University of Findlay

What you'll study

The Investigative Journalism pathway builds on core journalism skills — reporting, writing, editing and multimedia storytelling — and adds specialised methods used for long-form and public-interest reporting. Course work typically covers beat reporting, advanced news writing, investigative techniques, media law, ethics, data journalism, fact-checking and narrative non-fiction.

• Reporting and Writing: advanced newspaper and feature writing, interviewing techniques, source development and newsroom practice.
• Investigative Techniques: records requests (FOIA), background checks, document analysis, undercover reporting considerations and long-form project management.
• Media Law and Ethics: defamation, privacy, public records law, ethical decision-making and newsroom policies.
• Data and Digital Skills: data gathering and cleaning, basic data analysis, data visualisation, spreadsheets, and using digital tools for verification.
• Multimedia Storytelling: audio and video production, podcasting, social media strategy and producing cross-platform investigative packages.
• Capstone and Practicum: an investigative capstone project or practicum placement with local or regional media outlets, often involving supervised reporting on a sustained story.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Admissions decisions consider academic record, letters of recommendation and a demonstrated interest in journalism. Many applicants submit a portfolio or writing samples — such as news stories, feature articles, multimedia pieces or audio segments — that showcase reporting ability and writing quality.

Additional considerations may include a personal statement outlining journalistic interests, relevant extracurricular activity (student media, internships, community reporting) and proficiency in relevant software or digital tools. Transfer applicants are evaluated on college transcripts and any completed media coursework.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles in newsrooms and beyond. Typical career paths include investigative reporter, beat reporter, data journalist, multimedia reporter, fact-checker, producer for audio or video investigations, and research analyst for non-profit or watchdog organisations.

Alumni also move into related fields where investigative skills are valued, such as corporate or nonprofit communications, compliance and risk analysis, legal support roles, and public affairs. The programme’s emphasis on practical experience and professional standards supports entry-level hiring at local and regional newspapers, broadcast stations, online news outlets and investigative non-profits.

Why study at University of Findlay

The University of Findlay offers a small-campus learning environment with close faculty mentorship and opportunities for hands-on practice. Journalism students benefit from practical labs, access to student-run media, and supervised practicum placements that connect classroom learning to real reporting assignments.

Faculty bring professional newsroom experience and emphasise ethical, public-interest reporting. The university’s relationships with regional media and community organisations make it easier to secure internships and local reporting projects that build a portfolio. This combination of focused instruction, experiential learning and community ties is designed to prepare investigative journalists capable of producing thorough, verifiable and impactful work.