University of Central Arkansas

What you'll study

The programme builds core journalism skills—reporting, interviewing, writing for multiple platforms, multimedia production and visual storytelling—then moves into specialist investigative techniques. You will study modules that typically include:

• Foundations of Reporting and Writing: news reporting, feature writing, beat reporting and newsroom practice.
• Investigative Reporting: long-form investigation methods, sourcing, developing story leads and building complex narratives.
• Data Journalism and Research Methods: data collection and analysis, public records research, spreadsheets and basic data visualisation to support investigations.
• Media Law and Ethics: libel and defamation, freedom of information, privacy, newsroom decision-making and professional ethics.
• Digital and Multimedia Production: audio and video production for broadcast and online, social media strategy and multimedia storytelling.
• Specialist Electives: photojournalism, investigative documentary, environmental or public-interest reporting, and advanced investigative practicum.
• Capstone/Practicum: a supervised investigative project or placement with a newsroom, nonprofit investigative unit or public records office to produce publishable work.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school qualification and meet University of Central Arkansas undergraduate admission standards. Typical departmental expectations include evidence of effective writing and communication skills; a portfolio of writing, multimedia or published work is advantageous. Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and any relevant professional experience. International applicants must meet UCA language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers in investigative and public‑interest journalism across newspapers, magazines, broadcast outlets, online newsrooms and nonprofit news organisations. Typical roles include investigative reporter, data journalist, multimedia producer, fact‑checker, research journalist or editor. Skills developed on the programme also transfer to careers in public affairs, compliance, communications, legal research and nonprofit advocacy.

Why study at University of Central Arkansas

UCA combines classroom instruction with practical, hands‑on experience in newsroom-style courses and industry-standard media facilities. Students benefit from faculty who have professional newsroom experience and from opportunities to work on student-run news outlets and community reporting projects. The programme emphasises ethical, community-focused reporting and gives students pathways to internships and regional media contacts that support transition into professional investigative work.