Program Overview

---

Investigative Journalism, MA

The Master's of Arts program in investigative journalism prepares students to launch high-level investigative reporting careers at the world's most prestigious news organizations.

Program Description

This program is designed for career switchers who have experience in fields such as law, health, business, government, and the arts, and for early-career and mid-career journalists who want to develop specialization in investigative techniques. Students combine their existing knowledge with investigative reporting techniques, multimedia production skills, and interdisciplinary research methods to produce storytelling with deep public impact.

At a Glance

• College/school: Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication
• Location: Downtown Phoenix
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Accelerated Program Options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

Degree Requirements

• 36 credit hours including the required capstone course (MCO 570)
• Required Core (12 credit hours)
  • MCO 503 Media Law (3)
  • MCO 510 Data Journalism (3)
  • MCO 530 History, Philosophy and Ethics of Journalism (3)
  • MCO 545 Techniques of Investigative Reporting (3)
• Other Requirements (9 credit hours)
  • MCO 502 Multimedia Storytelling (8)
  • MCO 544 Accountability in Journalism (1)
• Research (6 credit hours)
• Culminating Experience (9 credit hours)
  • MCO 570 Master of Mass Communication Capstone (9)

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements
• Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication
• Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any discipline or related field from a regionally accredited institution
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program
• Required to submit:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Professional resume
  • Letter of intent
  • Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Application Deadlines

• Fall:
  • Session A/C: In Person, 06/01, Final
  • Session A/C: In Person, 12/01, Priority

Program Learning Outcomes

• Evaluate the principles of journalism, such as accuracy, fairness, timeliness, diversity, and privacy, and apply such principles to their course requirements
• Evaluate ethical, diversity, and legal standards relevant to the journalism industry and create culturally proficient communication
• Develop the tools, technology, and techniques for investigative reporting that adheres to accepted journalistic standards and practices, and which prepares them for high-level investigative reporting careers

Global Opportunities

Studying abroad is possible for graduate students. There are more than 50 program opportunities, with programs on every continent.

Career Opportunities

Investigative reporting is in high demand in news organizations of all sizes, and graduates of Cronkite's MA program in investigative journalism are particularly prepared to excel in these positions, applying experience with investigative reporting techniques, data analysis, and immersive storytelling using text, photo, video, and audio content. Graduates have accepted investigative positions at news organizations across the country and around the world.