Augustana University

What you'll study

The programme combines foundational journalism skills with specialised investigative techniques. Core subjects cover news writing and reporting, feature writing, media law and ethics, and multimedia storytelling. Investigative-focused modules emphasise long-form reporting, public records and freedom of information, data journalism and visualisation, digital forensics, source development and interviewing strategies.

• Reporting and Writing: beat reporting, investigative narrative, and specialised beats such as government, environment and business.
• Data and Digital Methods: data collection and cleaning, basic statistics for journalists, spreadsheets and database querying, and tools for mapping and visualisation.
• Law, Ethics and Verification: media law, libel and privacy issues, ethical decision-making and fact-checking methodologies.
• Multimedia Production: audio and video reporting, podcast production, online publishing and multimedia storytelling techniques.
• Practicum and Capstone: newsroom practicum, investigative project or thesis, and opportunities to publish or broadcast work through student media or partnered newsrooms.

Teaching emphasises experiential learning: small seminar-style classes, supervised reporting projects, internships with regional news organisations and faculty mentorship. Students typically complete a sustained investigative project in their final year that demonstrates mastery of reporting, sourcing and ethical judgement.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to meet general undergraduate admission standards for the university, including completion of secondary education or equivalent. Typical academic preparation includes strong performance in English and social sciences, and evidence of competency with writing and critical thinking.

• Academic records: secondary school transcripts or equivalent; specific subject prerequisites are not normally required beyond strong English skills.
• Portfolio or samples: a short portfolio or writing sample is often requested—examples of news stories, feature pieces, blog posts, or multimedia projects are appropriate.
• Supplementary materials: a personal statement describing interest in investigative journalism and career goals, and at least one academic or professional reference.
• Mature and transfer applicants: assessed on prior academic performance and relevant experience; transfer credit may be awarded for applicable coursework or professional experience.

Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate English proficiency according to the university’s standard requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of careers in journalism and related fields. Common paths include investigative reporter, data journalist, political or public affairs reporter, documentary producer, and multimedia content producer. Skills gained in investigation, data handling and clear public-facing explanation also suit roles in nonprofit organisations, public policy research, communications departments, fact-checking organisations and law-related reporting.

Many students build careers through internships and published student work, moving into regional and national newsrooms, specialised investigative units, digital news start-ups, and broadcast organisations. The programme’s emphasis on ethics, legal awareness and rigorous sourcing is also valued in roles such as compliance research, investigative consultancy and watchdog organisations.

Why study at Augustana University

Augustana offers a liberal-arts environment with small class sizes and close faculty supervision, which supports in-depth mentorship for investigative work. The programme prioritises hands-on experience through practicum placements, collaborative investigative projects and opportunities to publish in student and partner news outlets.

• Faculty engagement: faculty with professional journalism experience provide practical instruction, feedback and career guidance.
• Practical learning: access to multimedia labs, data tools and newsroom-style courses that simulate real reporting environments.
• Internships and partnerships: established links with regional news organisations and public institutions help students secure internships and reporting projects.
• Career support: dedicated academic advising and career services help students prepare portfolios, seek internships and transition into professional roles.

Overall, the programme is designed for students who want a rigorous, ethically grounded training in investigative journalism within a supportive, residential university community.