Eastern Michigan University

What you'll study

The investigative journalism concentration builds on core journalism skills — reporting, writing, multimedia production and media law — and adds specialised coursework in investigative methods, data journalism, public records and long-form storytelling. Coursework balances classroom instruction with practical projects and newsroom-style collaboration.

Typical modules and topics

• Introductory Reporting and News Writing — fundamentals of sourcing, interviewing and clear news prose.
• Media Law and Ethics — First Amendment, public records, libel, privacy and ethical decision making.
• Investigative Reporting Techniques — developing enterprise stories, working long-term beats, cultivating sources, and document analysis.
• Data Journalism and Visualization — working with spreadsheets, databases, basic coding for reporters, and visual presentation of data-driven stories.
• Public Records and FOIA/FOIL Research — how to obtain and use government records, filing and appealing requests, and interpreting documents.
• Multimedia and Broadcast Reporting — producing video/audio packages and integrating multimedia into investigative projects.
• Long‑Form and Narrative Journalism — structuring extended features and narrative non-fiction pieces.
• Capstone Investigative Project or Internship — semester‑long investigation conducted independently or in partnership with professional newsrooms or nonprofit organisations.

Students typically work with student media and public radio partners to gain real-world experience and build a portfolio of investigative work.

Entry requirements

Admission to the undergraduate programme requires meeting Eastern Michigan University’s general undergraduate admission standards (high school diploma or equivalent) and submission of a complete application. Specific expectations for the journalism programme commonly include:

• A solid academic record in secondary school; transfer applicants should provide college transcripts.
• Work samples or a short portfolio of writing, reporting, audio or video (examples of news stories, features, or multimedia pieces).
• A personal statement outlining interest in investigative journalism, career goals, and relevant experience.
• Letters of recommendation are useful, particularly from teachers or media professionals who can speak to writing and research skills.
• International applicants must meet university English language proficiency requirements.

Some students begin in the broader journalism programme and declare the investigative concentration after completing core gateway courses; consult the department for guidance on portfolio expectations and internal progression.

Career prospects

Graduates with a focus on investigative journalism pursue roles across news, public interest and communications organisations. Typical career paths include:

• Investigative reporter or enterprise reporter at local, regional or national news outlets.
• Data journalist or visualisation specialist working with newsrooms or digital media companies.
• Multimedia producer for broadcast, podcast or online investigative series.
• Reporter for nonprofit or investigative news organisations and watchdog outlets.
• Public records specialist, researcher or fact‑checker in editorial and documentary production.
• Communications and research roles in government oversight agencies, legal firms, advocacy groups and transparency organisations.

The programme’s emphasis on practical experience, internships and partnerships with professional media helps graduates build a demonstrable portfolio and professional contacts for entry into these roles.

Why study at Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University offers journalism students a blend of hands‑on learning and access to a major metropolitan news market. The department supports practical training through student media outlets and established relationships with local newsrooms, public radio partners and regional organisations — opportunities that are particularly valuable for investigative work that requires reporting resources and mentorship.

Faculty bring professional newsroom experience and guide students through the legal, ethical and technical demands of investigative reporting. Class sizes and advising structures enable project supervision for semester‑long investigations and internships. Proximity to Detroit and southeast Michigan provides a wide range of beats and sources for investigation, while university libraries and research services support public‑records work and data analysis.

Overall, Eastern Michigan’s programme is suited to students who want a practical, ethics‑focused education in investigative journalism and early opportunities to produce publishable, portfolio‑quality work.