Edited By Charlotte Sears
Review & Contribution By Dr. William Clark
A Ph.D. in Journalism focuses on media research, theory, and advanced communication studies, enabling you to lead in academia, research institutions, and high-level media consultancy roles.
Journalists, reporters, and news analysts are professionals who keep the public updated about recent events and other notable information. The Ph.D. in journalism online program focuses on investigating the relevance of journalism in society and its various elements. One gains a good foundation through coursework that explores methods and theories in shaping research in journalism and related fields like mass communication. The Ph.D. in journalism prepares learners to do well in practice-based or theory-based careers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median pay in this field is $48,370[1], with doctorates earning considerably higher salaries. Some careers Ph.D. journalism graduates take up are advertising and public relations, working in media organizations, large corporations, consultancy firms, research firms, and so on.
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National University
PROGRAM: Best & Fast Online PhD. Programs
National University, headquartered in San Diego, California, was founded in 1971 to provide educational opportunities for adult learners and working professionals. It offers over 190 degree programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, with flexible online and on-campus courses. Serving around 40,000 students and over 240,000 alumni, the university is recognized for its support of U.S. military members. Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), National University is committed to accessible and transformative higher education.
Find the Best Ph.D. in Journalism
A good Ph.D. program helps develop advanced problem-solving skills, provides academic and non-academic opportunities, evolves critical communication skills, increases research opportunities, and brings many benefits. Finding a good program with such advantages and a well-rounded education can be cumbersome. Our teams at FBD have evaluated many institutions and programs from across the U.S. Using our unique ranking methodology, we prepared a list of colleges offering the best Ph.D. in journalism online programs.
| Univ | Address | Tuition | Grad Rate |
| University of North Dakota | 264 Centennial Drive, Stop 8193, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202 | $15,960 | 63% |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to Expect from a Ph.D. in Journalism
Most Ph.D. in journalism degrees are highly individualized as prospective students pursuing the program include both recent graduates of master’s level journalism and communication and other degrees as well. The coursework draws knowledge and methodology from diverse fields like political science, anthropology, sociology, and more. All Ph.D. candidates must complete at least 30 to 76 graduate credits, 24 thesis credits, and a dissertation as part of their coursework. It takes 4 to 6 years to complete the degree. Generally, this program is provided on-campus and has many on-field and digital laboratory experiences provided to the candidates. The program’s structure is designed to include core values on inclusion, transdisciplinary, collaboration, mentoring, and original research. Graduates of the program can pursue research and teaching positions at universities and work in various roles in the private sector.
Program Structure, Coursework, and Dissertation
The doctorate in journalism program curriculum is designed to give students an overview of all public and mass communication literature with specific components and courses dedicated to journalism, public relations, and advertising. The courses focus on domains catering to specific industries like political communication, social media, ethics, health communication, video games, and media organization. It includes understanding quantitative and qualitative research approaches, preparing graduates to pursue research and teaching positions at colleges and equipping them to work in the private sector.
The requirements of a Ph.D. differ from institution to institution. However, there are some commonalities in coursework; for example, all doctoral students across programs will be expected to learn about significant paradigms within journalism and mass communication.
Doctoral Professionalization Seminars
All first and second-year doctoral candidates must also enroll in doctoral professionalization seminars. This course orients one to “live” in a Ph.D. program and meet the expectations before completing the degree. It aims to provide a sense of community among doctoral cohorts and the department’s faculty.
Research Design and Method
Students must learn about quantitative and qualitative research methods. This general course deals with various research methods used within the field. Some colleges require students to take additional graduate-level courses in different areas of research methods. Research design class bridges the gap between practice and theory.
Independent Study
Students are required to take independent courses of study on various topics and subjects. One can typically take a maximum of two separate classes from within the journalism department or outside of it.
Comprehensive Exam
Each student must complete a comprehensive examination primarily administered during the last semester of coursework. The tests are generally tailored for each student and comprise oral and written examinations.
Dissertation
This is an essential requirement of any doctoral degree, wherein one needs to be enrolled for a certain amount of dissertation hours, follow the guidelines issued by the university, and work on their dissertation with their assigned guide. After completing one’s dissertation, one must defend it orally before a committee.
A dissertation is a substantial work document wherein students present their original research and add to the existing scholarly body of knowledge about communication, journalism, and media studies. Some of the topics in this field in which past students have completed their dissertations include:
- Blogging
- Privacy and Journalism
- Propaganda Modules
- Contribution of Journalism in Political Turmoil
- Role of Media in Establishing a Country’s Image
- Corruption and Politics
- Media Theory
- Third-Person Journalists in the Media
- Journalism Used to Improve Marginalized Sections
- Role of Journalists in COVID-19
- Electronic Media Shaping Journalism
To understand more about Ph.D. degrees, read the guide to Ph.D. programs.
Learning Outcomes and Skills Gained
A Ph.D. in journalism helps students apply knowledge and perspectives from various science and arts disciplines to understand the modern world, evolve, and work with diverse communities. Graduates gain core values and competencies to help them review stories, investigate new reports, analyze and interpret information, develop relationships with experts, and more. The program prepares one with knowledge and the ability to inquire to provide valuable information to others systematically. Students gain many skills from this degree, including the ability to:
- demonstrate accountability towards citizens, consumers, or clients for their competency and quality of work they do on the field;
- reflect on the complexity and diversity of people, beliefs, and perspectives that one might have in a global society and multicultural communities they work with;
- demonstrate an understanding of the role of professionals and institutions in shaping media and communications and contribute similarly to the field;
- demonstrate an understanding of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, and other forms of diversity in mass communication;
- demonstrate an understanding of working ethically by using professional, ethical principles like accuracy, fairness, truth, and so on;
- think creatively, independently, and critically to be able to conduct research and evaluate various information through methods that are appropriate to the profession; and
- critically assess one’s work and others for fairness and accuracy, appropriate style, grammatical correctness, and clarity.
Areas of Specialization for Journalism Ph.D. Students
Ph.D. in journalism online students have a fair understanding of what field of journalism they need to pursue and specialize in. The courses taken in their concentrations will help them further their prior knowledge and gain advanced-level skills to become experts in that domain.
In the United States, students will find that most journalism doctorates are offered as a concentration in some other significant fields like mass communication, media and public affairs, information and media, media studies, strategic communication, and so on. Therefore, there are few options for concentrations available within the field of journalism itself. A couple of them directly related to a Ph.D. in Journalism include:
| Area of Specialization | Description | Career Options |
|---|---|---|
| Mass Communication | The online Ph.D. in journalism and mass communication is one of the typical specialties available in this field. It encompasses understanding the dissemination of information available through radio broadcasting, television, advertising, film, and print media. | Content writing, event management, advertising, public relations, television and film production, social media executive, and digital marketing |
| Media | This concentration is essential for students to develop communication skills, including written, visual, oral, and research. They also recognize digital media’s ethical implications and contexts concerning historical underpinnings and developments made today. | Web content managers, ad copywriters, and digital content writers |
Full-Time and Part-Time Ph.D. Programs
Journalism Ph.D. programs online require one to complete around 60 to 120 credit hours (including both coursework and dissertation requirements). Most programs take an average of 4 to 6 years to finish; however, the exact duration will vary depending on a few factors like dissertation topic, completion of the comprehensive examination, credits completed in a particular semester, etc. Part-time candidates will take six to seven years to complete their programs.
Accelerated Journalism Ph.D. Programs
Accelerated programs are designed for candidates who want to make steady academic progress but complete their degrees early. Fast-tracking one’s studies could include completing around 15 to 16 credits each spring and fall semester for three years, with 6 to 9 credits over the summer session. Some examples of universities offering accelerated Ph.D. in journalism are Colorado State University[2] and Columbia University in the City of New York[3].
Requirements for Getting Into a Ph.D. in Journalism Program
Ph.D. journalism candidates are generally expected to hold a graduate degree or equivalent to be eligible for enrollment. In some institutions, applicants without a master’s degree are also considered for admission. For a student to be accepted into the program, the following standard admission requirements for Ph.D. in journalism online programs would have to be met, apart from the university’s specific requirements:
- Completed application form and prescribed application fee
- Have a master’s degree in journalism or a related degree (some colleges accept students from the non-journalism fields)
- Cumulative Grade Point Average of a minimum of 3.0 (some colleges accept lower GPAs)
- Two to three Letters of Recommendation
- Curriculum Vitae highlighting previous academic and professional experiences
- Writing Sample exhibiting the ability to pursue conceptual and empirical work (example chapter from the master’s thesis)
- Statement of Purpose
No GRE Ph.D. in Journalism
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores indicate a student’s academic caliber in the relevant field. Many U.S. universities have eliminated or made the submission of GRE scores optional when applying to a Ph.D. program. Instead of the GRE score, universities look at writing samples, Letters of Recommendation, and work experience to judge one’s depth of knowledge in the field. The Colorado State University[2] and the University of Oregon[4] are some examples of universities offering Ph.D. no gre programs.
How to Ensure a Ph.D. in Journalism Program is Accredited
Accreditation ensures that institutions and programs match the expected quality stipulated by accrediting bodies. Studying in an accredited college assures students that they receive a quality education that potential employers and the public recognize.
The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication[5] is a non-profit organization accrediting degrees in journalism, although it does not accredit Ph.D. programs. Nevertheless, universities offering online journalism Ph.D. programs are usually accredited regionally by one of six regional accrediting bodies, which are:
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Students can check the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs[6] or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation[7] website for a university’s accreditation status.
For more on accreditation and its importance, read the accreditation guide.
Where to Find Free Online Courses for Ph.D. in Journalism Students
Students can find a wide range of topics on the internet today to help them gain knowledge and expertise in their relevant field. They can gain additional knowledge and skills through free material and courses that could help with research and dissertation writing. Here are a few examples of free journalism courses:
| Course | Description | Provided by |
|---|---|---|
| Data Journalism and Media Standards[8] | In this course, students learn about data journalism and cover topics about press freedom, blogs, and citizen journalism. It teaches how to request and access data and explains the rights necessary for journalists to work ethically. It also helps doctoral candidates understand the responsibilities of a free press and society. | Alison |
| Visualization for Data Journalism[9] | In this course, students learn about theories of visual perception and visualization concepts. They learn the importance of visualization and get hands-on practice to understand how data helps make informed decisions. | Coursera |
| Fake news, Facts, and Alternative Facts[10] | This course help distinguish between news and other formats of information. One can identify many psychological biases and fallacies in logic that affect how people interpret data. Being able to interpret accurate information successfully can help students understand how to navigate data in the real world as professionals. | edX |
Ways to Pay for a Ph.D. in Journalism
A Ph.D. program can help individuals advance in their careers, but it is an expensive endeavor. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of a Ph.D. is $96,800. Fortunately, numerous ways exist to reduce one’s financial burden and pay for one’s doctoral studies. Financial aid options for Ph.D. in journalism online students include:
Scholarships are financial rewards provided to students with outstanding academic records. They may also be given to people who succeed in other areas, such as music or sports. Scholarships are well-liked since they are easy to get and do not have to be paid back.
Grants
Grants are cash incentives given to students who have shown they need them, often for particular projects or goals. Tuition and other educational costs may be covered using grant money.
Graduate Assistantships
Ph.D. students can work as graduate or research assistants to support their teachers’ scholarly or research endeavors. In both cases, they receive payment as a stipend or a fee waiver for their work.
Fellowships
Predoctoral fellowships, sometimes called Ph.D. fellowships, are financial scholarships given to doctoral candidates. The majority of Ph.D. fellowships are given for specific reasons or demand that students finish a future task. Fellowships are given out to recognize extraordinary performance and to draw in and keep the best students.
Private Student Loans
Banks and other financial entities accept applications for educational loans from people who might not be qualified for federal aid. Due to interest, loans are expensive and must be paid back immediately. Defaulting on a loan can cause debt to increase.
FAFSA
Students can complete and submit the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, to see whether they are eligible for federal financial help.
The College Scholarship Service Profile[11] is a great tool to understand what funding one can apply for. For more on financial assistance, read the financial aid guide.
Fully Funded Ph.D. in Journalism
Some institutions provide fully funded Ph.D. programs, often including full tuition, a stipend, and health insurance. Here are a few examples of fully funded Ph.D. in journalism degrees.:
| University | Description |
|---|---|
| University of Oregon[4] | Candidates admitted to the university’s communication and media studies doctoral program are provided four years of graduate employment funding covering health insurance, monthly stipend, cost of entire tuition, and living cost. The student also gets a monthly salary of $1,757, the option of teaching and doing research work for 16 hours, and a health insurance premium of $61. |
| Columbia University in the City of New York[3] | Full-time Ph.D. students who have not received any significant award from outside sources are offered a standard financial aid package. It consists of a stipend of four years, tuition exemption for coursework duration, coverage for health insurance and health services fees, and more. |
| Boston University[12] | Boston University provides funding to Ph.D. students for the duration of their study or up to a maximum of five years. This funding includes a full tuition scholarship, a stipend for fulfilling teaching and research obligations, and health insurance credit. Candidates with existing external financing will be required to serve as teaching fellows for one semester, for which compensation is given. |
Career Opportunities and Salaries After Graduating With a Ph.D. in Journalism
According to a survey by The American Journalist, journalists in the U.S. earned a median annual salary of $74,010 in 2022[13]. There are more than 6,536 individuals employed as journalists, according to the report. It is worth noting that the salary a Ph.D. holder gets is considerably higher than a bachelor’s or master’s degree holder. Conclusively, journalism can be an excellent career for many people, some of the common roles being:
- Online Journalism
- Trade Journalism
- Entertainment Journalism
- Sports Journalism
- Opinion Journalism
- Watchdog Journalism
- Investigative Journalism
- Broadcast Journalism
Here are a few careers one can pursue after completing an online Ph.D. in journalism (note that the salaries are not computed for Ph.D. holders):
| Occupation | Job Description | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2031) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists[14] | News analysts, reporters, and journalists write stories or articles for magazines, newspapers, websites, etc., to be read on television or radio. They also update articles whenever new information is available, investigate new leads, and pitch ideas to editors. | Communication skills, interpersonal skills, technological skills, persistence, stamina | $48,370 | -9% (decline) |
| Writers and Authors[15] | Writers and authors research to develop authentic detail. They also present drafts to the editor and clients for feedback and revising materials for publishing. Many are self-employed or freelancers. | Adaptability, creativity, determination, persuasion, social perceptiveness, critical-thinking skills, writing skills | $69,510 | 4% (as fast as average) |
| Public Relations and Fundraising Managers[16] | Public relations and fundraising managers plan and individually coordinate communication with the public, including investors, media outlets, and consumers. They are also responsible for developing and carrying out various fundraising strategies and devising promotion programs. | Interpersonal skills, leadership skills, organizational skills, problem-solving skills, speaking skills, writing skills | $119,860 | 8% (faster than average) |
| Editors[17] | Editors review various story ideas and judge which materials the readers could like the most. They also lead the review process and offer comments to suggest catchy titles and headlines and offer comments to make write-ups and ideas more appealing. | Creativity, detail-oriented, interpersonal skills, writing skills, good judgment | $63,350 | -5% (decline) |
| Public Relations Specialists[18] | Public relations specialists evaluate promotion programs and advertising to determine if they are feasible and in line with the organization’s public relations goals. They also help maintain the image and identity of the organization. | Interpersonal skills, organizational skills, problem-solving skills, writing skills, speaking skills | $62,800 | 8% (faster than average) |
| Technical Writers[19] | Technical writers incorporate graphs, illustrations, photographs, and animations to increase others’ understanding of products and materials. They also study product samples and communicate with product developers and designers to be able to revise supporting content for various products. | Critical-thinking skills, writing skills, technical skills, detail-oriented, teamwork, imagination | $78,060 | 6% (as fast as average) |
Certifications and Licensing for Ph.D. in Journalism Graduates
Professional certifications are credentials that help individuals demonstrate competency in a particular skill. Certification proves to employers that one has the necessary experience, skill, and knowledge to perform a job as a trusted professional. Even though it is not mandatory for journalists to have certifications, having one can enhance their legitimacy in the field. Some certifications students of journalism Ph.D. can consider are:
Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC)[20]
The Society for Technical Communication provides this certification to help applicants demonstrate knowledge and understanding of some of the best practices in technical communication and the capacity to lead others. By completing the expert certification, one would have worked with a set of products, and expert interview panels, enhancing one’s understanding of the field threefold.
Advancing Your Communication Strategy in DE&I Certificate[21]
This certification is designed for professionals who are leaders in the field of communication and want to expand their understanding of how to communicate respectfully and effectively with others. It helps in setting realistic expectations and building effective programming and outreach.
Content Marketing Certificate Program[22]
This certification benefits those responsible for brand storytelling efforts and leaders in charge of brand growth strategies. It helps one to master the ability to repurpose and create content that aligns with various business goals. Candidates also learn to collect data and analyze its effectiveness through different campaigns.
Licensure is not required to practice as a journalist in America. Due to the freedom of the press, states cannot regulate journalists. However, in cases where one wants to work as an educator in the field, one will be required to obtain licensure from the relevant state body.
Additional Resources for Ph.D. in Journalism Graduates
There are many nationally and internationally recognized organizations that can help their members make significant contributions to the field of journalism. Students pursuing a journalism doctoral program can improve their chances of finding opportunities to advance professionally, build a community with like-minded peers, and collaborate with experts. Here are a few professional organizations to explore:
| Title/Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Society of Professional Journalists[23] | This organization has members worldwide and encourages news organizations to build more inclusive, equitable, and diverse newsrooms. They also design many initiatives to amplify diverse voices in journalism. The organization also provides an examination, thought resources, and leadership supporting a more sustainable future. |
| The National Press Club[24] | This organization offers its members many career and social development opportunities and helps them connect with journalists, communications, and public relations professionals. It also helps them gain access to professional networks, educational programs, and experts in the field. |
| News Leaders Association[25] | This organization believes in creating diverse newsrooms that cover the developments within American communities in a better manner. They conduct annual surveys to show progress and challenges addressing racial diversity in newsrooms. |
| American Society of Journalists and Authors[26] | This organization helps build connections with other members through social media presence, events, and private members groups. One can gain much information from their expansive resources section and learn from industry professionals and experts in the field. |
| Investigative Reporters and Editors[27] | This organization aims to foster excellence in investigative journalism by providing resources and training and creating a community of investigative journalists. They also promote high professional standards and protect the rights in this profession. |
FAQs About Ph.D. in Journalism Programs
What do doctoral students in Journalism learn?
A journalism doctoral student can expect to learn how to conduct research, gain experience as an educator, and collaborate with experts in the field. They understand the values of inclusion and challenges in journalism and develop excellent communication and thinking skills.
Why should you do a Ph.D. in journalism online?
What can I do with a Ph.D. in journalism?
Is a doctoral degree in journalism worth it?
Do I need to complete a dissertation in a Ph.D. in journalism?
Is it necessary to have a master’s in journalism to apply for Ph.D. in journalism?
Citations:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics- Occupational Outlook for Journalists
Columbia University in the City of New York
Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
Council for Higher Education Accreditation
Alison-Data Journalism and Media Standards
Coursera-Visualization for Data Journalism
Edx-Fake news, facts, and alternative facts
College Scholarship Service Profile
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics- Occupational Outlook for News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics- Occupational Outlook for Writers and Authors
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics- Occupational Outlook for Public Relations and Fundraising Managers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics- Occupational Outlook for Editors
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics- Occupational Outlook for Public Relations Specialists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics- Occupational Outlook for Technical Writers
Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC)
Advancing Your Communication Strategy in DE&I Certificate
Content Marketing Certificate Program
Society of Professional Journalists