University of Cincinnati

What you'll study

The curriculum combines foundational journalism skills with specialised investigative techniques and modern digital tools. Core modules cover reporting and writing for news, media law and ethics, multimedia production, and news editing. Investigative‑focused courses explore long‑form reporting, public records and freedom of information, data journalism and visualisation, source protection and interviewing, and methods for tracking money and public procurement.

• Reporting and Writing: beats, news judgement, feature and enterprise stories
• Investigative Reporting: project planning, long‑term reporting, verification and safety
• Data Journalism: spreadsheets, databases, scraping, analysis and data visualisation
• Media Law and Ethics: libel, privacy, open‑records laws and newsroom decision‑making
• Multimedia Storytelling: audio, video, interactive storytelling and social distribution
• Newsroom Practice: editing, production, and working in cross‑platform newsrooms
• Research Methods: archival research, public records requests and legal documents

The programme emphasises practical projects and portfolio development. Students typically undertake beat reporting, collaborative investigative projects, and capstone work that can include multi‑story investigations, podcasts, data projects or documentary video.

Entry requirements

Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent. Admissions consider academic performance, demonstrated communication skills and a commitment to journalism. Typical materials requested include transcripts, a personal statement and a portfolio of writing or multimedia work; recommendation letters may strengthen an application.

Because journalism values demonstrated skill, applicants without a large portfolio can still be considered if they show strong academic preparation in English and social sciences and a clear interest in reporting. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements as set by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of roles across newsrooms, digital media, non‑profit investigative organisations and public affairs. Common career paths include investigative reporter, data journalist, multimedia reporter, news editor and producer. Skills gained in the programme also translate to fact‑checking, research and analysis roles, communications and public relations, legal and policy research, and roles in watchdog and transparency organisations.

Because the programme emphasises practical experience and portfolio creation, alumni are prepared for entry into local and regional news organisations, national outlets, investigative non‑profits, and for work as freelance investigative reporters or producers.

Why study at University of Cincinnati

Studying investigative journalism at the University of Cincinnati offers substantial hands‑on learning opportunities, including cooperative education placements and internships with local and regional media outlets. The university’s urban location provides access to government institutions, courts and civic organisations for public‑records reporting and community investigations.

Students benefit from faculty who combine academic teaching with professional newsroom experience and from on‑campus media facilities that support audio, video and data projects. Cross‑disciplinary collaboration with departments such as political science, criminology and data science helps students develop the analytical tools needed for complex investigations. Career services and strong employer links help students move into professional roles after graduation.