Programs

Online news and information sites are transforming the field of journalism. Get the skills you need to break into this up-and-coming field through our innovative, nationally recognized Certificate in Journalism. Named a Program of Excellence by the University Continuing Education Association — the most prestigious award in the field of distance learning — this exclusively online program lets you study with award-winning instructors and professional journalists at the top of their field, many of whom offer specialized coursework not available through on-campus programs. Whether your background is in journalism or a completely different field, you’ll complete this five-course program prepared to work in travel writing, sports writing, photojournalism, war reporting, science writing, arts criticism, citizen journalism and a host of other dynamic fields.

Program Highlights:

• First - Rate Faculty
• Learn from a diverse course environment with students enrolled from around the world
• Commitment to the Student Experience

Learn more about this program:

To receive more information and connect with the program manager, please click on inquire now to the right. 

Sample a Course

For more information on the Journalism Certificate click here.

Registration is administered through UMass Amherst Continuing and Professional Education. Payment is due upon registration. Please see Fee Schedule below.

Type of Fee	Amount
Fee per credit	$320
Registration Fee per semester	$45
Education Service Fee per semester	$0
Late Reg. Fee per semester*	$60
Returned Check Fee per semester**	$30
Total for course***	$1005 (320x3 credits = 960 + 45 registration fee per semester)

Click here to browse our course listings.

*applicable when you register after deadline; non-refundable unless course has been cancelled

** applicable when checks returned unpaid

*** Courses can vary from one to six credits; this total represents a standard 3 credit course

The University of Massachusetts is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

 

Did you know?

The University of Massachusetts was ranked 22nd Best University in North America and 45th Best in the World by the Times of London.

More Awards…

• Winner, UCEA Program of Excellence Award for the Certificate of Online Journalism in 2006
• Winner, United States Distance Learning Association, 21st Century Best Practices Award, 2005
• Winner, Sloan-C Excellence Awards - Excellence in Faculty Development, 2005 (UMassLowell)
• Winner, Sloan-C Excellence Awards – Excellence in Online Programming, 2005(UMass Lowell)
• Winner, Sloan-C Excellence Awards – Excellence in Online Teaching, 2005 (UMass Lowell)
• UMass Amherst Isenberg MBA, Top 10 national rankings, #4 Best Professors (2005, 2006, 2007 Princeton Review: Best Business Schools rankings)
• Med School, 4th in Primary Care Education, U.S. World Reports, 2005

Open to students from all disciplines. No application necessary.

This certificate requires students to take a total of 15 credits in five courses. JOURNAL 300, Newswriting and Reporting, is required, plus four other courses for a total of 15 credit hours.

Contact:

For more information or if you have additional questions, please contact Professor Norman Sims at sims@journ.umass.edu.

Availability of financial aid varies depending on matriculation and course status. Please check with your program manager or advisor to determine your eligibility. Generally, if you are matriculated in a degree program and are enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits each semester, you may qualify for financial aid. Please review our Financial Aid Checklist below.

1. Fill out the FAFSA form at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
2. It is important to list the University of Massachusetts Amherst school code number 002221.
3. For more information please click here.