Murray State University

What you'll study

The programme combines foundational journalism courses with specialised training in investigative techniques, data analysis and longform storytelling. You will complete general education requirements alongside major coursework and a supervised practicum or capstone project focused on an investigative reporting topic.

• Core journalism subjects: newswriting and reporting, media law and ethics, multimedia storytelling, interviewing and source development.
• Investigative specialisms: investigative reporting methods, data journalism and visualisation, freedom of information and accessing public records, advanced research and verification techniques.
• Technical and multimedia skills: audio and video reporting, newsroom content management systems, digital publishing, social media verification and audio/visual editing.
• Practical experience: work with the university’s student media outlets and radio/TV facilities, internships with regional news organisations, and a capstone investigative project that typically involves longform reporting, data analysis and corroboration of sources.
• Electives and complementary study: courses in statistics for journalists, public policy, criminal justice or environmental studies to support beats that require specialised background knowledge.

Entry requirements

Admission to the bachelor’s programme follows the university’s undergraduate application process. Typical entry expectations include a completed secondary school qualification or equivalent and evidence of readiness for college-level English and writing.

• Academic preparation: high school diploma or recognised equivalent; a solid record in English and social studies is helpful.
• Work samples: applicants are often asked to submit a short writing sample or portfolio of journalistic work (articles, multimedia pieces or reporting projects) if available.
• Standardised tests: Murray State’s policies on standardised tests may vary; check the admissions office for current guidance on ACT/SAT submission.
• International applicants: proof of English language proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent when required by the university.
• Additional considerations: letters of recommendation, a personal statement outlining interest in investigative journalism, and prior internship or student-media experience can strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers in investigative and enterprise reporting across print, broadcast and digital newsrooms as well as in related fields that value investigative skills.

• Traditional media roles: investigative reporter, staff reporter, feature writer, beat reporter for local, regional and national outlets.
• Digital and data roles: data journalist, visual journalist, investigative multimedia producer, fact-checker and verification specialist.
• Nonprofit and specialised organisations: investigative roles in nonprofit newsrooms, public-interest journalism organisations and watchdog groups.
• Related fields: public records analyst, communications and media roles in government oversight bodies, legal and compliance research roles, or graduate study in journalism, law or public policy.
• Career development: internships and capstone projects provide portfolio material and employer contacts that support entry into competitive investigative journalism positions.

Why study at Murray State University

Murray State offers a programme that emphasises practical, hands-on training in a smaller campus environment where students can secure meaningful newsroom roles early in their studies. The university’s student newspaper, radio and multimedia facilities provide regular opportunities to practise investigative techniques and to publish or broadcast substantive reporting.

• Practical newsroom experience: regular publishing opportunities with student media and access to regional internship placements.
• Experienced faculty: instructors with professional journalism backgrounds who mentor students on reporting, ethics and legal issues.
• Multimedia resources: facilities and courses that teach audio, video and data tools used in contemporary investigative projects.
• Capstone and internships: a structured capstone investigative project and support finding internships that build a professional portfolio.