Research programs and institutions. Many online programs are flexible and allow part-time study, which is ideal if you want to work and study at the same time. Media and journalism are in the field of communications, so you may also be interested in searching for programs in that field. Research the program requirements -- some programs require that you complete an internship or a major research paper -- and make sure you are capable of fulfilling those requirements.
Check that the institution offering the program is accredited. This is very important, because if the school is not an accredited institution, the degree might not be recognized when you start looking for employment or pursuing further studies.
Contact the program director, faculty members, or even past students to find out more about the quality and nature of the program. Since online education has only been available since the mid-1990s, online programs are not as well monitored or evaluated as conventional programs.
Ensure that you have the necessary computer and software for the program. Many media programs require that you have access to software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office and Quark.
Apply for the program. Most online education programs have three intake periods throughout the year: September, December and May. Find out when the application deadline is for the session in which you're interested and submit your application and supporting documents accordingly.