Modern
Journalism

Online NYU Certificate Course
Learn to report, write, and tell the truth like a working journalist. Build the in-demand reporting, storytelling, and multimedia skills today's newsrooms need. 100% online, with a Certificate of Completion from NYU.
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Taught by NYU Faculty & ExpertsExclusive NYU Certificate100% Online & Self-Paced
6Online Modules
NYUFaculty & Experts
< 40 hrsTo Complete, Self-Paced
CertificateNYU
Learn From the Best

Taught by People Who Work in Journalism

Learn from New York University faculty alongside working professionals across journalism.

Adam Penenberg

Director, NYU American Journalism Online Master's Program
NYU

Taylor Turner

The New York Times Video Producer, NYU Adjunct Lecturer
The New York Times / NYU

Brenna Ehrlich

Chief Research Editor
Rolling Stone

Ernest Owens

Award-winning Journalist
Ernest Media Empire

Emily Leibert

Staff Writer
Jezebel

Tim Chan

Director of Products and Commerce
Rolling Stone

Lilian Manansala

Video Journalist
Insider

Liza Kaufman

NYU Adjunct Professor of Journalism
NYU

Ted Conover

Writer, NYU Professor of Journalism
NYU

Chelsia Rose

The New York Times Freelance Reporter & NYU Adjunct Professor
The New York Times / NYU

Meredith Broussard

NYU Associate Professor
NYU

Julia Dahl

Novelist, NYU Professor of Journalism
NYU
Why This Course

Built to Launch Your Career in Journalism, Not Just Your Knowledge

01

Real Industry Projects

Hands-on, project-based assignments grounded in how the journalism industry actually works.

02

Start Immediately

On-demand video lessons and projects you can begin the day you enroll.

03

Insider Expertise

Learn from New York University faculty and working journalism professionals.

04

A NYU Credential

Earn a certificate from New York University and Yellowbrick, a credential employers recognize.

Course Outcomes

What You'll Be Able to Do

  • Report and write clear, accurate, engaging news stories
  • Conduct effective interviews and develop sources
  • Craft longform narratives and pitch them to the right outlets
  • Tell stories across photo, video, and audio
  • Use social media responsibly for newsgathering and brand
  • Navigate the journalism business as staffer, freelancer, or founder

Skills You'll Gain

ReportingInterviewingInvestigative researchNews & feature writingMultimedia storytellingEditingSEOSocial media journalismMedia ethics

Build Your Portfolio

The course is built around hands-on projects, so you leave with real, portfolio-ready work, not just a certificate.

01

Acts of Journalism Today

Survey the foundations of journalism: its core values, ethics, and how the news business works.

02

Journalistic Inquiry: Reporting

Master the nuts and bolts of reporting, from story ideas to clear, accurate prose.

03

Storytelling the Truth: Longform

Craft compelling longform and feature stories that hold a reader from concept to publication.

04

Multimedia Storytelling

Report and tell stories across photo, video, and audio using everything from smartphones to drones.

05

The Journalist and Social Media

Use social and mobile platforms while applying journalism's core values and guarding credibility.

Inside the Course

The Full Journalism Curriculum

Each module is broken into short video lessons with assignments and hands-on projects you complete at your own pace.

Module 01

Acts of Journalism Today

Survey the foundations of journalism — what defines it? What are its ethical and practical underpinnings? How does the news business work? Students will be introduced to the spectrum of journalistic media and its current career landscape.
Module 02

Basic Investigating and Reporting

Get a crash course on hard news reporting and how journalists write, edit, report, and disseminate news. Learn about developing story ideas, getting that crucial interview, covering events, accuracy, newsworthiness, deadlines, objectivity and fairness, and evaluating sources in an era of AI-generated content.
Module 03

Storytelling the Truth: Longform and Feature Writing

Enter the world of longform narratives, feature writing, in-depth magazine stories, and non-fiction books and how they differ from straight news reporting. Students learn how a journalist gathers the necessary information from interviews, documents, and online sources and weave it into a structured and compelling investigative piece.
Module 04

Multimedia Storytelling

Learn how to report news and tell stories through creative photo, video, and audio techniques. Students will learn about developing multimedia story ideas, scripting, audio and visual editing, verifying photos and videos in the age of AI-generated imagery, and thinking critically about the best medium to tell a particular story.
Module 05

The Journalist and Social Media

Examine how news organizations use social media to find story ideas, contact sources, gather news, and get their stories to the public while adhering to journalism's core values and ethics. Students will also learn how to cultivate a professional social media brand and participate ethically in online communities.
Module 06

The Journalism Business and the Working Journalist

Grow a personal profile that supports your writing. Students learn how to pitch to the right outlet, negotiate compensation, approach taxes, and generate revenue. Build the skills you need to chase your dream job, start a freelance career, or become a media entrepreneur.
What Learners Say

Results, Not Just Lessons

I have acquired new skills, knowledge, and tips on how the news business works, and how I can figure out my career as a freelance journalist.

Maria Camila H.

I feel more confident and knowledgeable since taking the course. I now understand the journalism process more clearly and feel better prepared to pitch ideas, build my portfolio, and think critically about media and storytelling.

Alexis H.

I have my own photography business, but photojournalism has always felt like a calling to me. Doing this course and learning more about the writing side of things helped me feel more confident to further pursue gigs with journalism at the forefront.

Alexa L.

Since taking this course, I have developed a stronger understanding of how digital platforms, algorithms, and data influence media, reporting, and audience engagement. I feel more confident navigating social media in a professional context.

Anaya I.

I'm the CEO at UBR Pro. Through this course I've taken on new opportunities and expanded my scope of understanding well beyond my initial expectations.

Kellie D.

I have completed a journalism internship at Operation Mobilization since taking this course.

Audrey S.

Since starting this course, I've accepted a new role as a Photojournalist at MDC The Reporter & Miami New Times.

Lucas D.
Enrollment

Choose How You Pay

Same full course either way: 6 modules, real industry projects, and your NYU Certificate of Completion.

Best Value

One-Time Payment

Pay once, save the most

4 Monthly Payments

Split it over four months

12 Monthly Payments

Lowest monthly cost

Have a discount code? Add it at checkout.

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Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is This Course For?

Aspiring and working journalists at any career stage, from career-changers to newsroom pros to students, who want to write compelling stories and communicate with the public.

How Long Does It Take to Complete?

6 self-paced modules. Most learners finish in under 40 hours on their own schedule.

Is It Fully Online?

Yes. The course is 100% online and on-demand, so you can study on your own schedule from anywhere.

What Do I Earn at the End?

A non-credit Certificate of Completion from New York University and Yellowbrick that you can add to your resume and LinkedIn profile.

Do I Need Prior Experience?

No. The course starts with the fundamentals and is designed for newcomers as well as those already working in the field.

Is Financial Assistance Available?

Yes. Request the course catalog and a program advisor can walk you through payment options and any current offers.

What Does the Course Cover?

Modern Journalism includes six on-demand modules covering topics such as journalism today, basic investigating and reporting, longform and feature writing, multimedia storytelling, the journalist and social media, and the business of journalism. Each module is 2 to 3 hours, broken into shorter lessons and activities that you complete at your own pace.

Who Are the Instructors?

The course is taught by New York University faculty. You will also receive career insights and advice from award-winning journalists and experts from Rolling Stone and across the industry.

What Can I Expect to Accomplish by the End?

You will develop the skills needed to produce journalism, including writing clear, accurate, and engaging prose, interviewing techniques, news reporting, long-form and feature writing, multimedia storytelling, pitching work for publication, and building your personal brand. You will also receive a Certificate of Completion from New York University and Yellowbrick that you can add to your resume, CV, and LinkedIn profile.

Are There Any Age Requirements?

Students must be at least 13 years old to enroll.

How Long Do I Have Access to the Course?

Enrollment includes unlimited access to all course videos and materials for one year from your enrollment date. If you need more time after that, you can pay a monthly subscription fee to extend your access.

What Payment Methods Do You Accept?

Most major credit and debit cards are accepted, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCB. If you enroll outside the United States, tuition is charged in your local currency at the prevailing exchange rate.

What Is Your Cancellation Policy?

You can withdraw within 24 hours of enrollment for a full refund. After that, you have up to 7 days to withdraw for a full refund minus a $100 cancellation fee. No refunds are issued after 7 days. Subscription plans can be canceled before your renewal date by emailing [email protected].

How Much Does the Course Cost?

Tuition is $999 when paid in full. Two payment plans are also available at checkout: 4 monthly payments of $269 or 12 monthly payments of $99.

Get the Full Course Catalog

See the complete syllabus and enrollment details. We will email it straight to you.
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