Journalism
Journalism gives you insight into the skills and techniques needed to ethically produce digital, broadcast, and print content.
Journalism, B.S.
The Bachelor of Science in Journalism is offered through the College of Media and Entertainment at MTSU. The major in Journalism offers preparation for students who wish to be journalists--news reporters, copy editors, feature writers, editorial writers, freelance magazine writers, and online or multi-platform journalists.
Journalists provide news, information, and commentary that help citizens make decisions affecting their lives and participation in a democratic society. Because of this responsibility, the press is the only institution mentioned by name — and protected — in the Constitution. Students can learn to appreciate this responsibility by specializing in newspapers, magazines, and web-based media, plus taking courses in related sequences like photography and visual communication. MTSU's accredited program emphasizes writing/reporting skills, theory, history, law, ethics, design, management, research, new media, and freedom of expression. Faculty have a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds, and the School of Journalism and Strategic Media offers on-campus practicum and off-campus internship opportunities, including the Seigenthaler News Service-MTSU in Nashville. The School has close ties to the independent student newspaper, Sidelines, and other outlets housed in the Center for Innovation in Media. Journalism students may choose from the following concentrations depending on their specific interests:
- Journalism, Entertainment Journalism Concentration, B.S.
- Journalism, Environmental Journalism and Communication Concentration, B.S.
- Journalism, Media Studies Concentration, B.S.
- Journalism, Social Justice Journalism Concentration, B.S.
- Journalism, Sports Media Concentration, B.S.
- Journalism, Visual Communication Concentration, B.S.
News Briefs
MTSU recruiting tour scholarships provide rays of hope for prospective East TN students
JoEllen M. DuBose said Knoxville-area social services departments classify her living situation as sheltering or homeless because she sleeps on her father’s couch.[ Read More ]
MTSU faculty Lamin, Pitts, Zheng garner 2024-25 Fulbright Scholar awards
Three Middle Tennessee State University faculty members have an opportunity to take their research and teaching passions overseas after being selected as Fulbright Scholar Program recipients for the 2024-25 academic year.[ Read More ]
News Briefs
MTSU recruiting tour scholarships provide rays of hope for prospective East TN students
JoEllen M. DuBose said Knoxville-area social services departments classify her living situation as sheltering or homeless because she sleeps on her father’s couch.[ Read More ]
MTSU faculty Lamin, Pitts, Zheng garner 2024-25 Fulbright Scholar awards
Three Middle Tennessee State University faculty members have an opportunity to take their research and teaching passions overseas after being selected as Fulbright Scholar Program recipients for the 2024-25 academic year.[ Read More ]
Journalism, B.S.
The Journalism major prepares students who wish to be journalists for a number of jobs in the media. The sequence helps graduates attain careers with newspapers, trade and consumer magazines, book publishing, websites, multimedia, public relations firms, health care, education, advertising, television, radio, film and video production, and other professional media organizations. Journalism professionals can literally go as far as they want, from small media companies to larger outlets that include travel all over the world. Possible professional positions to pursue include
- Advertising executive
- Arts/entertainment critic
- Author/novelist
- Book editor
- Business communications specialist
- Copy editor
- Editorial writer
- Editor
- Feature writer
- Freelance magazine writer
- Graphic designer
- Media website entrepreneur
- News reporter
- Online or multiplatform journalist
- Photojournalist
- Public relations / marketing manager
- Radio/TV broadcaster
- Scriptwriter/playwright
- Sports journalist
- Television/radio/video producer
- Textbook editor/writer
- Trade publication editor/writer
Employers of MTSU alumni include
- Associated Press
- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
- CBS Los Angeles
- Chattanooga Times-Free Press
- CityPress Communications /Nashville Scene
- CJ Advertising
- Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro)
- Daily Oklahoman
- Detroit Free Press
- Gallatin News-Examiner
- Gannett Design Studio
- Georgetown University Law Center
- Journal Communications
- LifeWay Christian Resources
- Murfreesboro Post
- Murfreesboro Pulse
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- POLITICO
- Professional Bull Riders Inc.
- Raleigh News & Observer
- Rutherford County Schools
- South Central Media
- The Tennessean (Nashville)
- Travelocity
- Warner Music Nashville
- WHNT-Channel 19 (Huntsville)
- WKMG-Channel 6 (Orlando)
- WPLN-FM public radio
- WSMV-Channel 4 (Nashville)
- WTVF-Channel 5 (Nashville)
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
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