austin is designed to prepare students for a variety of graduate study opportunities, or careers in this field as writers, editors, and reporters. This program consists of 120 total hours, with 36 hours dedicated to the journalism major.

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Utah

Utah State University Accredited by NWCCU	Utah State University offers BA and BS in Journalism degree programs that aim to prepare students to work in an array of communication fields as writers, reporters, and content producers for a variety of media platforms. Students in this program must pick a concentration in Print Journalism, Broadcast/Electronic Media, or Public Relations/Corporate Communications.
Utah Valley University Accredited by NWCCU	At Utah Valley University, students can pursue a BS in Communication, Journalism concentration, degree that will build writing, editing, and reporting skills through classwork in addition to hands-on involvement with the UVU Review. Coursework for this program includes Media Ethics, Radio Production, Magazine Writing, and Investigative Reporting.

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Vermont

Castleton University Accredited by NEASC

The BS in Communication, Journalism concentration degree program at Castleton University aims to develop students’ critical thinking, research, and writing skills, and to become more aware of different ethical, ideological, and global perspectives. Students in this program can take classes like Newspaper Editing, Feature Writing, and Race, Gender, and Sexuality in Media.

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Virginia

Virginia Commonwealth University Accredited by SACS	VCU’s undergraduate journalism degree is designed to prepare students for graduate study in areas like law, business, or education, and to also prepare students for careers in the news media working as reporters and editors for a variety of media platforms. Students in this program can pursue a concentration in Broadcast Journalism or Print/Online Journalism.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Accredited by SACS	The BA in Multimedia Journalism at Virginia Tech gives students the opportunity to pursue a general journalism degree, or a concentration in Sports Media and Analytics. This program consists of a minimum of 120 credit hours, with 46 of those credits dedicated to the multimedia journalism major.

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Washington

University of Washington Accredited by NWCCU

At the University of Washington, students can earn a Bachelor in Communication: Journalism degree. This Journalism Program is an undergraduate emphasis area within the Department of Communication that focuses on content creation, curation, and audience engagement for a multitude of news mediums. Students pursuing this degree can participate in the Premier Internship Program and possibly the Foreign Intrigue Program.

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West Virginia

West Virginia University Accredited by HLC

West Virginia University’s baccalaureate journalism degree strives to teach students to write and produce content for a variety of media platforms. Students will have the opportunity to create their own projects and products that will be designed to advance this field and their careers. In this program, students can take classes like Media Writing, Advanced Photojournalism, and Editing and Curation.

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Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Accredited by HLC

At UWM, students can pursue a BA in Journalism, Advertising, and Media Studies (JAMS), and the journalism portion of this degree focuses on excellent writing, reporting, and use of digital tools. Coursework for this program includes Television New Reporting, Integrated Reporting, and News Writing and Technology.

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Wyoming

University of Wyoming Accredited by HLC

The undergraduate degree in journalism at the University of Wyoming aims to hone students writing and critical thinking skills to prepare them for careers as reporters, writers, content managers, advertisers, and more. In this program, students can pursue a concentration in Reporting and Editing, Advertising and Public Relations, Visual and Multimedia, or Media and Society.

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Bachelors in Journalism Quick Facts

Here is a brief snapshot of what to expect and look forward to with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.

Quick Facts
Common Pre-Enrollment Requirements:	High School Diploma or GED (associate’s degree is optional)
Common Core Subjects Covered:	Interviewing, Media Relations, Broadcast, Print, Digital, and Sports Journalism
Non-Classwork Required:	None (internship is strongly recommended)
Expected Time to Complete Bachelor’s Degree:	4 years
Common Next Steps:	Entry-Level Position, Master’s Degree
Most Common Career Fields:	Journalism (Print, Digital, Investigative, etc.), Writing, Editing, Publishing, Producing, Public Relations, Advertising, Marketing

Exploring Degree Types and Accreditation

Most colleges and universities offer a BA (Bachelor of Arts) or a BS (Bachelor of Science) in journalism. However, you might find a few other degree options, such as the ones listed below:

• Bachelor of Journalism (B.J.) – some schools award a degree in journalism instead of a BA or BS as a way to incorporate more coursework in the field
• Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication (B.A.J.M.C.) – a program that is often part of or in conjunction with a course of study in mass communication

Accreditation is important for all degrees, ensuring you receive a qualified education. The accrediting bodies featured in our list are:

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