Northern Arizona University

What you'll study

The programme combines a foundation in journalism principles with specialised training in investigative techniques. You progress from basic reporting and multimedia skills to advanced investigation, data journalism and long-form storytelling.

• Core reporting and writing: news reporting, feature writing, interviewing techniques and beat reporting to build accuracy and source development skills.
• Investigative methods: long-form reporting, use of public records, Freedom of Information requests, source protection, ethics for investigative work and constructing complex stories from multiple data sources.
• Data and multimedia journalism: data gathering and analysis, basic statistics for journalists, data visualisation, video reporting, audio storytelling and digital publishing.
• Law and ethics: media law, libel and privacy, ethical decision-making, and newsroom standards applicable to investigative work.
• Editing and newsroom practice: copyediting, investigative editing, project management for long-term reporting projects and collaborative newsroom workflows.
• Capstone and practicum: an investigative capstone or senior project that demonstrates sustained reporting and verification, plus practical experience through student media and internships.
• Electives and contextual courses: courses in political science, criminal justice, environmental studies, Indigenous studies and public policy are commonly taken to deepen subject-matter expertise for investigations.

Entry requirements

Admissions follow the university's undergraduate standards for journalism and communication programs. Applicants are expected to demonstrate academic readiness and an interest in reporting.

• Completion of secondary education or equivalent. Applicants from outside the US must present an equivalent credential.
• A competitive high‑school record with coursework in English and social studies is typically preferred; specific GPA expectations are set by the university.
• Submission of a writing sample or short portfolio is often recommended or required for applicants to journalism concentrations; examples should show reporting, clear writing and ethical sourcing.
• Transfer students should provide college transcripts; prior college coursework in communication or related fields can be applied toward the degree.
• International applicants must meet the university’s English-language proficiency requirements through recognised tests or alternative evidence of proficiency.
• All applicants must meet any general admission requirements of Northern Arizona University; additional departmental advising is available for prospective journalism students.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers that require investigative, analytical and multimedia storytelling skills. The programme emphasises both practical experience and ethical, legally informed reporting.

• Investigative reporter for local, regional or national news organisations
• Data journalist or visualisation specialist in newsrooms or civic-technology organisations
• Multimedia journalist, producer or editor for digital, television or radio outlets
• Non-profit, watchdog or investigative-focused organisations that require research and reporting skills
• Communications and public affairs roles that value strong investigative research and clear writing
• Further study in law, public policy, or graduate journalism programmes for specialised career paths

Why study at Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University offers hands-on learning through its student media outlets and community partnerships, allowing journalism students to practise investigation in real-world settings. The university’s location in Flagstaff provides proximity to a variety of reporting environments—from state and local government in Arizona’s urban centres to rural and Indigenous communities—supporting reporting across diverse beats.

• Practical experience: Opportunities to report for the student newspaper and multimedia platforms give students portfolio material and newsroom-style experience.
• Regional focus and access: Students can investigate regional issues affecting public lands, environment, tribal nations and state policy—areas where NAU has institutional ties and local reporting needs.
• Interdisciplinary support: Access to faculty and courses across disciplines helps students build subject-matter expertise useful for deep investigations.
• Internships and career support: NAU’s career services and industry connections help place students in internships at newspapers, broadcast stations and non-profit organisations, supporting transition into professional roles.