Point Park University

What you'll study

This programme combines core journalism skills with specialised investigative techniques. Coursework covers newswriting, multimedia reporting, interviewing, and narrative storytelling alongside modules focused on investigative methods — such as public records and Freedom of Information research, data journalism and analysis, source development, court and beat reporting, and forensic interviewing.

• Core journalism skills: reporting and writing for print, online and broadcast; multimedia production; editing; visual storytelling.
• Investigative modules: investigative research and evidence-gathering; data journalism and statistics for journalists; public records and FOIA practice; building and protecting sources; long-form narrative investigation.
• Law, ethics and verification: media law, libel and privacy basics, ethical decision-making in investigative work, fact-checking and verification techniques.
• Technical and production skills: database and spreadsheet use for large datasets, digital security and source protection, audio and video production, and newsroom CMS workflows.
• Practicum and capstone: supervised newsroom practicum in student-run outlets and a senior investigative project or portfolio that demonstrates sustained reporting, research depth and multimedia presentation.

Students typically balance classroom learning with practical experience through on-campus newsrooms and supervised internships with local media and civic organisations.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Admission decisions consider academic records, a personal statement demonstrating interest in journalism and investigative reporting, and a portfolio of recent writing or multimedia work where available.

• Academic credentials: high-school diploma or equivalent with satisfactory grades in English and social sciences.
• Portfolio: 2–4 examples of reporting, essays, or multimedia pieces; applicants without a portfolio may submit a writing sample and complete an interview or assessment.
• Recommendations: at least one academic or professional reference that speaks to the applicant’s writing, research or communication skills.
• International applicants: proof of English language proficiency (acceptable test scores or other institutional evidence) and documentation of secondary credentials equivalent to the US high-school diploma.

Transfer applicants are evaluated on college transcripts and previous coursework; relevant experience in media, community reporting, internships or civic organisations is considered favourably.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers in investigative and general reporting across platforms, as well as roles that value research and analytical skills. Typical career paths include:

• Investigative reporter or investigative producer at newspapers, magazines, broadcast outlets and digital newsrooms.
• Data journalist or visualisation reporter working with large datasets and interactive storytelling.
• Beat reporter specialising in government, business, education, health or courts, where in-depth reporting and record analysis are essential.
• Researcher, fact-checker or editorial analyst for newsrooms, think tanks and non-profit investigative organisations.
• Communications, compliance or research roles in public affairs, NGOs and watchdog organisations that require strong investigative and writing skills.

Hands-on practicum and internship experiences help students build professional portfolios and local contacts with newsroom editors, reporters and community organisations to support job placement after graduation.

Why study at Point Park University

Point Park’s urban campus places students in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, offering direct access to regional news organisations, courts, government offices and civic institutions — a strong practical advantage for investigative reporting. The programme emphasises small classes and close faculty mentorship; many instructors bring professional newsroom experience and guide students through real reporting projects.

• Practical facilities: on-campus student newsrooms, multimedia labs and production studios where students produce digital, audio and video investigative work.
• Local partnerships and internships: established connections with Pittsburgh-area media, allowing students to pursue internships and collaborative reporting projects during their studies.
• Capstone and portfolio focus: a senior investigative project that consolidates research, data analysis and multimedia presentation to prepare graduates for entry into professional newsrooms or related fields.

These elements combine to provide a hands-on, career-focused education for students committed to pursuing investigative journalism and rigorous public-interest reporting.