University of Southern Mississippi

What you'll study

This programme combines core journalism training with specialised investigative techniques. You will cover foundational skills in reporting, news writing and multimedia production alongside advanced courses in investigative methods, data journalism and media law. Teaching blends classroom instruction, lab-based practice and supervised newsroom projects.

• Core reporting and writing: news reporting, feature writing, interview techniques and editing for clarity and accuracy.
• Investigative methods: long-form reporting, source development, document procurement, records requests and enterprise reporting practicum.
• Data and digital skills: data analysis for journalists, data visualisation, computer-assisted reporting, and verification techniques for online sources.
• Media law and ethics: libel and privacy law, freedom of information, ethical frameworks for investigative work and newsroom decision-making.
• Multimedia production: audio and video storytelling, podcasting, social media strategy and mobile reporting.
• Capstone and practicum: a supervised investigative project or internship with a newsroom, nonprofit or public-interest organisation, culminating in a publishable body of work.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a completed secondary-school credential or equivalent. Admission evaluates the overall academic record and demonstration of writing ability and critical thinking. Prospective students should provide samples of journalistic or writing work if available; portfolios that show reporting, multimedia pieces or research are strongly encouraged.

Transfer applicants are considered on the basis of college transcripts and applicable credit. The School provides guidance on course preparation; recommended subjects include English/composition, social studies, and computer skills relevant to digital reporting.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for careers that require investigative rigour, clear writing and multimedia competence. Typical roles include:

• Investigative reporter or enterprise reporter for newspapers, magazines, and digital news organisations
• Data journalist or computer-assisted reporting specialist
• Multimedia producer for broadcast, podcast and online documentary projects
• Investigative researcher or fact-checker for newsrooms, think tanks and non-profit organisations
• Communications and public affairs roles that value investigative research and clear public-facing explanations

Graduates often continue with internships that lead to staff positions at regional and national outlets, or pursue postgraduate study in journalism, law, public policy or related fields.

Why study at University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi offers an investigative journalism pathway grounded in experiential learning and regional engagement. Students benefit from hands-on training in newsroom-style environments and opportunities to publish work through student media. Faculty typically include experienced journalists and scholars who mentor investigative projects and support internships with local, regional and national media partners.

The programme emphasises ethical, legal and technical preparedness for public-interest reporting, while providing access to multimedia facilities and data tools that reflect current newsroom practices. For students intent on holding power to account and telling complex stories in ways that reach diverse audiences, the University’s programme combines practical experience with a solid foundation in reporting principles.