University of Kansas

What you'll study

The programme combines core journalism fundamentals with specialised investigative skills. You will study reporting and writing, media law and ethics, multimedia storytelling, and newsroom practice alongside modules that focus on investigative methods such as source development, public‑records research, data journalism and computer-assisted reporting.

• Core journalism skills: news reporting, feature writing, editing, broadcast and digital storytelling techniques.
• Investigative methods: advanced interviewing, public records and FOIA requests, document analysis, data collection and verification, and long-form narrative construction.
• Law and ethics: media law, defamation and privacy, ethical decision-making in public-interest reporting.
• Multimedia and data: data visualisation, coding basics for reporters, investigative uses of spreadsheets and databases, and digital security for sources.
• Practical newsroom experience: semester-long reporting labs, investigative practicum or capstone project producing publishable work in student or partner newsrooms.
• Electives and interdisciplinary options: courses in political science, criminology, economics or environmental studies to support beats and investigative angles.

Entry requirements

Entry is at the undergraduate level and normally requires a completed high school diploma or equivalent with a record of strong academic performance. Typical applicants present a transcript showing solid grades in college‑preparatory subjects; selective programmes also review a portfolio of writing or reporting samples and a personal statement explaining interest in investigative journalism.

• Domestic applicants: high school diploma, academic transcript, personal statement; some applicants submit writing samples or multimedia work to support their application.
• Transfer applicants: college transcripts demonstrating successful completion of relevant coursework and, where required, a portfolio of journalism work.
• International applicants: equivalent secondary-school qualification and proof of English proficiency where applicable.
• Additional considerations: demonstrated commitment to journalism through student media, internships, volunteer reporting or relevant extracurricular activities is advantageous.

Career prospects

Graduates with investigative training move into a range of roles in newsrooms and beyond. The programme prepares students for careers that require meticulous research, ethical judgement and strong storytelling skills.

• Investigative reporter for newspapers, magazines, and digital outlets
• Data journalist or computer-assisted reporting specialist
• Investigative producer for radio, television or podcast teams
• Researcher or analyst at non-profit investigative organisations and watchdog groups
• Fact‑checker, copy editor or editorial researcher
• Communications or investigative roles in government oversight bodies, NGOs, and private-sector compliance or risk teams
• Postgraduate study in journalism, public policy, law or related fields

Why study at University of Kansas

The University of Kansas houses the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications, offering strong professional ties to regional and national media organisations and a long history of journalism education. Students benefit from hands-on learning in student-run newsrooms and practicum courses that connect classroom instruction to publishable reporting projects.

• Experienced faculty: instructors with professional reporting backgrounds and active research interests in media, law and ethics.
• Practical facilities: digital labs, multimedia production resources and opportunities to publish through student media and partner outlets.
• Internship pathways: proximity to Kansas City and regional news organisations supports internship placements and newsroom collaborations.
• Emphasis on public‑interest journalism: curriculum designed to prepare reporters to investigate complex issues that affect communities and hold power to account.