Log in and get started. No matter where you are in the world, these introductory online courses will help you prepare for the new school year and beyond by strengthening your writing and critical thinking skills.

Non-credit

Online, live

Online

Accepts International Students

Financial Aid

Final project

Online Explorations courses give students from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to study with New York Times journalists and other industry experts who bring real world expertise into the virtual classroom and empower students to find their own unique voices. Each 1-week course is designed to nurture students’ intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and writing skills for future academic and professional pursuits.
Courses:

1-Opinion Writing
In this introductory course on op-ed fundamentals, students will examine and draft op-ed pieces that consider the important social issues of our time. Throughout the course, students will learn from distinguished faculty who will help them navigate this integral – and sometimes controversial – New York Times content.
Throughout the course, students will work on developing strong research and critical thinking skills through instruction, researching and fact-checking. Students will also learn how to express their own voices on a range of current issues, from the personal to societal. The course will explore how to harness facts to bolster a point of view and hone analytical prowess. In addition, masters of the craft will help students sharpen pitches as well as share tips to get published.

2 - Creative Writing
Under the guidance of expert faculty, students will produce their own creative work and receive feedback, furthering their personal and academic writing skills. Throughout the course, students will also discuss and analyze a variety of works as readers while simultaneously learning to read like writers, honing their skills at understanding the underlying architecture of notable work.
This course will encourage students to deeply explore their senses and to let their experience inspire their own expression via the lenses of written expression. The course will present different professionals in the field of creative writing and investigate how they are building their careers to succeed.

3 - Fundamentals of Editing
Students will learn about the legal, cultural and organizational implications of an editors’ job. Simultaneously, students will grow their own technical editing skills and become a better, more nuanced editor.
Using The New York Times as their case study, students will meet and study under the people who ensure that the integrity of the newspaper remains intact and who decide what is newsworthy and what is simply information. Students will also be introduced to the concerns facing editors in a 24-hour news cycle world – one which requires quick decision-making around high stakes challenges.

4 - Introduction to Journalism
Students will be introduced to the basic elements of reporting and journalism, crafting their own pieces. They will learn about the structure of the newsroom, the role of the editors, the difference between reportage and opinion writing and the myriad of factors that comprise reporting excellence. Students will also explore the role newspapers play in defining public discourse.

Disclaimer: Please note, all information is subject to change at the discretion of The School of The New York Times.

Learn from any location
From the comfort of your own community, you can explore the most pressing social issues of our time.

Join a Diverse Community
We are committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity and inclusiveness. Our goal is to provide affordable educational opportunities to as many qualified applicants as possible.

Be Inspired
Times journalists and industry experts guide you through every step of your journey of exploration and discovery.

Forge a new path
Let your curiosity push you to higher levels of inquiry and complex analysis to help you pursue newfound passions.

Online Explorations: Opinion Writing

Jul 31 - Aug 04

1 week

Online

1950 USD

Online Explorations: Creative Writing

Jul 31 - Aug 04

1 week

Online

1950 USD

Online Explorations: Fundamentals of Editing

Aug 07 - Aug 11

1 week

Online

1950 USD

Online Explorations: Introduction to Journalism

Aug 07 - Aug 11

1 week

Online

1950 USD

Each session is $1,950; students may enroll in multiple sessions for a 10% discount on tuition.

Financial Aid

Limited financial aid is available; awards are based on a combination of merit and need. In order to be considered for aid, students must first start their program application here, then submit a financial aid application. Once a student has received their financial aid decision, they may complete the registration form.

Scholarships

The School of The New York Times is committed to making its programs accessible to students from all backgrounds. We believe financial circumstances should not be a barrier to world-class, pre-collegiate education. The Diverse Voices Scholarship Fund offers full tuition scholarships and aims to improve access to and equity of learning opportunities for historically marginalized communities.