Journalism
Harness your creativity and technology to create impactful designs in digital and print media.
Journalism, Media Design Concentration, B.S.
In today’s society, visuals are everywhere. That means there’s a need for talented, digital-savvy content creators. Media Design offers hands-on learning where teachers in the field show you the latest tools and techniques used to create compelling visual stories. You’ll learn the art of design, social media content creation, illustration, photography, typography, web design, interactive graphics, advertising design, and so much more.
The benefit of Media Design being based in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media (SoJSM) is that you’ll leave the program with the winning combination of writing, content creation, and digital skills. All SoJSM students gain a foundation in video, photography, media writing, and editing skills. Another bonus? Being situated in the College of Media and Entertainment provides a stimulating environment where there are limitless opportunities to partner with other students in film, photography, animation, advertising, public relations, recording industry, and more. Real-world experience paired with current techniques of storytelling ensure students leave our program with relevant and marketable skill sets.
News Briefs
Media Design students create award-winning campaign graphics
Media Design students Andrew Felts and Sydney Clendening worked with MTSU Marketing photographers to create eye-catching visuals for a mask-wearing campaign. The two seniors worked within a team including four other students from PR and Advertising, along with faculty advisors, over the summer of 2020 to create an original, targeted campaign that would encourage MTSU students to always wear their masks on campus. The theme of "Easier than" was arrived at after much research and brainstorming. Clever inside jokes were written to engage students and make mask-wearing seem less burdensome. Insights such as "Easier than finding a parking space" and "Easier than filling out your FAFSA" were plastered all over campus using yard signs, bus shelter signs, buttons, signage on doors, indoor digital screens, and through social media. The team had to develop and produce all content, as well as sell the concept to the Board of Directors of MTSU. This agency-like experience provided these students the opportunity to put the skills they've learned in the classroom into action.
Media Design faculty bring wealth of worldwide experience
Leslie Haines, professor, is an award-winning visual communicator and internationally recognized digital collage artist. Before coming to MTSU, she served as academic director of the graphic design and advertising programs at the Art Institute of Tennessee - Nashville. Prior to becoming an educator, Haines worked at The Syracuse Newspapers, The Tennessean, and various agencies. She has run her own advertising and design business since 1995. Recent clients include MakerWear for Target and The Messina Group (Kenney Chesney and Shawn Mendes). Philip Loubere, associate professor, teaches applications classes, including Information Web Design. He has worked as a news artist at the Seattle Times, San Jose Mercury News, and Orange County Register (1996-2008). Sanjay Asthana, professor, teaches courses in visual communication, globalization, communication technologies, and cultural studies. He has authored the books Youth Media Imaginaries from Around the World and Innovative Practices of Youth Participation in Media.
News Briefs
Media Design students create award-winning campaign graphics
Media Design students Andrew Felts and Sydney Clendening worked with MTSU Marketing photographers to create eye-catching visuals for a mask-wearing campaign. The two seniors worked within a team including four other students from PR and Advertising, along with faculty advisors, over the summer of 2020 to create an original, targeted campaign that would encourage MTSU students to always wear their masks on campus. The theme of "Easier than" was arrived at after much research and brainstorming. Clever inside jokes were written to engage students and make mask-wearing seem less burdensome. Insights such as "Easier than finding a parking space" and "Easier than filling out your FAFSA" were plastered all over campus using yard signs, bus shelter signs, buttons, signage on doors, indoor digital screens, and through social media. The team had to develop and produce all content, as well as sell the concept to the Board of Directors of MTSU. This agency-like experience provided these students the opportunity to put the skills they've learned in the classroom into action.
Media Design faculty bring wealth of worldwide experience
Leslie Haines, professor, is an award-winning visual communicator and internationally recognized digital collage artist. Before coming to MTSU, she served as academic director of the graphic design and advertising programs at the Art Institute of Tennessee - Nashville. Prior to becoming an educator, Haines worked at The Syracuse Newspapers, The Tennessean, and various agencies. She has run her own advertising and design business since 1995. Recent clients include MakerWear for Target and The Messina Group (Kenney Chesney and Shawn Mendes). Philip Loubere, associate professor, teaches applications classes, including Information Web Design. He has worked as a news artist at the Seattle Times, San Jose Mercury News, and Orange County Register (1996-2008). Sanjay Asthana, professor, teaches courses in visual communication, globalization, communication technologies, and cultural studies. He has authored the books Youth Media Imaginaries from Around the World and Innovative Practices of Youth Participation in Media.
Journalism, Media Design Concentration, B.S.
Media Design graduates have both the technical and conceptual knowledge needed to successfully deliver compelling stories on both print and digital platforms. Some possible professional pursuits:
- Digital designer
- Art director
- Web designer
- UX/UI designer
- Graphic designer
- Digital media specialist
- Visual journalist
- Publications director
- Social media content creator
- Advertising designer
- Production artist
- Freelance designer
Employers of MTSU alumni include
Employment opportunities are available at advertising agencies, design studios, media companies, publishing companies, record labels, and corporations both large and small.There are also opportunities to serve clients directly through freelancing or self-employment.
- Cronin Creative
- Bohan Advertising
- Tusculum University
- The Tennessean
- EmpowerLocal
- Concord | Independent Music
- Ingram Content Group
- The Nashville Predators
- Logo Brands
- True North Custom Media
MTSU’s Career Development Center
MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.
Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career.
Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake .
Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides.
Degrees
MTSU’s School of Journalism and Strategic Media offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with a major in Advertising and Public Relations or Journalism.
Concentrations within Advertising and Public Relations include:
Concentrations within Journalism include:
- Entertainment Journalism
- Environmental Journalism and Communication
- Media Design
- Media Studies
- Social Justice Journalism
- Sports Media
For complete curriculum details, click on REQUIREMENTS.
Undergraduate or graduate students outside the College of Media and Entertainment may choose to minor in Mass Communication with an emphasis in any of the School of Journalism and Strategic Media’s concentrations.
A Master of Science (M.S.) degree is available in Media and Communication.
Accreditation Equals Excellence
About 1,000 schools across the US offer study in journalism, public relations or some form of media. Only 112 of these are accredited journalism and media programs. We’re proud that MTSU is one of these.
Accreditation is a voluntary self-assessment and external review by educators and media professionals. The reviewers examine program resources, classes and student success. Every six years, MTSU’s program is measured against national standards to ensure that we’re offering the best, most up-to-date experience we can provide. Accreditation provides an assurance of quality to students, parents, and the public.
The MTSU School of Journalism and Strategic Media was found in full compliance on all nine accreditation standards.
Go to the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication for more information about the value of accreditation.
Our Mission Statement
The School of Journalism and Strategic Media’s mission statement is comprised of five key points:
- Provide an undergraduate education combining contemporary media instruction with hands-on professional experience.
- Educate students about the role and responsibilities of a free press and media in a democratic and diverse society.
- Prepare students for careers in journalism, communication, and strategic media in an ever-evolving media environment.
- Contribute to the body of knowledge in journalism, communication, and strategic media through research, scholarship, creative, and professional activity.
- Create an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity in its curriculum, organizations, and community engagement through its students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
A PDF copy of the Mission Statement can be downloaded here.
Our Strategic Plan
The SoJSM’s Strategic Plan can be viewed here.
Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan
The SoJSM’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan can be viewed here.
Our Assessment Plan
The SoJSM’s Assessment Plan can be viewed here.
Data
In the spirit of sharing information related to the program’s performance with the public, the following data is provided:
- New Freshmen Fall-to-Fall Retention
- Undergraduate Fall-to-Fall Retention
- 4- and 6-year Graduation Rates
- Degrees Awarded by Academic Year
- Student Learning Outcomes
Related Links
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