Journalism is not so popular but a vital profession in the modern world. While it is not the ambition of most people out there as kids to become news reporters or publishers when they grow up, journalism attracts those who have a natural thing for it. The production and distribution of reports on any given event are known as journalism.
To put it in simpler words, to write for newspapers, magazines, websites, news broadcasts is known as journalism. It has a vast scope and you can be either broadcasting that news, gathering the intel, writing for a paper, or just be the man behind all this work.
Journalism is an internationally recognized subject with tons of degrees being offered in the field. These degrees include bachelor to a doctorate level. Needless to say, the study of journalism is not that easy or cost-friendly. These degrees can open many new doors of opportunities for you.
However, there are multiple courses and websites online as well that can help you along your journey. These websites are offering comprehensive lessons that you can take advantage of and learn all there is about journalism. If you are looking to learn about journalism and are not sure where to start with, these are some cool courses that can help you take the first step.
10 Best Journalism Lessons for Beginners Review
1) MasterClass: Bob Woodward Teaches Investigative Journalism
Bob Woodward is the name that every history student knows. He was the man behind revealing the Watergate scandal that changed the course of a great nation. At the age of 29, he managed to investigate through the depths of a scandal that is still known to be the biggest corruption scandal in the history of the US. He has won two Pulitzer prizes that are a dream of any journalist.
In this course, the legendary journalist is giving you a chance to learn from his experiences first-hand and carve your niche. The course contains 24 lessons that would allow you a deeper insight into investigative journalism. You will learn how you can conduct the interviews, develop the theory of any case, write the story, manage sources, and broadcasting the interview.
The course contains a detailed insight of any information that you might need to grow your career as an investigative journalist and make it count towards your success and goals. There is also a lesson about Watergate that would unravel some untold secrets from a journalist's point of view for you.
2) Udemy: Dan Rather on Journalism & Finding the Truth in the News
Dan Rather is one of the most renowned names in the industry. In this elaborative course on Udemy, he sheds some light on journalism and what are his perspectives on the key factors playing important roles in the field.
The course is all about practical advice for journalists and newcomers, cutting the textbook approach, and learning what matters out there in the real world. You will be able to analyze and investigate all the news you consume and be more informed with the help of this course.
Not only that, but you will also be learning how to tell a compelling story both on paper and in person. You can smoothly convey your point of view to the right audience with the help of this course.
There is more to it, you will be learning how to effortlessly present in front of a crowd or a camera with the right confidence and make an image for yourself with the sharp, concise, and informative journalism that can help you rise through the ranks of your career.
3) Udemy: Investigative Journalism
Udemy got tons of courses listed on each topic and is known for its most extensive library for online courses. You can find any course on any certain topic or subject you might want on Udemy. Investigative Journalism is a key branch of journalism that allows you to investigate the truth behind any story and present it to your readers or audience in the most perfect manner.
With the help of this hour-long course designed by Anderson school of journalism, you will have a chance to learn the right fundamentals and principles of Investigative Journalism and how you can make them work in the practical field.
Upon completion, you will be able to find stories that have an impact on society and present them in the right manner. Not only that, but you will also learn some cool tricks and tips on conducting and arranging interviews. Inquiring about a story is the most sensitive part and this course helps you go through the inquiry process smoothly without any hassle and find out the right information.
4) Udemy: Journalism Skills for Beginners
Journalism Skills for Beginners on Udemy.com is the perfect opportunity for anyone who is willing to get their hands-on journalism but has no idea where to start from. The course presents an insightful approach in basic terms for aspiring journalists that are willing to learn but lack the resources or time to join an institute for it.
This course is the best beginners’ course you can find on the internet as there is no topic left uncovered. With around 80 lessons in this course, you will be able to understand the ins and outs of journalism in no time at all and start growing your career.
Prepared by Julian Gearing, this course will help you to learn how to read and write a good feature story. You will be able to learn some key reporting practices that will get you published. This course is all that you are going to need to land yourself some internships and move forward from there onwards with your journalism career.
5) Udemy: How to be a Journalist – The Complete Guide to Journalism
Designed by Tony Bosworth, this course is a perfect choice for you if you are not looking to just start but have your eyes at a bigger prize. With the help of this course, you are going to learn everything that is out there about journalism and how you can make it count towards developing a successful career for yourself in the industry. There are 3 hours of video lessons on this course that will allow you to learn some cool tips on writing the news and feature articles.
With this course, you will not only be able to learn how to write but also how you can get it published. You can work as a freelancer or apply with media organizations as you are going to get a certificate of completion as well. There are lots to learn from this course and all you are going to need is your passion for constructive journalism and a Mac or PC.
6) Udemy: Journalism – TV Reporters, News Anchors Look Great on TV
Journalism is a field way too broad and there are multiple channels that you can harness in the industry. With time, the newspaper is reducing its popularity and you are getting more and more audience turning towards the TV. TV presents a form of infotainment that attracts the general public in a more alluring manner and they are attracted to it widely. That is one of the main reasons that most aspiring journalists have set their goals towards TV these days.
Created by TJ Walker, this course would allow you to learn everything there is about journalism on TV. You can become a News Anchor and give your career a huge headstart with the help of this course. This course contains all the tips that you are going to need to stay calm and confident in front of the camera and look professional while interviewing guests on the TV.
7) Udemy: Interviewing: Professional Journalism Techniques
Interviewing the public figures and persons is one of the key factors that your journalism career is relying on. You can be good at writing and publishing, but you will need to have good interviewing skills to get the correct perspective about people's points of view and present it to your audience in the right manner.
This course designed by Anderson School of Journalism allows you to get all the help you are going to need to learn how you can choose the type of an interview according to the intended purpose. Not only that but in this 1.5-hour course, you will also be able to choose an effective strategy of behavior that will be appropriate given the nature of the interview.
You will learn how to read and act according to the behaviors of the person you are going to interview. Needless to say, you are going to get a certification of completion like all the courses listed on Udemy.com. But what’s most important is, that once you are done with this course, you can conduct any interviews the way you want them to be.
8) Coursera: Journalism, the future, and you!
The best thing about Coursera is that their courses are designed and offered by some top universities and educational institutions around the world. This does not only allow you the opportunity to learn from the very best but also gives you a chance to have a recognized certificate from some of the top-rated institutions around the globe.
This course with a futuristic approach towards journalism is being offered by Michigan State University and that is enough to validate the authenticity and efficiency of this course.
Taught by Joanne Gerstner, David Poulson, Joe Grimm, Jeremy Steele, Eric Freedman, and Lucinda D. Davenport, this course is a perfect opportunity to learn journalism of the future according to the style that suits you. You will be getting a chance to learn from the top faculty members of Michigan State University’s school of journalism that are covering a great deal of insight on the topic.
Upon completion of this course, you will not only be getting a certificate but can also start your career as a professional journalist. All it takes is 27 hours of work at your side that you can complete at your own pace.
9) Coursera: Become a Journalist, Report the News! Specialization
Coursera is known to bring you the best of both worlds. Their courses are designed and offered by some top institutions around the world that might be your dream places to go, but you are unable to due to lack of time or resources.
Education should never be restricted to parameters like that and that is why Coursera is offering these courses so you can access them online, anywhere in the world without having to leave the comfort of your home and learn from the very best while you do it.
Become a journalist is a specialized online course that can take around 6 months to complete. Designed by the prestigious faculty of Michigan State University, this would allow you to start your career upon completion or get a promotion in the field. You can set and maintain a flexible schedule according to your own convenience and preference.
There is no prior experience required to start with this course, but one the journey to completion, you will have a chance to learn from the top faculty members of the School of Journalism from Michigan State University.
10) edX.org: Activism and Citizen Journalism through Media
Activism and Journalism play a key role in shaping any modern society. These two, work side-by-side in raising the right awareness among the public for their rights, and how they are going to live their lives with the right liberty. That is one of the major reasons that this course is the best thing you are going to get your hands on, online.
This course designed by the faculty of the University of The Witwatersrand; Johannesburg is all you are going to need to master these subjects. This 4 weeks long course will help you understand everything out there about activism and citizen journalism so you can raise awareness among the general public about all the right topics.
Choosing the Best Journalism Lessons for Beginners
Journalism is not just another occupation but it is the key factor that impacts the perspective and thinking of any modern society. If you are passionate about it and want to learn journalism the right way, these courses are the best way to do it in the comfort of your home. You can choose from these courses based on your needs and set goals and take the first step towards your professional growth journey.