Investigative Journalism

During the spring semester, students will enroll in a 1.0 credit academic internship course to generate an investigative journalism project, learning to apply critical thinking to identify a significant and suitable topic; dig for information, sources and documents; pursue best practices in interviewing, research and fact-checking; be fair and accurate. Fieldwork will generate a finished journalism article or series that will enlighten readers with the end goal of publication.

Over the spring semester, students will meet once weekly for a two-hour workshop led by alumni and industry experts Gretchen Morgenson ’76 and Prof. Karla Hult ’95. There will also be group sessions meeting at least once per week to work collaboratively on the project. Prof. Hult will also host weekly office hours to allow for time to check in on progress, and answer any questions.

Note: This experience will require a (minimum) average of 12 hours per week during the spring semester.

Application Opens September 10th

Application Deadline: October 20, 2025 at 11:55pm.

The specific objectives of this program are to:

Gain experience in hands-on journalism, and more specifically, how to do investigations
Identify a topic or issue that is being overlooked
Develop a project, run an investigation, serve as reporters
Write a story, or series of stories for potential publication
Clips to be leveraged in future internship/job applications
Learn and apply key skills required for investigative journalism (i.e. writing style, interviewing tips, ethics, objectivity, news values)
Receive written and practical feedback on how to explore and get a job within the journalism industry

The following topics will be explored during the weekly workshop sessions:

Identifying an investigation subject that will compel and enlighten readers.
Finding and cultivating sources.
Understanding the crucial role documents play in investigations, where to find them, how to interpret them.
The use of court documents and legal proceedings.
Honing your interviewing skills.
Ensuring the reporting is fair.
The importance of fact-checking and reliance on primary sources.
Synthesizing your findings into words; how to write cogently and simply and keep your reader reading.
How to present your reporting on multiple platforms (digital, text, social)

Exceptional sophomores, juniors, and seniors considering a career in Journalism or Communications
Strong interest in the subject matter, including the desire to publish a journalistic piece
Willingness to commit 12-15 hours per week to cultivate sources, conduct interviews, and present your reporting on multiple platforms.
Must attend a pre-experience workshop in September/October 2025 to better understand the demands of this program. Note: The project leaders’ strong preference is for you to attend in person, however, the workshop will be recorded in case you are unable to attend.

Note: Interview required for acceptance into this program.

Meghan Anderson (she, her, hers)

Associate Director, Ole Career Launcher, Innovation and the Arts

Tomson Hall 270M

P507-786-3565

Emcmill2@stolaf.edu

Office Hours: Schedule via Handshake Appointments

View Profile →

Piper Center for Vocation and Career

Investigative Journalism

Program Overview

Note: This experience will require a (minimum) average of 12 hours per week during the spring semester.

Application Deadline: October 20, 2025 at 11:55pm.

The specific objectives of this program are to:

Gain experience in hands-on journalism, and more specifically, how to do investigations

Identify a topic or issue that is being overlooked

Develop a project, run an investigation, serve as reporters

Write a story, or series of stories for potential publication

Clips to be leveraged in future internship/job applications

Learn and apply key skills required for investigative journalism (i.e. writing style, interviewing tips, ethics, objectivity, news values)

Receive written and practical feedback on how to explore and get a job within the journalism industry

The following topics will be explored during the weekly workshop sessions:

Identifying an investigation subject that will compel and enlighten readers.

Finding and cultivating sources.

Understanding the crucial role documents play in investigations, where to find them, how to interpret them.

The use of court documents and legal proceedings.

Honing your interviewing skills.

Ensuring the reporting is fair.

The importance of fact-checking and reliance on primary sources.

Synthesizing your findings into words; how to write cogently and simply and keep your reader reading.

How to present your reporting on multiple platforms (digital, text, social)

Exceptional sophomores, juniors, and seniors considering a career in Journalism or Communications

Strong interest in the subject matter, including the desire to publish a journalistic piece

Willingness to commit 12-15 hours per week to cultivate sources, conduct interviews, and present your reporting on multiple platforms.

Must attend a pre-experience workshop in September/October 2025 to better understand the demands of this program. Note: The project leaders’ strong preference is for you to attend in person, however, the workshop will be recorded in case you are unable to attend.

Note: Interview required for acceptance into this program.

Workshop Leaders

Questions?

Meghan Anderson (she, her, hers)