Best Doctorate in Journalism Programs

In uncertain times, people often turn to journalists. These professionals cover breaking news stories. They also provide intriguing articles that can serve as escapism.

This career blends a passion for communicating, writing, listening, and observing. Since the news industry now emphasizes digital stories, the need for journalists continues to rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of jobs for news analysts, reporters, and journalists is projected to grow by 6% between 2020 and 2030.

These professionals earn a median annual salary of $48,370, as of May 2021, according to the BLS. This is slightly above the median annual wage of $45,760 for all workers.

However, earning a doctorate in journalism may lead to higher-paying jobs. For example, journalism professors earn a median annual income of $79,640, as of May 2021. These higher-paying journalism professions typically require a doctorate.

It takes students 4-6 years to finish the program and earn their doctorate. Accelerated programs allow learners to finish the program in less time. Also, some programs can be completed online.

Graduate students spend an average of about $19,790 per year on college costs (tuition and required fees), according to the National Center for Education Statistics. They use student loans, grants, and scholarships to help pay for their education.

Keep reading to learn what an in-person and online doctorate in journalism programs entails. See our top program picks.

Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Each year, the BestColleges Ranking Team evaluates hundreds of programs to produce our annual Best Doctorate in Journalism ranking. In 2022, the team sourced the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by NCES. We identified three schools that qualify for our ranking, listed in alphabetical order. The programs in our list are based on the following criteria.

The BestColleges Ranking Team is made up of contributors from our data science and product management teams. These contributors operate independently from the editorial team. All BestColleges school rankings are produced by the ranking team and are free of editorial influence. Read our Editorial Policy and Standards to learn more.

A doctorate in journalism program covers topics that go beyond the practice. Learners discover mass communication theories and conduct research. Most doctorate in journalism programs require a dissertation. This written document summarizes journalism research. Typically, this dissertation aims to fill in industry knowledge gaps.

Most courses include lectures and discussions. A doctorate in this subject requires more writing and critical thinking than standardized tests. Learners get the chance to conduct fieldwork by writing for real-world publications.

Before enrolling in a doctorate in journalism program, learners should prepare by gaining professional experience. They can do so through internships or professional and freelance work.

Check Out The Student’s Guide to College Planning

Doctorate in journalism programs usually feature more thorough application processes. For this reason, applicants should prepare for the process as early as possible.

Some competitive programs require an interview. Usually, applicants must submit a statement of purpose or essay, official transcripts, and a resume. Many schools also require the GRE or GMAT. Schools typically provide information on graduate acceptance rates.

Explore Our Graduate Admissions Guide

This degree opens multiple opportunities for you to pursue depending on which track you select. Learners who pursue a Ph.D. or Ed.D. typically work in research or education roles. People who want to practice in the journalism field as leaders can earn an applied doctorate.

Graduates with a doctorate may decide to pursue careers as top editors and senior journalists. Or, they work in related fields like public relations. In the next section, we discuss five careers people pursue with this type of doctorate.

Learn More About Journalism Careers

People generally find a doctorate in journalism worth the effort depending on their interests and career goals. Aspiring teachers and researchers who examine communication theories often benefit from this degree.

A doctorate examines the theories behind quality journalism. Curious people who want to know the reasoning behind best practices may enjoy and benefit from this degree program.

A doctoral program may also prepare learners to work for top media outlets or leadership roles. People who enjoy all communication methods usually thrive in this field. Top-level journalism roles require interpersonal communication and writing skills.

A doctorate in journalism prepares learners to succeed in theory-based and practice-based careers.

Graduates can train the next generation of journalists by pursuing jobs as college professors. Professors often contribute to research in the field as well. They present their findings at conferences and publish them in scholarly journals.

People with this degree may work in different but related fields. For example, they may work as a publisher for a magazine or a public relations director. Some journalists transition to roles in broadcast reporting.

Most doctorate in journalism programs take 4-6 years. The exact length of time varies based on a few factors. For starters, part-time students take longer than full-time students to finish the program. Online programs can allow journalists to work full time while completing their studies part time.

Some in-person programs feature night classes to accommodate working students. However, enrolling full time may feel more challenging for full-time workers.

People who want to earn their doctorate faster may consider an accelerated or self-paced online program. Certain programs require fewer courses. These programs typically take less time to complete.

Professionals with a doctorate in journalism often pursue jobs that pay around $65,000-$90,000 per year. However, several factors can play a role in salary.

For example, employers in larger cities often pay more than employers in rural towns. The BLS offers data on the average salaries for journalists in each state. Additionally, journalists with more years of experience tend to earn more than newer journalists.

Graduates who work for for-profit businesses are among some of the highest earners. For example, the BLS states editors who work for professional, scientific, and technical services earn a median annual wage of $78,270, as of May 2021. By comparison, these same professionals who work for newspapers earn a median income of $61,060.

Honing business skills or multimedia skills may position students for higher-paying journalism-related positions. For example, understanding writing for search engine optimization may position graduates for digital media or marketing jobs.

Feature Image: Johner Images / Johner Images Royalty-Free / Getty Images