Program Overview

Communication — Digital Journalism and Media

The Communication — Digital Journalism and Media program at UMKC focuses on providing hands-on experiences in news writing, reporting, and producing for various media platforms, including newspapers, magazines, the internet, radio, television, advertising, and public relations. With Kansas City as the classroom, students will have the opportunity to tell the stories of the community throughout their collegiate career.

Program Details

• Program Type: Major
• Academic Unit: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
• Standard credit hours: 120
• Delivery Mode: In-person, Hybrid, Online
• Typical Program Length: 4 years
• Typical Course Load: 4-5 per semester
• Estimated Program Cost: $49,344

Why UMKC

• Metro media experiences: Be immersed in news and internship opportunities by learning in Kansas City, a top-40 Nielsen-designated market area.
• Faculty industry professionals: Make connections and learn the latest industry standards with faculty who actively work in journalism.
• Professional labs and equipment: Create professional-quality content in production labs featuring HD cameras, drones, professional lighting and audio equipment, green screen technology, and up-to-date post-production software.

After Graduation

Our graduates leave with the abilities and skills required to succeed in graduate programs or build careers in:

• News reporting
• Online content creation
• Content management and marketing
• Social and digital media
• Broadcasting
• Podcasting and streaming
• Business
• Advertising
• Public relations
• Law and justice

Potential Careers

• Journalist
• Digital content writer
• Social media content manager

Where Our Students Work

• KCUR
• PBS
• Martin City Marketing
• Federal Reserve Bank
• 365 Magazine

Median Salary

$56,905 per year, based on data from Lightcast.io for News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists.

Potential Courses

• Introduction: Modern Communications Media: Survey the content, structure, and control of communications media in American society.
• The Art of the Interview: Prepare interviews and articles for publication while gaining the confidence needed to work in professional newsrooms or office settings.
• Media Ethics: Understand the moral principles and values critical to sound, ethical decision-making in the mass media, digital news media, and social media.

Related Programs and Pathways

• Communication (Minor)
• Communication — Professional Communication (Major)
• Communication — Strategic Communication (Major)

Application Process

1. Gather your materials:
   • Official transcripts
   • Names and locations of previous college(s) or high school(s) and dates you attended
   • Citizenship, residency, and visa information (if applicable)
   • ACT/SAT test scores (optional)
2. Complete the online application: No application fee for domestic undergraduate students — $75 for international students.
3. Check admissions requirements: Some programs have specific admission requirements.

Application Dates

• To Start Classes in Fall: Apply by June 15, classes begin in August.
• To Start Classes in Spring: Apply by November 15, classes begin in January.

Estimated Tuition Per Semester

• Resident Rate: $6,168 per semester
• Heartland Rate: $9,063 per semester
• Nonresident Rate: $16,090 per semester

All rates or costs are for illustrative purposes only. Estimated cost is calculated by multiplying the appropriate 2025/2026 UMKC academic year resident rate by standard credit hours. Fees are NOT included in the calculation. Your hours and total costs may differ, depending on transfer hours, course choices, academic progress, program- and university-specific fees, and your qualified tuition rate. Learn more about tuition and financial aid. This rate calculation is based on a course load of 15 credit hours per semester.