Radford University

What you'll study

The programme combines a foundation in news writing and reporting with specialised courses in investigative technique, data journalism and long-form storytelling. Study begins with core skills—news writing, reporting, editing, journalism ethics and media law—then progresses to investigative methods, database research, source development and advanced interviewing.

• Core reporting and writing: beats, feature writing, headline and copy editing, newsroom workflow.
• Investigative methods: public records and FOIA practice, source protection, developing and corroborating leads.
• Data journalism and visualisation: spreadsheet analysis, basic database queries, data visualisation for storytelling and verification techniques.
• Multimedia storytelling: audio and video reporting, podcast production, online storytelling platforms and social media strategy.
• Media law and ethics: libel and defamation, privacy, newsroom ethical frameworks and legal risk management for investigative projects.
• Practicum and capstone: supervised investigative project or long-form story, often produced for a student newsroom or partner outlet.
• Electives and methods: beat-specific reporting (politics, business, environment), documentary techniques, statistical methods for journalists and specialised investigative electives.

Practical lab work and regular portfolio-building assignments are emphasised; internships and collaborative projects with community media or regional news organisations are integral to the curriculum.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Admissions typically consider academic performance across secondary school subjects, a personal statement outlining interest in journalism and investigative work, and a sample of written work or a digital portfolio demonstrating reporting or storytelling ability.

• Academic record: a competitive secondary school GPA and a transcript showing strong communication and humanities coursework.
• Work sample: a portfolio or writing sample (news story, feature, investigative piece or multimedia project) that demonstrates reporting ability, clarity and adherence to ethical standards.
• Recommendations: at least one academic or professional reference that can speak to the applicant's readiness for an intensive reporting programme.
• International applicants: proof of English proficiency via recognised tests or equivalent evidence of academic study in English may be required.

Transfer applicants with college-level credits should submit transcripts and may be asked for examples of college-level work. Specific GPA thresholds, required materials and any audition or interview processes are provided by the university admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles in news and information professions where investigative and analytical skills are valued. Typical career paths include:

• Investigative reporter: long-form and accountability reporting for local, regional or national news organisations.
• Data journalist or visualisation specialist: analysing public datasets and creating interactive or visual storytelling pieces.
• Multimedia producer: producing audio, video and digital investigative series for online platforms and public media.
• Fact-checker and verification editor: monitoring accuracy and verification processes for newsrooms and fact-check organisations.
• Non-profit and public-interest communication: research and communications roles at watchdogs, NGOs and investigative centres.
• Legal, compliance and communications analyst: using investigative research skills in corporate, legal or government settings.

Alumni typically enter newsrooms, investigative units, public radio/TV, digital media startups, and public-interest organisations, often starting in reporting or researcher roles and moving into specialised investigative or editorial positions.

Why study at Radford University

Radford offers a hands-on learning environment with access to multimedia labs, student-run news outlets and opportunities for mentored investigative projects. The programme emphasises practical experience through internships with regional news organisations and partnerships that allow students to work on real investigations under faculty supervision.

Faculty bring professional reporting experience and practical expertise in data and multimedia journalism, and small class sizes support close faculty mentorship. The university's regional location also provides access to state and local governmental sources and community organisations—useful for investigative reporting projects that require local knowledge and public records access.