Students in Point Park’s M.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication program may focus their graduate studies on investigative reporting for the Innocence Institute. It is possible for students to take at least one class each semester that involves investigating cases and writing stories for the institute.
Graduate students may choose their classes in a way that allows them to examine institute cases throughout their time at Point Park.
A model curriculum for such students includes:
JOUR 506 Public Affairs Reporting
A series of real reporting assignments under deadline conditions beginning with the University and extending to the city of Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas.
JOUR 510 Investigative Reporting
Practical reporting experience with heavy emphasis on investigative techniques and computer-assisted reporting; development of sources and information; determination of subjects, organization and writing of stories and series for print publication.
JOUR 522, 525 Innocence Institute Research and Reporting I and II
Students will research and investigate cases of wrongful conviction on an individual and group basis. Under the professor’s direction, the students will employ investigative reporting techniques to collect court records, police and other public documents, and all other appropriate materials; interview witnesses and visit crime scenes; prepare evidence for further exploration and corroboration; then begin writing reports, articles and series on the results of the investigation. Students must commit to a minimum of 45 hours of work each semester on selected projects and report on a regular basis those results to the instructor.
JOUR 592, 599 Publication Project and Completion of Publication Project
The student earns credit for work on an investigative, interpretive series in a medium such as print, a media script, publications/advertising campaign, or other significant project. Proof of intended implementation is required. A faculty member must oversee the project, a proposal for which must be approved by that faculty member and the program director. May constitute three of the six hours of the candidate’s required research obligation.
Other relevant classes that may involve the Innocence Institute include:
JOUR 508 Magazine Article Writing
Research and development of briefs and longer nonfiction articles with emphasis on freelance writing, queries and techniques of magazine titles, fillers, writing and critiquing. Efforts made to sell articles for publication.
JOUR 518 Communication Law and Regulation
Study of contemporary and classic cases related to state and federal law of freedom of the press and freedom of speech. Problems caused by efforts by government to control mass media and the freedom of government/ public information also are addressed.
Outside electives:
Students may choose related electives in Point Park’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration. The program is designed to provide a strong foundation in business, administration, law, policy, economics and criminology theory. Coursework related to the institute includes CRMJ 540 Media Issues in Criminal Justice and other classes.
Graduate Assistantships are also available:
This position would include tuition reimbursement and stipend. In order to qualify, one must be enrolled in the Point Park Journalism Graduate Program. At least two years of experience in print journalism is ideal.
Graduate Assistants work part-time; take a leadership role in investigations; write; edit the work of students; evaluate cases and manage the day-to-day office needs.
Candidates must be dependable, creative, adaptable and passionate about justice.
Please contact us at: 412-765-3164