The Bachelor’s in Journalism with a focus on Investigative Journalism at St. John’s University is a practice‑based undergraduate degree that trains students in reporting, research, verification and multimedia storytelling with an emphasis on long‑form and accountability reporting. It suits students who want rigorous practical training in uncovering public‑interest stories, working with data and documents, and pursuing careers in newsrooms, non‑profits or investigative units.
This programme combines foundational journalism courses with specialised investigative training. First‑year work typically covers news writing, media law and ethics, introductory reporting and digital storytelling alongside general education subjects. In later years you build skills in beat reporting, long‑form narrative, feature writing, and multimedia production, while taking investigative‑specific modules such as data journalism, public records and freedom of information practice, verification and fact‑checking, interviewing and source development, and court and government reporting.
Practical elements include newsroom simulation labs, multimedia packages (audio, video and digital), use of data tools and spreadsheets for analysis, document handling and redaction techniques, and a semester or year‑long capstone investigative project. Students are encouraged to undertake internships at local and national media organisations, and to contribute to campus news outlets to develop a professional portfolio.
Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school qualification appropriate to undergraduate admission. Typical offers expect a solid academic record in relevant subjects and evidence of communication skills. You will usually be asked to submit writing samples or a journalism portfolio demonstrating news judgment, clarity and reporting ability.
International applicants must meet St. John’s English language requirements through an accepted qualification or approved test score. Mature applicants and those with professional experience are considered; relevant experience, a portfolio and references can strengthen such applications. Specific grade thresholds and portfolio guidelines are published by the university and should be checked on the programme page before applying.
Graduates are prepared for roles across journalism and related fields. Typical entry roles include investigative reporter, general assignment reporter, data journalist, features writer, multimedia producer and fact‑checker. Many alumni move into specialised beats such as business, environment, health or courts, or join investigative teams at regional and national news organisations.
Other career pathways include working in non‑profit and watchdog organisations, documentary research and production, editorial and newsroom leadership, communications and public affairs roles, and further study in law or public policy. The programme’s emphasis on practical skills, data handling and public‑records research is also valuable for careers in compliance, research units and consultancy.
St. John’s offers investigative journalism students the advantages of being located near one of the world’s largest media centres, with opportunities for internships and reporting assignments in a major metropolitan environment. The curriculum combines classroom theory with newsroom practice led by faculty with professional experience, and students have access to campus newsrooms and multimedia production facilities to build real‑world skills.
The university supports student work through mentorship, career services and links to local media, helping students develop portfolios and professional contacts. The capstone investigative project gives students the chance to undertake extended reporting under faculty supervision, preparing graduates to enter newsrooms or related sectors with evidence of substantive, publishable work.
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