University of Memphis

What you'll study

The programme combines core journalism fundamentals with specialised coursework and practicum experience in investigative reporting. Core modules cover newswriting and reporting, media law and ethics, multimedia storytelling, and editing. Investigative-focused modules emphasise long-form reporting techniques, data journalism and public records research, source cultivation, undercover and covert reporting considerations, and advanced interviewing methods.

• Reporting and Writing: beat reporting, long-form narrative techniques, and deadline-based newsroom practice.
• Investigative Methods: public records and FOIA research, document analysis, source protection and verification, and developing complex enterprise stories.
• Data and Digital Journalism: data gathering and cleaning, basic data analysis, data visualisation, and digital storytelling for web and mobile platforms.
• Media Law & Ethics: libel and defamation, privacy, reporter’s privilege, newsroom ethics and responsibilities in investigative work.
• Multimedia Production: audio and video production, podcasting, and interactive elements to support investigative projects.
• Capstone / Practicum: a semester-long investigative project or placement in a newsroom where students produce publishable work under faculty supervision.

Entry requirements

Applicants must satisfy the University of Memphis undergraduate admission criteria and declare or apply to the School of Journalism & Strategic Media according to departmental procedures. Typical departmental expectations include a strong academic record in secondary education, demonstrated English-language proficiency, and a portfolio or writing samples that show reporting ability and critical thinking.

• General university admission: completion of an accredited secondary qualification or equivalent and submission of required documents for undergraduate admission.
• Departmental expectations: submission of several writing samples or a small reporting portfolio; recommendations or a personal statement outlining interest in investigative journalism may strengthen an application.
• Transfer and international students: assessed on equivalent academic achievement and may be asked to provide transcripts, language test results and samples of journalistic work.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers in traditional and digital newsrooms as investigative reporters, beat reporters and enterprise journalists. The programme also equips students for roles in data journalism, long-form feature writing, documentary production and editorial leadership.

• Investigative reporter for local, regional or national news organisations
• Data journalist or visualisation specialist
• Multimedia producer and podcast investigative host
• Editor or investigations team member in newsrooms
• Communications roles in non-profit watchdog organisations, advocacy groups, and public interest media
• Research and investigative roles in corporate compliance, government oversight agencies and legal reporting

Why study at University of Memphis

The University of Memphis offers hands-on learning in a city with a lively media landscape, giving students frequent opportunities for local reporting, internships and collaborative projects with regional news outlets. The School of Journalism & Strategic Media maintains active student media, including the campus newspaper, radio and digital platforms, where investigative projects can be published and refined under faculty mentorship.

Students benefit from applied facilities, experienced faculty with newsroom backgrounds, and proximity to civic institutions and courts that are essential for public-interest reporting. The programme’s emphasis on practical skills, data literacy and ethical practice prepares graduates to pursue investigative work across a variety of media and organisational settings.