Ursinus College

What you'll study

The programme blends foundational journalism skills with specialised investigative techniques across a four‑year liberal‑arts curriculum. You begin with core modules in news reporting, media writing and multimedia storytelling and progress to intermediate and advanced courses in investigative reporting.

• Core skills: News reporting and writing, interviewing, editing, multimedia production (audio, video, web).
• Investigative methods: Source development, long‑form narrative, document and records analysis, open‑records (FOIA) requests, archival research.
• Data and verification: Data journalism, basic statistics for journalists, fact‑checking, digital verification and spreadsheet/database skills for analysing public data.
• Legal and ethical context: Media law, libel and privacy, ethics of investigative practice and newsroom standards.
• Capstone and practicum: Advanced investigative seminar or practicum culminating in a portfolio‑quality investigative project often published on campus platforms or in partnership with external media; credit‑bearing internships with regional newsrooms or organisations.
• Cross‑disciplinary options: Electives from political science, criminal justice, environmental studies, or economics to deepen subject‑matter expertise for specialised beats.

Small seminars emphasise primary source research, one‑on‑one faculty mentorship and peer editing. Students normally complete a capstone investigative project in their final year and are encouraged to undertake internships in nearby metropolitan markets to gain professional experience.

Entry requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent with a strong academic record; competitive applicants typically present a solid GPA in college‑preparatory coursework.
• Academic transcripts and a completed application to Ursinus College; standardised tests may be optional depending on the College's current policy.
• Written work sample: several short news stories, feature pieces or investigative writing samples (where available) demonstrating reporting and writing ability.
• Personal statement explaining interest in journalism and investigative work, and how the liberal‑arts environment will support career or graduate‑study goals.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors who can speak to academic ability, writing skills, or commitment to inquiry and ethical practice.
• Portfolio of multimedia work or links to published pieces is advantageous for applicants with prior reporting experience.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a range of careers in news and information environments as well as related fields that value research, clear communication and critical thinking.

• Investigative reporter or beat reporter at local, regional or national news organisations.
• Data journalist, multimedia producer, documentary researcher or long‑form feature writer.
• Fact‑checker, research analyst or editor in newsrooms, digital media, or specialised investigative outlets.
• Communications, public affairs or investigative roles in non‑profit organisations, watchdog groups and policy institutes.
• Preparatory grounding for graduate study in journalism, public policy, law or related disciplines.

Why study at Ursinus College

• Small classes and close mentoring: The liberal‑arts setting ensures low student‑to‑faculty ratios, allowing sustained faculty mentorship on reporting projects and career planning.
• Hands‑on experience: Students gain practical skills through campus media outlets, course‑based practicum and credit internships with news organisations in the Philadelphia region and beyond.
• Interdisciplinary strength: Access to a broad range of liberal‑arts courses helps students develop subject expertise in areas—such as politics, environmental science or economics—that strengthen investigative reporting.
• Emphasis on ethics and responsibility: The programme foregrounds legal and ethical training to prepare students for the responsibilities of investigative work.
• Career support: Faculty advising and the College's internship and alumni networks help students secure placements and transition into professional roles or graduate study.