The 10 Best Online Journalism Courses (2023 Rankings)

The best online journalism courses can teach you the basics of newswriting, reporting, and researching so you can build a successful career in media. 

While journalism may not look the same as it did 20 years ago, it is still a job that is increasing in demand. With so much happening around the world, there will always be a story to report. And they need you to report it!

No matter what type of journalism you are passionate about, there is an online course for you.

The best part is you can learn from some of the world’s foremost experts in the field from the comfort of your own home!

We’ve reviewed and ranked the top online journalism classes based on a number of key factors, including instructor credentials, course content, fees, and student feedback.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost for you, we might get a commission if you click the link and purchase.

 

What are the Best Online Journalism Courses?

Here are our picks for the top journalism classes you can take online in 2023…

 

1. Bob Woodward Teaches Investigative Journalism (Masterclass)

Learn from one of the world’s most influential journalists in this online course from Masterclass.

Bob Woodward is a world-renowned journalist who has spent decades covering world-altering events.

In his online course, you’ll learn the essential skills and techniques needed to research, write, and report stories of national importance

In 24 lessons, you will learn how to provide a full investigation into a story to uncover the truth.

Woodward shows you how to build a roster of trustworthy sources, conduct informative interviews, and publish the secrets you have learned.

Take this course at your own pace and work from wherever suits you best. Masterclass has created this course to provide you with knowledge from the best in the industry, learn his secrets, and use them to build your own career!

This journalism course is perfect for anyone beginning their journey or wanting to learn from someone with over 40 years of experience.

A Masterclass membership gives you unlimited access to 180+ classes with new classes added every month, and Masterclass pricing is one of the best values out there.

Plus, right now MasterClass is running its 2-for-1 deal for a limited time only. Click here to take advantage of this offer where you can buy one MasterClass membership and get a second one free.

Our Masterclass review has more details.

Click here to try this course today.

 

2. English For Journalism (Coursera)

English For Journalism is the perfect course for those just entering the world of journalism with English not being their native language. With so many ways to write, it can be a challenge to master the art of English.

Through this 5-week course, you will learn everything from the history of journalism to how journalism works in this digital age. You can learn the basic skills required to become a successful journalist and how to apply them to real-life situations.

In the course’s last unit, you will examine the development, significance, and difficulties of digital news while working on a reflection assignment that will give you the chance to reflect on and talk about the most current developments in the journalism industry.

Not to mention, you can earn a shareable certificate when you complete the course!

Coursera’s pricing model lets you audit classes for free, but if you want to get a certificate for completing the course, you’ll need to pay a fee.

Our Coursera Plus review has more details about their plans.

Click here to start this course today.

 

3. Journalism 101: Introduction to News Writing (Skillshare)

When beginning to venture into a career as a journalist, there are some basics to be learned before you can start applying for high-position jobs.

Journalism 101: Introduction to News Writing is the course to show you the basics and help you get on your way.

In just over 30 minutes you can learn everything you need to know to get your start.

From how to structure your story, to the types of news stories, to things to avoid in the industry, this could be the guide you need to make you successful.

To complete this online journalism course, a hands-on project must be completed. This will involve finding 3 pieces of news and dissecting them and discovering how they are structured.

Skillshare pricing is very affordable for all it offers, and there’s even a free 30-day trial.

Our Skillshare review offers an in-depth look at all the features of the platform.

Click here to try Skillshare free for 30 days.

 

4. Improve Your Interviewing Skills for Podcasts, Blogs, Journalism, and Academic Research (Skillshare)

In this digital age, the world of blogging and podcasting has become one of the most popular forms of journalism. This course can teach you how to harness that skill and turn it into something incredible.

Beginning with the art of interviewing. The interview is a mainstay of journalism and podcasting today, yet it’s frequently done poorly. Most interviewers commit crucial errors that lower the effectiveness of their interviews.

Learn how to shed light on a new subject, share a remarkable tale, and stand out among the millions of interview recordings on the Internet in this course—all without ever having to attend journalism school.

Learn to build your audience and begin creating a portfolio of your journalism skills and experiences.

Click here to try Skillshare free for 30 days.

 

5. Meet The Press: Beginners Guide To Freelance Journalism (Skillshare)

The most common position for journalists today is freelancing where you write your articles and present them to different press companies for publication.

Brittany ‘B’ Knight is a highly successful freelance journalist and she is ready to teach you to become one yourself.

Learn about the world of journalism from someone currently working. Knight takes you through the complicated world of journalism and how to become the perfect freelance journalist.

You will be taught essential tools of the trade including how to research like a journalist, create the perfect pitch and conduct successful interviews.

At the end, your skills will come together to complete the hands-on project. You will create a 2-paragraph mock pitch using everything you have learned.

Click here to try Skillshare free for 30 days.

 

6. Media Ethics & Governance (Coursera)

When working as a journalist, media ethics is a common challenge. Navigating this can become difficult rather quickly, especially with little to no training.

Media Ethics & Governance will explore the theories and concepts which are active in the industry of media ethics. Learn to discover perspectives, societal changes, and what the public expects of the media.

After completing this course, you will be able to consider moral quandaries and construct a convincing case for ethical judgment in a number of media-related circumstances.

This course is ideal for those with a background in journalism and are wanting to refresh their knowledge. Learn to create solid arguments backed by historical evidence.

Click here to try this course free.

 

7. Good with Words: Writing and Editing (Coursera)

The writing component of journalism is the focus of this group of courses. It focuses on a variety of abilities, such as how to offer and accept high-quality criticism, how to organize a complex set of material in a reader-friendly fashion, and how to regularly meet deadlines.

With no experience needed, this 4-module course is the perfect course for bloggers, writers, etc. to gain further knowledge on how to develop their work.

Complete this class at your own pace with access to a range of resources that can also be accessed after you finish the course.

From learning the formation of good sentence structure to editing the final product, this course is an in-depth step-by-step guide to becoming an incredible writer.

Click here to try this course free.

 

8. Online Journalism: How To Write A Great Copy For Online Media (Udemy)

Get ready to make a splash in the world of online journalism!

From opinion writing, news, and features to legal issues, promotion, and perspective – this course has it all.

You’ll learn how these topics work together while unlocking your potential as an effective journalist with sharp skills across text formats.

All that’s required? A passion for developing stories destined for the digital space.

Our Udemy pricing guide has more details on how their plans work.

Check out our Udemy review to learn more.

Click here to start this course on Udemy.

 

9. Journalism: Be A Great Talk Show Host (Udemy) 

Writing isn’t the only skill possessed by journalists, many also have to be great on TV. While not everyone takes this route, it is a common end goal for journalists to land their own news show as an anchor.

Broadcast journalism is a whole new game and this course is going to show you how to play.

Through a series of video lectures and academic resources, this course will teach you how to be comfortable on TV, become a good host, and be comfortable within the media of broadcasting.

Learn to rehearse using video and become the face of broadcast journalism!

Click here to try this course today.

 

10. How To Become A Purpose-Driven Journalist (LinkedIn Learning)

Take your knowledge of journalism to the next level with this beginner-level education course, taught by one of the most experienced women in the field.

Both men and women can benefit from honing their skills on topics like sourcing, interviewing techniques, journalistic values – all while exploring perspectives through a female lens!

Get ready to dive into an enriching learning experience where you’ll receive guidance that could take your career as a journalist even further.

LinkedIn Learning pricing is $19.99/month with an annual subscription or $39.99/month with a monthly subscription.

Our LinkedIn Learning review has more details.

Click here to try LinkedIn Learning free for 30 days.

 

Final Word on the Best Online Journalism Courses

Journalism is a fast-paced industry that requires many skills — all of which are required before you even begin to apply for jobs or begin writing your own articles.

Online courses are a great way to brush up on your skills or learn something completely new to set you apart from the crowd. You can take online courses on your own schedule, from anywhere you want, and without spending a ton of money.

Have any questions about our guide to the best online journalism courses? Leave a comment below so we can help.