Point Park University

What you'll study

The Investigative Journalism master's builds practised reporting skills alongside legal, ethical and technical tools used in long-form and enterprise reporting. Coursework emphasises public-records research, source development, data analysis for reporters and multimedia presentation of investigations.

• Investigative Reporting Techniques — advanced methods for long-form reporting, building and protecting sources, and managing multi-part investigations.
• Public Records, FOIA and Transparency — strategies for using Freedom of Information laws, court records, budgets, contracts and databases.
• Data Journalism and Visualisation — data cleaning, analysis and visual storytelling tailored to investigative projects, using industry-standard tools.
• Media Law and Ethics — libel, privacy, newsroom risk assessment and ethical decision-making specific to investigative work.
• Multimedia Production for Investigations — radio, video and web presentation techniques to amplify investigative narratives.
• Advanced Reporting Practicum — supervised newsroom-style projects with deadlines, editorial review and publication goals.
• Capstone Investigative Project — an extended, publishable investigation developed with faculty mentors and, where possible, community or media partners.

Courses are taught in small seminars and lab-based classes to mirror real newsroom collaboration. Students gain practical experience through supervised investigations, internships with local and regional media outlets and opportunities to publish work produced during the programme.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold an accredited bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, social sciences, or a related field; applicants with substantial professional experience in reporting, research, law enforcement, public policy or nonprofit work are also considered. Typical application components include:

• A CV or résumé outlining relevant professional or academic experience.
• A personal statement describing interest in investigative journalism and proposed areas of inquiry.
• A portfolio or samples of journalistic work (published or unpublished long-form pieces, investigative projects, multimedia pieces, or research reports).
• Academic transcripts and at least two professional or academic references.
• International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests, unless exempt by prior study in English.

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview. The programme seeks candidates with demonstrated reporting ability, curiosity, persistence and a clear commitment to public-interest journalism.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of journalism and allied careers that rely on investigative skills and evidence-based storytelling. Typical pathways include:

• Investigative reporter or enterprise journalist at local, regional and national newspapers and online outlets.
• Data journalist or visual reporter producing interactive investigations and explanatory graphics.
• Investigative producer or correspondent in broadcast and public radio networks.
• Nonprofit and watchdog organisations, investigative centres and investigative units within larger media organisations.
• Specialist reporting roles in business, legal, health or environmental beats where deep research and public-records work is essential.
• Positions in media training, communications oversight, compliance research and policy analysis that benefit from investigative methodology.

Alumni often combine newsroom roles with freelance investigations, collaborate with documentary producers or join interdisciplinary teams at investigative centres and NGOs.

Why study at Point Park University

Point Park's journalism programme is located in downtown Pittsburgh, offering direct access to courts, city agencies and a diverse regional news ecosystem — a practical advantage for investigative reporting. The university emphasises hands-on learning: students work in small classes with faculty who are seasoned journalists and collaborate on newsroom-style projects and internships with local media organisations.

Facilities and learning opportunities include multimedia production suites and lab-based data-reporting instruction, enabling students to combine traditional reporting with audio, video and data visualisation. Strong industry connections in the Pittsburgh region and beyond help students arrange internships and publication opportunities, while mentorship from working professionals prepares graduates to produce rigorous, publishable investigations that serve the public interest.