Arkansas Tech University

What you'll study

This degree combines core journalism skills with specialised investigative practice. You will study newswriting and reporting, multimedia storytelling, media law and ethics, and techniques for long-form and investigative reporting. Methodological courses emphasise public-records research, data journalism and computer-assisted reporting, plus interviewing, source development and verification.

Typical modules and learning experiences include:

• News Writing and Reporting: fundamentals of clear, accurate, deadline-driven journalism for print and digital platforms.
• Investigative Reporting: planning and executing in-depth investigations, developing story leads, building case files and protecting sources.
• Data Journalism and Research Methods: working with public data sets, spreadsheets and basic coding to find and visualise trends and anomalies.
• Media Law and Ethics: understanding libel, privacy, freedom of information and the ethical responsibilities of investigative reporters.
• Multimedia Storytelling: audio, video and online presentation skills to publish investigative projects across platforms.
• Capstone / Newsroom Practicum: a semester-long project or placement where students produce a substantial investigative package for publication or broadcast.

Instruction emphasises hands-on work in small classes, workshops, newsroom-style assignments and opportunities to publish or broadcast investigative pieces through university-affiliated outlets and partnered local media.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a recognised secondary-school qualification (for example a high-school diploma or GCE A-levels) and provide official transcripts. Admissions typically consider academic record alongside evidence of communication skills.

Specific application materials often requested include:

• Personal statement outlining interest in journalism and investigative reporting.
• Writing samples or a small portfolio of journalistic work (published or student work).
• Letter(s) of recommendation from teachers, employers or professionals who can speak to the applicant’s writing and research potential.
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English.

While exact GPA or grade thresholds vary, competitive applicants usually demonstrate strong written communication, critical thinking and commitment to ethical reporting. Mature applicants and those with relevant work experience are welcome and considered on their individual merits.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers in investigative and data journalism across newspapers, magazines, online news organisations, broadcast and public radio, as well as roles in investigative units within non-profit organisations, watchdog groups and government oversight bodies.

Common career paths include:

• Investigative reporter or data journalist at regional and national news outlets.
• Multimedia journalist producing long-form investigations for digital platforms.
• Editorial roles such as reporter-editor or investigations editor.
• Researcher, fact-checker or public-records analyst for newsrooms, NGOs or think tanks.
• Communications roles requiring strong research and storytelling skills, including nonprofit communications and transparency initiatives.

The programme’s practicum and local media partnerships help students build professional portfolios and secure internships that often lead to entry-level positions.

Why study at Arkansas Tech University

Arkansas Tech offers a supportive learning environment with small class sizes and faculty who combine academic and professional journalism experience. Students benefit from practical, hands-on training and access to multimedia labs where they can develop reporting, audio and video production skills essential to investigative work.

The university’s location provides opportunities for internships and reporting projects across regional news outlets and community organisations, enabling students to work on real public-interest stories. Advisers and career services help place students in internships and guide the development of professional portfolios, while capstone projects give practical experience producing publishable investigative journalism.