Marymount University

What you'll study

The programme combines foundational journalism skills with specialised investigative techniques. You will learn how to find, verify and report complex stories using a mix of traditional reporting, data analysis and multimedia production. Coursework emphasises public records research, source development, legal and ethical responsibilities, and long-form narrative construction.

Typical modules and subjects

• Introduction to Journalism: newswriting, reporting fundamentals and newsroom practice.
• Investigative Reporting: methods for developing long-term projects, cultivating sources and structuring investigations.
• Data Journalism and Visualisation: working with datasets, spreadsheets, basic database queries and presenting findings visually.
• Public Records and Freedom of Information: how to locate, request and interpret government documents and filings.
• Media Law and Ethics: libel, privacy, open records laws and ethical decision-making in investigative work.
• Multimedia Storytelling: audio, video and web-based production to present investigative stories across platforms.
• Advanced Reporting Seminars: beats such as courts, government, health and business reporting, with emphasis on investigative angles.
• Capstone or Practicum: a sustained investigative project or internship at an external newsroom or organisation, producing publishable work.

Classes are typically workshop-based and emphasise portfolio development. Opportunities for newsroom-style collaboration, pitching, editing and project management are woven throughout the curriculum.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requires a secondary school completion qualification comparable to a U.S. high school diploma, with a competitive academic record. Applicants are usually asked to supply transcripts and a personal statement explaining their interest in investigative journalism.

Additional application materials commonly requested include a small portfolio of writing or multimedia samples, and at least one academic or professional reference. Standardised tests may be optional; mature or transfer applicants will be assessed on prior collegiate work and relevant experience.

Applicants should demonstrate strong writing and critical-thinking skills, curiosity about public affairs, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively on sustained projects.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of roles across newsrooms, non-profit media, broadcast organisations and private-sector research units. Typical career paths include:

• Investigative reporter or correspondent for newspapers, magazines, television and online outlets
• Data journalist or visual journalist who combines reporting with quantitative analysis
• Producer for investigative segments in broadcast and documentary media
• Researcher or analyst for think tanks, watchdog organisations and non-governmental organisations
• Fact-checker, editorial researcher or legal reporting specialist
• Communications or investigative roles within corporate compliance, law firms or government oversight bodies

The programme is designed to build a professional portfolio and practical experience that help graduates secure internships and entry-level positions in competitive media markets.

Why study at Marymount University

Marymount University offers a small-campus environment that emphasises personalised instruction and mentorship from faculty with professional journalism experience. Its location near a major national capital region provides strong access to internships, public records sources, policy organisations and a vibrant regional media market, all valuable for investigative work.

The university stresses experiential learning—students typically have opportunities to work on real reporting projects, collaborate in cross-platform news production and complete internships facilitated by the career services office. Ethical reporting and public service are integral to the curriculum, preparing graduates to produce responsible, impact-focused investigations.