$3,000
Total certificate cost
07/06/2026
Next start date
Online - scheduled
Learning modality
6 Months to complete
12 courses
Overview
The Investigative Editing Certificate, developed by the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, addresses a growing need for skilled investigative editors. Through a 12-course program, working professionals gain the tools to guide investigative projects from concept to publication—across different media, teams, and legal landscapes.
This hands-on, real-world curriculum reflects decades of newsroom experience and award-winning investigative work. You’ll learn directly from renowned editors and educators how to manage data investigations, diverse sourcing, fact checking and legal reviews, trauma-informed editing, and the evolving demands of multimedia storytelling.
Key Benefits
- Learn from award-winning investigative editors
- Build skills to lead high-impact, ethical journalism
- Develop a multimedia mindset for today’s newsrooms
- Master legal, data, and collaboration best practices
- Gain resilience strategies for investigative teams
What’s Included
- 12 expert-led online courses
- Real-world case studies and newsroom-ready tools
- Downloadable templates and checklists
- Access to ASU’s investigative journalism expertise
- Certificate of completion from ASU CareerCatalyst
Program Schedule:
While all module content may be completed at your own pace, we recommend using the following schedule to guide you throughout the certificate. Each module includes an optional live Zoom discussion with faculty, providing an opportunity to explore the material more deeply and connect with peers. All sessions are recorded, so participants may join after the program has begun and still access the full learning experience.
- Developing Great Investigative Ideas: 7/6/2026 - 7/17/2026
- Building a Diverse Team: 7/20/2026 - 7/31/2026
- Guiding Investigative Research and Reporting: 8/3/2026 - 8/14/2026
- Managing data and AI investigations: 8/17/2026 - 8/28/2026
- The Art of the Investigative Interview: 8/31/2026 - 9/11/2026
- Organizing, Outlining and Writing/Scripting The Story: 9/14/2026 - 9/25/2026
- The Power of a Multimedia Mindset: 9/28/2026 - 10/9/2026
- Unique Challenges of Video and Audio Investigations: 10/12/2026 - 10/23/2026
- The Special Art of Collaborations: 10/26/2026 - 11/6/2026
- Managing for Resilience: Stress, Trauma and Investigative Teams: 11/9/2026 - 11/20/2026
- Buttoning Up: Fact Checking and Legal Review: 11/23/2026 - 12/4/2026
- Managing Blowback Up, Across and Outside the Newsroom: 12/7/2026 - 12/18/2026
This curriculum was supported by a generous grant from the Scripps Howard Foundation.
Courses within certificate
Recommended resource
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Project Management Job Simulation
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Who this certificate is designed for
- Watchdog reporters aspiring to become investigative editors
- Editors seeking to develop their investigative leadership skills
- Newsroom leaders building collaborative, multimedia investigative teams
- Nonprofit Journalists within an investigative journalism settings
Outcomes
By the end of this certificate, you’ll be able to:
- Guide reporters through the investigative process—from pitch to publication
- Manage the legal, ethical and trauma-related complexities of investigative journalism
- Lead multimedia and data-driven investigations with confidence
- Build and support diverse, resilient investigative teams
- Ensure accuracy, accountability and impact in every story
Practical skills you will develop
This program equips learners with vital skills to thrive in today's complex workforce. Key skills include:
These skills directly apply to these careers
FAQs
Program support
Have additional questions?
Please reach out directly to Maud Beelman (maud.beelman@asu.edu) for any program content related questions.
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