Journalism Research is all about digging deep into stories and uncovering the truth. You'll learn how to find reliable sources, conduct interviews, analyze data, and fact-check information. The course covers techniques for investigative reporting, using public records, and understanding research ethics. You'll also get hands-on experience with data visualization tools and learn how to present complex information in a clear, engaging way.

Is Journalism Research hard?

Journalism Research can be challenging, but it's not impossible. The trickiest part is often sifting through tons of information and figuring out what's relevant and reliable. It requires patience and attention to detail, which can be frustrating at times. But once you get the hang of it, it's pretty rewarding. The workload can be heavy, with lots of reading and research projects, but the skills you learn are super valuable.

Tips for taking Journalism Research in college

Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram 🌶️
Practice, practice, practice your interviewing skills
Get comfortable with data analysis tools like Excel or Tableau
Stay up-to-date with current events and industry trends
Build a network of sources and contacts in different fields
Learn to use public records and Freedom of Information Act requests
Watch documentaries like "Spotlight" or "All the President's Men" for inspiration
Read "The Journalist and the Murderer" by Janet Malcolm for ethical insights

Common pre-requisites for Journalism Research

Introduction to Journalism: This course covers the basics of news writing, reporting, and media ethics. It's a great foundation for understanding the principles of journalism.
Media Law and Ethics: Here you'll learn about First Amendment rights, libel laws, and ethical considerations in journalism. It's crucial for understanding the legal and moral boundaries of reporting.
News Writing and Reporting: This class focuses on developing your writing skills for different types of news stories. You'll learn how to structure articles, conduct interviews, and meet deadlines.

Classes similar to Journalism Research

Data Journalism: This course teaches you how to find, analyze, and visualize data for news stories. You'll learn to use tools like Python or R for data analysis and create compelling infographics.
Investigative Reporting: Here, you'll dive deep into long-form journalism and learn techniques for uncovering hidden information. The class often includes working on a major investigative project.
Digital Journalism: This course focuses on online reporting, including social media, multimedia storytelling, and web analytics. You'll learn how to create content for digital platforms and engage with online audiences.
Environmental Journalism: This specialized course teaches you how to report on environmental issues, climate change, and sustainability. You'll learn about scientific research methods and how to communicate complex environmental topics to the public.

Journalism: Focuses on developing skills in reporting, writing, and producing news across various media platforms. Students learn about media ethics, law, and the role of journalism in society.
Mass Communication: Covers a broader range of media studies, including journalism, public relations, and advertising. Students explore how different forms of media impact society and culture.
Political Science: Examines political systems, government structures, and public policy. Students learn about political theory, international relations, and research methods that complement investigative journalism skills.
Data Science: Combines computer science, statistics, and domain expertise to extract insights from data. Students learn programming, data analysis, and visualization techniques that are increasingly valuable in data-driven journalism.

What can you do with a degree in Journalism Research?

Investigative Reporter: Digs deep into complex stories, often uncovering corruption or wrongdoing. They spend months researching, interviewing sources, and analyzing data to produce in-depth articles or documentaries.
Data Journalist: Specializes in finding and analyzing data to tell compelling news stories. They use programming skills and data visualization tools to present complex information in an accessible way.
Fact-Checker: Verifies information in news articles, books, or other media for accuracy. They research claims, cross-reference sources, and ensure that published content is factually correct and unbiased.
Research Analyst: Works in various industries to gather and analyze information for decision-making. They use research skills to provide insights on market trends, consumer behavior, or policy impacts.