Roger Williams University

What you'll study

This programme combines core journalism skills with specialised investigative techniques. You will learn how to find, evaluate and interpret public records, use data and visualisation tools to uncover hidden patterns, conduct long-form interviews, and develop source-protection strategies. Coursework emphasises ethical decision-making, media law and standards of accuracy alongside practical training in reporting, multimedia production and newsroom workflow.

• Foundations: News writing and reporting, media law and ethics, multimedia storytelling, and editing.
• Investigative methods: Public records and freedom of information, data journalism and statistics for reporters, long-form investigative reporting, and undercover and source-protection best practices.
• Technical skills: Digital reporting tools, data scraping and cleaning, visualisation and mapping, audio and video production, and content management systems.
• Practical experience: On-campus newsrooms and labs, a reporting practicum, internships with local and regional media outlets, and a capstone investigative project.
• Electives and cross-discipline study: Courses in politics, public policy, criminal justice, environmental science, or data analytics to support specialised reporting beats.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Successful candidates typically demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills and curiosity about current affairs. Admissions consideration usually includes an academic transcript, a personal statement and a portfolio or writing sample; letters of recommendation and a résumé are also commonly required. Standardised test submission policies may be flexible; prospective students should check the university's current guidance. Transfer applicants will be assessed on college coursework and credit-transfer policies.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers in investigative and beat reporting at newspapers, magazines, online newsrooms and broadcast organisations, as well as roles in data journalism and multimedia production. Other common career paths include fact-checking, research and editorial positions, nonprofit and watchdog journalism, investigative roles in television and radio, and communications or public affairs roles in government and NGOs. Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study in journalism, law or public policy.

Why study at Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University offers a close-knit learning environment with opportunities for hands-on reporting and mentorship from experienced faculty. Students benefit from campus media facilities and practicum placements that connect them with newsroom workflows and professional internships in the Providence–Boston media market. The programme encourages interdisciplinary study, allowing investigative journalists to build subject-matter expertise in areas such as politics, environmental reporting or data analysis. Small class sizes, focused faculty advising and practical capstone projects help students graduate ready to contribute to public-interest journalism.