Statehouse reporting internship, fast-track master’s degree

Date Posted	January 05, 2026
Industry	Newspapers
Specialty	Politics
Required Education	Bachelor's Degree
Job Status	Intern
Salary	Not Specified

Description:

Launch your journalism career with a paid internship and a fast-track master's degree.  The Public Affairs Reporting (PAR) graduate program at the University of Illinois Springfield is designed for aspiring journalists who want to hit the ground running. Our 10-month program combines rigorous coursework with a paid internship at a professional news outlet, giving you the skills, experience and opportunities you need to succeed.

• Fast-track your career: Earn your master's degree in just 10 months.
• Get paid while you learn: Our program includes a paid internship with a professional news outlet.
• Financial aid available: Guaranteed scholarships, tuition waivers and grant funding help offset most program costs.
• Journalism experience helpful but not required: We welcome candidates with a passion for journalism and a desire to make a difference.

Develop the skills you need to hold government officials accountable and inform citizens. Our program provides advanced training in investigative reporting, data journalism and more. The next cohort begins Aug. 24, 2026.   We'll consider new applications until the class reaches capacity.  Apply now at uis.edu/apply.

Learn more: Visit uis.edu/par or contact program director Jason Piscia at jason.piscia@uis.edu.

(EOE)