Communication — Digital Journalism and Media
Request More Info
With a sea of information available at any moment, people rely on journalists to bring them impactful, fact-based stories that help them cut through the noise, inform them about their communities, touch lives, inspire action and document history. At UMKC, we focus on providing hands-on experiences in news writing, reporting and producing for newspapers, magazines, the internet, radio, television, advertising and public relations.
Our program is designed to make Kansas City your classroom. With our hands-on approach and access to our professional studio, you will tell the stories of our students and community throughout your collegiate career.
Online student?
To learn more about online delivery of this program, visit UMKC Online.
- 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
- * 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.
Why UMKC
Metro media experiences
Be immersed in news and internship opportunities by learning in Kansas City — a top-40 Nielsen-designated market area that is home to five television stations, numerous videography studios, advertising firms and the local NPR affiliate, KCUR, which is housed on our campus.
Faculty industry professionals
Make connections and learn the latest industry standards with faculty who actively work in journalism and will help you develop the content, writing, reporting and presentation skills you will need to connect with diverse audiences locally, nationally and globally.
Professional labs and equipment
Create professional-quality content in our production labs, which feature 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, and 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
$56,916
Median salary/year
* Based on data from Lightcast.io for News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists (27-3023.00)
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
How to Apply
- 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). Required if you would like to be considered for applicable scholarship opportunities
- Complete the online application
- No application fee for domestic undergraduate students — $75 for international students
- Check admissions requirements
Some programs have specific admission requirements. Request information to have an admissions counselor contact you about the requirements for this program.
Application Dates
To Start Classes in Fall
Apply by: June 15
Classes begin in August
To Start Classes in Spring
Apply by: Nov. 15
Classes begin in January
Estimated Tuition Per Semester
$6,168
Resident Rate
(per semester)
$9,063
Heartland Rate
(per semester)
$16,090
Nonresident Rate
(per semester)