About: 

Journalism in the 21st century is a dynamic and rapidly changing field. In this online program, you will learn the fundamentals of the craft and the new media skills you need to succeed in the industry. Our innovative, nationally recognized Certificate of Journalism was named a Program of Excellence by the University Continuing Education Association.

Whether you want to complete the 15-credit certificate or take a single class, this online program offers you the opportunity to study with award-winning professors and professional journalists at the top of their field. You’ll find classes in general and specialized newswriting, public relations, web design, infographics, ethics and many more subjects.

For more information, visit the Certificate of Journalism’s website, where you can learn more about registration, requirements and courses.

Program Highlights:

  • The faculty includes UMass professors and leading professionals.
  • Learn from diverse course offerings in subjects like Newswriting and Reporting, Infographics, Public Relations and Online Journalism with students enrolled from around the world.
  • The program is committed to the Student Experience

Learn more about this program:

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

Sample a Course

Click here for more information on the Certificate in Journalism.

Tuition/Fees: 

Registration is administered through UMass Amherst University Without Walls. Please see Fee Schedule below.

Type of Fee Amount
Summer Fee per credit $445
Fall Fee per credit $482
Registration Fee per semester $60
Returned Check Fee per semester** $30

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

Accreditation: 

The University of Massachusetts is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Admissions: 

Classes are open to students from all disciplines and educational levels. No application is necessary.
 
To earn the Certificate of Journalism, students must take a minimum of 15 credits in five courses. These are the specific courses required to complete the Certificate:

  • Journalism 300, Newswriting and Reporting.
  • One foundation class– either Introduction to Journalism (201) or Journalism Ethics (460).
  • Three other journalism courses; these are electives you can choose.
Financial Aid: 

The Certificate of Journalism is not a degree-granting program, and so federal financial aid will not be available to many students.

If you are currently enrolled at UMass Amherst, including the University Without Walls program, please contact Marianna McKim at 413-545-3353 in the UMass Amherst Financial Aid office to determine your eligibility. If you are a student at another university, please contact your financial aid officer there for information. If you are not currently a student, you may be eligible for personal loans.

Testimonials: 

"E-books have taken online education to a new level. Being abroad, I had troubles finding English bookstores. I worried this would impede my plans to study at UMassOnline. Not only was having access to e-books cheaper than ordering books, it also allowed me to be on the same pages as my online classmates all over the world. The UMass library's ebook collection is large and continues to grow. The system is user friendly and easy to browse through. With many now reading online newspapers instead of print, it is only a matter of time before more universities begin having online ebook libraries." Yasmin Aboelsaud, UMass Amherst

More Program Details
Campus: 
UMass Amherst
Contact: 
Razvan Sibii
Phone: 
413-545-1376
Level: 
Undergraduate
Type: 
Certificate
Credits: 
15
Tuition Per Credit: 

Summer semester $445
Fall semester $482

Format: 
Online
Subject: 
Fine Arts, Design and Communications
Liberal Arts and Humanities
Social and Political Sciences

Inquire Now