Georgia Southern University

What you'll study

The programme combines core journalism skills with specialised investigative techniques. You study beat reporting, news writing and feature storytelling alongside modules in investigative methods, data journalism, public‑records research and media law. Courses typically cover ethics in journalism, interviewing and source development, document analysis, freedom of information (FOI) processes, computer-assisted reporting, multimedia production (audio, video and web) and visualisation of data.

Students complete practical newsroom courses and a senior capstone or longform investigative project that require gathering and verifying complex information, liaising with editors and producing publishable work. There are also opportunities to take electives in statistics, political science, criminal justice and digital design to strengthen investigative work.

• News Reporting and Writing
• Investigative Reporting and Techniques
• Data Journalism / Computer‑Assisted Reporting
• Media Law and Ethics
• Multimedia Storytelling (audio, video, online)
• Public Records and Freedom of Information
• Senior Capstone or Longform Project
• Internship with regional news organisations or public‑interest groups

Entry requirements

Applicants need a high‑school diploma or equivalent and must meet the university's general admissions criteria. Successful candidates typically demonstrate strong English writing and critical thinking skills; a competitive academic record at secondary level strengthens an application. Many applicants submit a short personal statement and a portfolio of writing or multimedia samples (news stories, features, audio or video pieces) to show aptitude for reporting.

Standardised test requirements follow the university's current policy. International applicants must meet English language proficiency standards. Transfer students are considered based on college transcripts and relevant coursework or experience.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for entry and mid‑level roles across newsrooms, digital media, broadcast organisations and public‑interest organisations. Typical career paths include investigative reporter, beat reporter, data journalist, multimedia producer, editor, fact‑checker, producer for broadcast/outlet digital platforms, and researcher for watchdog groups or investigative non‑profits. The programme also provides preparation for graduate study in journalism, public policy or law.

Students often build professional experience through internships with regional newspapers, television stations and online outlets, and may move into specialised roles in data analysis, documentary production, legal reporting or non‑profit investigative units.

Why study at Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern offers a practical, hands‑on journalism education with access to student media and local newsroom partnerships that help students build real portfolios. The university's programme emphasises experiential learning—students work on reporting projects, investigative beats and multimedia packages under faculty who have professional newsroom experience.

Its location provides proximity to regional news organisations and a variety of communities for reporting projects, while internship networks help students secure placements. Small class sizes for upper‑level and investigative courses allow close mentoring on longform projects and data work. The programme's focus on ethics, public‑records skills and cross‑platform storytelling prepares graduates to pursue investigative reporting in today’s diversified media environment.