University of Mississippi

What you'll study

The programme combines core journalism skills with specialised coursework in investigative techniques and data-driven reporting. Teaching covers source development, public records and open‑records law, interviewing and verification, long‑form narrative, and multimedia presentation of investigative projects.

• Investigative Reporting Methods — planning investigations, document analysis, building and protecting sources, and multi‑part project development.
• Data Journalism and Visualisation — data gathering, cleaning, analysis, and presentation using spreadsheets and visual tools to support investigations.
• Media Law and Ethics — libel, privacy, public records/access laws, and ethical decision‑making specific to investigative work.
• Advanced Reporting and Narrative — long‑form storytelling, scene building, and profiles that contextualise complex findings for public audiences.
• Multimedia Production — video, audio and web production techniques to publish investigative stories across platforms.
• Capstone or Thesis Project — a supervised, semester‑length investigative project or research thesis that demonstrates the student’s ability to execute a substantial reporting endeavour.

Instruction blends seminars, lab sessions and newsroom‑style practicum. Students typically work on real reporting projects in collaboration with faculty and student media, with opportunities to publish findings in university outlets and partner newsrooms.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, preferably in journalism, communications or a related field, though applicants with other backgrounds and relevant professional experience are welcome. Application materials commonly include:

• Transcripts from all post‑secondary institutions attended.
• A personal statement explaining journalistic goals and interest in investigative reporting.
• A professional portfolio or clips demonstrating reporting, writing or multimedia work; applicants without a portfolio may submit writing samples or project proposals.
• Letters of recommendation (typically two or three) from academic or professional referees who can speak to the applicant’s potential for graduate study.
• A CV or résumé documenting relevant experience.

Some applicants may be invited to an interview. Standardised tests are not universally required; applicants should consult the school for current testing policy and any additional requirements for international students, such as proof of English language proficiency.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of journalism and communication roles that value investigatory skill sets. Typical career paths include:

• Investigative reporter for regional or national newspapers and magazines.
• Data journalist or visualisation specialist in digital newsrooms.
• Multimedia producer for investigative projects in public radio, television or online outlets.
• Reporter or researcher at nonprofit, watchdog and investigative journalism organisations.
• Communications and research roles in government oversight bodies, think tanks or investigative units within larger organisations.
• Freelance investigative journalist or long‑form feature writer.

The programme’s practical focus and connections to regional news outlets support internships and placements that help students build professional portfolios and employment networks.

Why study at University of Mississippi

The Master’s is delivered by the Meek School of Journalism and New Media, which blends traditional journalistic values with digital innovation. Students benefit from experienced faculty who have worked in newsrooms and investigative projects, and from practical training opportunities through campus media and local newsroom partnerships.

• Access to hands‑on facilities and multimedia labs designed for reporting, editing and data visualisation.
• Opportunities to work with The Daily Mississippian and other student media to publish investigative work and gain newsroom experience.
• Strong regional networks across the American South that provide reporting opportunities on local, state and regional issues.
• A supportive environment for combining rigorous reporting with ethical, legally informed practice—preparing graduates for the practical and legal complexities of investigative work.

Students who want a career in investigative journalism will find a curriculum that emphasises both the craft of reporting and the technical tools needed to pursue sustained, impactful investigations.