Central Washington University

What you'll study

The programme combines core journalism training with specialised courses in investigative methods. You will learn reporting and writing fundamentals, multimedia storytelling, and editing, then progress into investigative topics such as public records and Freedom of Information practice, source development, data journalism and visualisation, long-form narrative techniques, and ethical and legal issues in investigative work.

• Core modules: News Reporting and Writing; Media Law and Ethics; Multimedia Production; Editing and Newsroom Management.
• Investigative modules: Investigative Reporting; Public Records and FOIA; Data Journalism and Visualisation; Long-form and Narrative Reporting; Advanced Interviewing and Source Protection.
• Applied learning: Capstone investigative project, practicum placements, and regular production work for student media that mirror professional newsroom workflows.
• Supporting studies: Optional electives in statistics, political science, criminology, environmental science or digital security to build domain knowledge for specialised investigating.

Courses emphasise hands-on practice—students gather records, run data analyses, produce multimedia packages and complete a sustained investigative project before graduation.

Entry requirements

Applicants typically need a completed secondary school qualification or equivalent. Central Washington University accepts both first‑time undergraduates and transfer students; transfer applicants should submit transcripts showing college-level coursework. Admission commonly considers academic performance, a personal statement and an interest in journalism. Departments may request a short writing sample or portfolio showcasing reporting, writing or multimedia work.

Applicants for whom English is not a first language will need to demonstrate English proficiency through approved tests or prior study in English. Mature and returning students with relevant professional experience are encouraged to apply and can often demonstrate suitability through a portfolio and references.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers in newsrooms, non-profit watchdog organisations, investigative units within broadcast and online media, and public interest or accountability journalism outlets. Typical roles include investigative reporter, data journalist, multimedia reporter, editor, producer, researcher, fact-checker and documentary researcher.

Other common pathways lead to communications and public affairs positions in government, NGOs and advocacy groups, legal and court reporting, or freelance investigative work. The programme’s emphasis on data skills and multimedia production also opens opportunities in data analysis, visual journalism and digital content strategy.

Why study at Central Washington University

Central Washington University offers a learning environment with small classes, close faculty mentorship and practical newsroom-style training. The university supports hands-on experience through campus media outlets and structured internship links with regional news organisations, enabling students to build portfolios and professional networks across Washington state and beyond.

Faculty in the journalism programme combine teaching with professional experience, and the curriculum is designed to balance ethical, legal and technical aspects of investigative work. For students who want a practical, career-focused degree that emphasises public-interest reporting and real-world experience, Central Washington University provides focused training and opportunities to produce publishable investigative work before graduation.