Indiana University of Pennsylvania

What you'll study

This programme combines core journalism training with specialised investigative methods. You will learn news writing and reporting, multimedia storytelling, and editing, then apply those skills to longer-form investigative projects. Typical topics and course emphases include:

• Reporting fundamentals – beat reporting, interview techniques, source development and newsroom workflow.
• Investigative methods – long-form reporting techniques, document and records analysis, cultivating confidential sources, and building multi-part projects.
• Data journalism – basic data analysis, spreadsheet and database skills, data visualisation and using public records to generate story leads.
• Media law and ethics – libel, privacy, open-records laws, and the ethical responsibilities of investigative reporters.
• Multimedia production – video and audio recording, podcasting, photography and digital publishing for cross-platform investigative storytelling.
• Editing and newsroom management – copyediting, fact-checking, project planning, and coordination of team-based investigations.
• Capstone and practicum – a substantive investigative project or internship that integrates reporting, research and production under faculty supervision.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a high-school diploma or equivalent. Admissions typically consider academic performance, letters of recommendation and a demonstrated interest in journalism or writing. Many students are asked to submit a portfolio or writing sample showcasing reporting, feature writing, multimedia work or relevant school/community publications. Standardised test scores may be considered according to university policy; transfer and international applicants must meet the university’s general transfer and English-language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers across newsrooms, nonprofit investigative organisations, watchdog groups and communications offices. Typical roles include:

• Investigative reporter or feature journalist for local, regional and national news outlets
• Data journalist or visual journalist who turns records and datasets into news stories
• Digital editor, copy editor or newsroom producer coordinating investigative packages
• Multimedia reporter producing video, audio and interactive projects
• Researcher or communications specialist for public-interest organisations, watchdog NGOs or think tanks
• Freelance investigative journalist and independent documentary producer

Skills developed in the programme—critical thinking, source development, legal awareness and data literacy—also transfer to roles in public relations, corporate communications and regulatory research.

Why study at Indiana University of Pennsylvania

IUP offers hands-on journalism education with access to campus media outlets and practical facilities that help students build professional portfolios. Instruction is delivered by faculty with journalism experience and by adjuncts who work in the field, creating opportunities to learn newsroom standards and practices. Small class sizes support close mentorship for investigative projects, and the programme emphasises experiential learning through internships and capstone investigations. Located within driving distance of several mid‑Atlantic media markets, students can pursue regional internship placements while developing the reporting, multimedia and data skills employers look for.