University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

What you'll study

The programme is delivered through the Hussman School of Media and Journalism and combines core journalism training with specialised investigative methods. You will study foundational courses in reporting and writing, media law and ethics, multimedia storytelling and news editing alongside investigative-specific modules.

• Core reporting and writing: beat reporting, feature writing, and deadline newsrooms to build accuracy, clarity and speed.
• Investigative reporting: long-form investigation techniques, source cultivation, interviewing strategies, FOIA and public-records research.
• Data journalism and verification: data collection, cleaning and analysis, data visualisation and using databases for investigative projects.
• Multimedia and documentary skills: audio and video storytelling, podcasting, photography and online presentation of investigations.
• Media law and ethics: libel and privacy law, ethical decision-making, and newsroom policies for sensitive reporting.
• Practicum and capstone: newsroom practicum, investigative practicum or a capstone project producing publishable work; emphasis on portfolio development.
• Internships and electives: opportunities to intern with local, regional and national newsrooms, and electives in data science, political science, public policy or digital design to support investigative work.

Entry requirements

Admission to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill follows the university's general undergraduate admissions process. Prospective students should present a competitive high-school record with strong performance in English and social-science subjects. Typical application elements include a secondary-school transcript, personal statement, and academic references.

Once enrolled at UNC, students aiming for the Hussman School’s journalism major normally complete prerequisite courses and apply to the school or major programme as required; this internal application often asks for a writing sample or portfolio and may have course prerequisites in introductory journalism classes.

International applicants must demonstrate English-language proficiency through accepted tests or qualifications. Applicants with relevant experience—student media, internships, or published work—strengthen their candidacy for the investigative emphasis.

Career prospects

Graduates with an investigative journalism concentration work across a range of media and non-profit organisations where deep reporting is valued. Typical career paths include:

• Investigative reporter or correspondent at local, regional or national news organisations
• Data journalist or investigative visualiser creating evidence-based stories
• Editor or investigative team leader coordinating complex projects
• Documentary producer, podcast host or multimedia investigative storyteller
• Researcher, fact-checker or open-records specialist in newsrooms or watchdog organisations
• Communications, public affairs or transparency roles in NGOs, think tanks and public-interest organisations

Why study at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

UNC–Chapel Hill’s Hussman School combines classroom instruction with practical, real-world newsroom experience. Students benefit from access to student-run media such as the campus newspaper and radio, strong internship pipelines with regional and national outlets, and faculty who are practising journalists and scholars.

The university’s location in the Research Triangle and its connections with public media outlets and investigative initiatives provide rich opportunities for collaborative projects, data resources and mentorship. Facilities for multimedia production and data visualisation, together with emphasis on ethics and public-records work, make the programme particularly well suited to those aiming for careers in investigative journalism.