Disruption and Innovation: Online Learning and Degrees at Accredited Journalism Schools and Programs

Abstract

This study examined online journalism courses and degree programs (also known as distance learning or distance education) at the 113 programs accredited in 2008–2009 by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC). A web survey, which garnered a response rate of 72%, and interviews with faculty members and administrators found that 13% of programs now offer or plan to offer online degrees. Viewed through innovation theories, these and other results suggest that online journalism programs may grow, and early innovators could carve out new markets of nontraditional students.