University of Texas

What you'll study

The programme combines core journalism training with specialised modules that focus on long-form, data-driven and accountability reporting. You will study news writing and reporting, broadcast and multimedia production, media law and ethics, and advanced investigative methods. Practical components emphasise source development, interviewing techniques, public records and freedom of information requests, document and database analysis, FOIA strategies, data visualisation, and cross‑platform storytelling (print, online, audio and video).

• Core journalism skills: news writing, reporting, editing, multimedia production, and audience engagement.
• Investigative techniques: source cultivation, undercover reporting considerations, use of public records, and long‑form narrative structure.
• Data journalism: spreadsheets and databases, scraping, basic statistics, cleaning and analysing datasets, and presenting data visually.
• Law and ethics: media law (libel, privacy, shield laws), ethical decision making, and newsroom policies for sensitive investigations.
• Practical modules and labs: newsroom practicum, investigative reporting labs, collaborative projects with local media, podcasting and documentary production workshops.
• Research and capstone: a substantial investigative project or thesis in the final year that demonstrates reporting, verification and multi‑platform publication skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a secondary school qualification comparable to a high school diploma. Successful candidates typically demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, critical thinking and an interest in public affairs.

• Academic records showing solid performance in English and humanities subjects; a minimum grade point average expectation is set by the university and varies by campus.
• A written portfolio or samples of journalistic work (articles, audio or video pieces, blog posts) is usually required or recommended to demonstrate reporting ability.
• Some campuses accept standardised tests optionally; consult the specific campus admissions office for test policies.
• International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements as specified by the university.
• Interview or brief writing task may be used by admissions staff for selection, particularly for competitive places.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of roles in newsrooms, non‑profit media, government, and the private sector. The investigative emphasis prepares students for careers that require sustained inquiry and evidence‑based reporting.

• Investigative reporter or correspondent for local, national or specialised outlets.
• Data journalist, graphics reporter or computational reporter combining analysis with storytelling.
• Broadcast investigative producer, podcast host or documentary filmmaker.
• Fact‑checker, research editor or verification specialist in fast‑paced newsrooms and verification units.
• Reporter for non‑profit and watchdog organisations that focus on public‑interest investigations.
• Communications, compliance or public affairs roles that value investigative research, risk assessment and clear reporting.

Why study at University of Texas

The University of Texas provides a combination of rigorous classroom instruction and hands‑on newsroom experience. Journalism programmes at the university benefit from experienced faculty with professional reporting backgrounds, modern media labs and opportunities to publish or broadcast work through student and affiliated outlets.

• Access to practical reporting environments and internship opportunities in a dynamic media market that includes local, national and digital news organisations.
• Faculty who bring practical investigative experience and an emphasis on legal and ethical dimensions of public‑interest reporting.
• Opportunities to collaborate across departments—such as data science, law, and public policy—to support complex investigative projects.
• Student media and practicum programmes that allow you to build a publishable portfolio and develop professional contacts before graduation.