University of Vermont

What you'll study

The investigative journalism curriculum combines core reporting and writing classes with specialised coursework in investigative methods, data analysis, and multimedia production. Students develop accuracy and verification skills, learn to use public records and Freedom of Information tools, and practise long‑form reporting and narrative construction for print, online and broadcast platforms.

• Core reporting and newswriting: fundamentals of news reporting, source development, interviewing and precision writing.
• Investigative techniques: public records research, data collection, advanced interviewing, undercover and enterprise reporting considerations, and building long‑term projects.
• Data journalism and verification: spreadsheets, basic data analysis, data visualisation, and corroboration of numerical evidence.
• Media law and ethics: libel and defamation basics, privacy, open‑records law, and ethical decision making in high‑stakes reporting.
• Multiplatform production: digital storytelling, audio documentary, visual reporting and working with CMS and social platforms to reach audiences.
• Capstone project/practicum: a supervised investigative project or extended series produced for public distribution; students often pair this with a credit internship.
• Electives and cross‑discipline options: courses in political science, criminal justice, environmental studies or statistics to provide topical depth for investigations.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Bachelor’s programme follows the University of Vermont undergraduate entry process. Typical successful applicants present a high‑school diploma (or international equivalent) and academic credentials that demonstrate readiness for college‑level study.

• Academic record: strong secondary school transcript showing proficiency in writing and critical thinking.
• Evidence of aptitude: a short portfolio or writing samples (news stories, feature pieces, essays or multimedia work) is often requested or recommended for journalism applicants.
• Standardised tests: check the University of Vermont admissions policy for current guidance on SAT/ACT submission.
• International students: proof of English language proficiency where required (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS) and submission of credential evaluations as per the university’s international admissions guidance.
• Additional materials: letters of recommendation and a personal statement explaining interest in journalism and investigative work strengthen an application. Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and may receive credit for prior coursework.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles in newsrooms, nonprofit and investigative organisations, broadcast and digital media, and communications roles that require investigative research. Common career paths include:

• Investigative reporter or enterprise journalist at local and regional newspapers, magazines and online outlets
• Data journalist and visualisation specialist who turns complex datasets into public‑facing stories
• Investigative producer for radio, podcast and documentary projects
• Researcher, fact‑checker or public records specialist for newsrooms and watchdog organisations
• Communications or research roles in NGOs, think tanks and public‑interest organisations that require investigative and reporting skills
• Freelance investigative writer or multimedia journalist producing long‑form projects for a range of platforms

Why study at University of Vermont

The University of Vermont’s campus in Burlington places students in an active regional media environment with opportunities for hands‑on learning through student media outlets and local internships. Students can practise reporting with the student newspaper and radio, work on collaborative investigative projects, and draw on faculty with practical newsroom experience.

The programme emphasises experiential learning: small seminar classes, supervised capstone projects and semester‑long internships help students build portfolios and professional contacts. Proximity to state government, regional non‑profits and community organisations offers fertile ground for accountability reporting and topical beats such as environmental, health and public‑policy investigations.

Students benefit from resources across the university—courses in statistics, policy and environmental studies are readily available to deepen investigative projects—while career services and alumni networks support transitions into newsrooms, non‑profit organisations and other professional roles.