University of Memphis

What you'll study

This programme emphasises rigorous, accountability-focused reporting across multiple platforms. Core areas include investigative reporting methods, data journalism and visualisation, advanced multimedia production, and media law and ethics. Students learn practical techniques for public-records requests, source protection, long-form narrative construction, and verification of complex documents and datasets.

• Investigative Reporting: long-form projects, series reporting, beat development and sustained enterprise reporting techniques.
• Data Journalism and Computer-Assisted Reporting: data gathering, cleaning, basic analysis, and visualisation tools for uncovering patterns and supporting stories.
• Media Law and Ethics: freedom of information, libel, privacy, source rights and the ethical decisions unique to investigative work.
• Multimedia Storytelling: video and audio reporting, podcasting, web presentation and integrating text with interactive elements.
• Research Methods and Archival Work: use of public records, court documents, and historical archives for contextual reporting.
• Capstone/Thesis or Portfolio Project: a substantial, supervised investigative project intended for publication or professional presentation.
• Professional Practice and Internship: supervised placements with local, regional or national newsrooms, nonprofit investigative organisations, or public-interest agencies.

The programme typically balances classroom instruction, lab-based skills sessions and a significant practicum or capstone project that culminates in a publishable investigation or public-facing portfolio.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, preferably in journalism, communications, political science, sociology, or a related field. Professional experience in reporting, media production or research strengthens an application but is not always required.

• Transcripts demonstrating satisfactory undergraduate performance.
• Portfolio of recent journalistic work or relevant writing samples (typically several published or unpublished pieces demonstrating reporting, narrative or multimedia skills).
• Statement of purpose outlining investigative interests, career goals and a proposed area for the capstone project.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees familiar with the applicant’s reporting or research abilities.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or prior study in English, in line with university requirements.

Some applicants may be invited to an interview or asked to provide additional materials. The department reviews applications holistically, taking into account professional experience and demonstrated potential for investigative work.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to careers that require advanced investigative, analytical and storytelling skills. Typical roles include:

• Investigative reporter or investigative producer for newspapers, magazines, broadcasters and online outlets.
• Data journalist or visualisation specialist in newsrooms and media start-ups.
• Reporter/analyst for nonprofit investigative organisations and watchdog groups.
• Multimedia documentary producer, podcast host or long-form narrative journalist.
• Public records researcher, fact-checker or compliance analyst in government, legal firms or advocacy organisations.
• Communications specialist or investigative consultant for NGOs and civic organisations.

The practical, project-based nature of the programme is designed to produce a portfolio of publishable work that employers in journalism and related fields value.

Why study at University of Memphis

The University of Memphis Department of Journalism and Strategic Media offers a professionally focused environment with hands-on facilities and newsroom-style instruction. Students benefit from dedicated multimedia labs, opportunities to work with the university’s student media and partnerships with regional news organisations for internships and reporting projects.

Located in a city with a vibrant civic and cultural life, the programme provides access to diverse local beats — including metropolitan government, criminal justice, public health and cultural reporting — that are fertile ground for investigative projects. Faculty combine academic scholarship with professional newsroom experience and mentoring, helping students move projects from reporting to publication.

Students also gain practical experience through the programme’s practicum and capstone routes, leaving with a professional portfolio, newsroom contacts and the investigative skills needed to pursue accountability journalism in a range of media and organisational settings.