Online Photojournalism Degrees by Program Level

The most common online photojournalism educational program is that leading to a bachelor's degree. While photojournalism certificate, associate's and master's degree programs are widely available through traditional campus instruction, these programs are harder to find in distance learning formats.

Online Bachelor's Degree Photojournalism Program Overview

It is more common to find online bachelor's degree programs in journalism or mass communications than it is to find a dedicated photojournalism degree program. Some online journalism programs do, however, offer a photojournalism specialization. Photojournalism degree programs focus on the importance of photographs to convey information and sentiment. Applicants should have high school diplomas or the equivalent; more specific admission requirements vary by school. Students who hold associate's degree in photojournalism, mass communications or journalism may be able to transfer credits to the bachelor's degree program.

Online Photojournalism Bachelor's Degree Program Requirements

Some photojournalism distance learning bachelor's degree programs may be completed entirely online while others are hybrid programs and require students to make occasional campus visits. Students for whom travel to campus presents a problem should discuss their concerns with a program advisor prior to enrollment. Online classes are delivered using Blackboard or some other virtual classroom software. Assignments and other student and professor communications are sent using e-mail. Additional communication is available through phone, video conferencing or online discussion forums.
Technical support is typically available for students who are unfamiliar with virtual classroom operations and have trouble implementing newer versions of Blackboard or other software. Students are strongly advised to have or to have access to the most up-to-date computer hardware and software possible. Computers should have enough free space to accommodate any necessary software downloads.

List of Common Bachelor's Degree Photojournalism Courses

Online photojournalism programs provide students with the skills necessary to write effective articles and to supplement those articles with powerful photographs. Reporting, media operations and photography techniques make up the core curriculum.

Photojournalism Introductory Course

Through this distance learning course, students are taught the basics of creating journalistic photographs. An emphasis is placed on black-and-white photography.

Editing Photographs and Digital Images Course

Students learn to use their computers to professionally process images. Graphic design topics are also discussed.

Intermediate Photojournalism Course

This online course emphasizes lighting, camera lenses and special photography processing techniques. Students begin to gain field experience and start to build their portfolios.

Career Information for Photojournalism Bachelor's Degree Graduates

Photojournalists either work for a particular news outlet, or they freelance and sell their photographs to a number of media agencies. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) cautions that photojournalists often work irregular hours and must be on call if an important story breaks (www.bls.gov). The BLS predicted that photojournalism jobs may be adversely affected by the decline in the newspaper industry and the widespread use of digital equipment by amateur photographers. In 2009, the median annual wage for photographers in general was $29,770 according to the BLS.