Loyola University Chicago

What you'll study

This programme combines core journalism skills with specialised training in investigative methods. You will study reporting and writing for print and digital, data journalism, multimedia storytelling, and long-form narrative techniques. Courses emphasise verification, source development, records and public documents research, and techniques for pursuing complex, enterprise stories.

• Reporting and Writing: beats, news writing, interviewing and newsroom workflows.
• Investigative Reporting: project planning, undercover and enterprise reporting ethics, sustained investigations.
• Data Journalism: data gathering, basic analysis, spreadsheets, database querying and visualisation for stories.
• Multimedia Production: audio and video reporting, podcasting, mobile journalism and editing for digital platforms.
• Media Law and Ethics: libel, privacy, open-records laws, newsroom decision-making and accountability reporting.
• Newsroom Practice / Practicum: published coursework through student media outlets, editorial roles and collaborative newsroom projects.
• Capstone / Senior Project: an original investigative project requiring research, documentation and multi-platform presentation.
• Liberal Arts Requirements: history, social sciences and statistics to provide broader context for investigative beats.

Classes are taught by a mix of academic faculty and practising journalists. Students typically complete internships at Chicago news organisations and publish work through campus outlets such as the student newspaper and radio/online platforms.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary-school diploma with a strong academic record. Admissions evaluate the overall high-school transcript, personal statement, and any supporting materials showing journalistic interest—such as a portfolio of written work, multimedia pieces or links to published stories. Standardised-test submissions (SAT/ACT) may be optional depending on current university policy.

• Typical academic preparation: coursework in English, social studies, and basic statistics or computer literacy is advantageous.
• Portfolio: applicants are encouraged to submit writing samples, reporting clips, audio or video pieces that demonstrate reporting and storytelling ability.
• Recommendations: one or two academic or professional references that can speak to the applicant's writing, critical thinking or community engagement.
• International students: must present an equivalent secondary credential and demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or other university-accepted measures.
• Transfers: evaluated on college transcripts, transferable credits and a record of college-level coursework in relevant subjects.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers in investigative and enterprise reporting across print, broadcast and digital newsrooms. Many go on to work as investigative reporters, newsroom editors, data journalists, multimedia producers, fact-checkers and research journalists. Skills developed in the programme also suit roles in non-profit investigative outlets, public records research, watchdog organisations, legal and policy research teams, and communications units that require rigorous research and storytelling.

Alumni often begin in local or regional newsrooms, investigative units, or specialised beats (such as government, criminal justice, health or environment) and may progress to national investigative teams, long-form documentary projects, or editorial leadership. Practical experience through internships and campus media helps in securing entry-level positions in the competitive journalism market.

Why study at Loyola University Chicago

Loyola's School of Communication places journalism teaching within a liberal-arts context, emphasising social justice, ethics and community engagement—key perspectives for investigative work. Located in Chicago, the programme gives students easy access to a major metropolitan news ecosystem where they can intern and report on municipal, state and regional issues.

Students benefit from mentorship by faculty who have professional newsroom experience and from hands-on opportunities in student-run media outlets. The curriculum balances technical skills (data tools, multimedia production) with legal and ethical training, preparing graduates to produce robust, accountable investigations. The university's connections with local newsrooms and civic organisations support practical placements and reporting partnerships that enhance students' professional development.