Journalism, Sports Media Concentration, B.S.
Journalism and Strategic Media
615-898-2814
Chris Bacon, program coordinator
Chris.Bacon@mtsu.edu
The Sports Media concentration offers students from all majors an opportunity to gain additional exposure in the sports industry and its impact on society. This emphasis can be beneficial for students who wish to pursue sports careers in print/online media, public relations, promotions, marketing communications, and broadcast journalism.
Students should check the prerequisites for each course.
Academic Map
Following is a printable, suggested four-year schedule of courses:
Journalism, Sports Media, B.S., Academic Map
Degree Requirements
| General Education | 41 hours |
| Major Requirements | 47 hours* |
| Minor | 15-18 hours |
| Electives | 14-20 hours |
| TOTAL | 120 hours |
*This program requires courses that can also fulfill requirements of the General Education curriculum. If program requirements are also used to fulfill General Education requirements, the number of elective hours will increase.
General Education (41 hours)
General Educationrequirements (shown in curricular listings below) include courses in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences.
The following course required by the program meets General Education requirements:
Major Requirements (47 hours)
School of Journalism and Strategic Media Core (14 hours)
EMC 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment
3 credit hours
(Same as JOUR 1020/RIM 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.
JOUR 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 1020/RIM 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.
RIM 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 1020/JOUR 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.
(may be counted in General Education)
JOUR 2710 - Media Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020 or equivalents. Theory and practice of writing for print and electronic media according to the techniques, styles, and formats of various media.
JOUR 2720 - Digital Media Skills
3 credit hours
Professional skills necessary to create digital platform stories that integrate audio, photo, video, and text.
JOUR 4880 - Professional Development
1 credit hour
Prerequisite: Senior status. Issues faced by graduates upon entering the professional world or graduate school. Topics include preparation of the professional portfolio, the resume and cover letter, post-graduate study, and professional advancement. Should be completed by majors in the School of Journalism in either of their last two semesters prior to graduation.
EMC 4250 - Mass Media Law
3 credit hours
(Same as JOUR 4250.) Prerequisites: EMC 1020; junior standing. Examines legal guarantees and restrictions on the flow of information using the case study method. Focuses on libel, privacy, obscenity, and the special restrictions placed on advertising, broadcasting, cable television, and the Internet.
JOUR 4250 - Mass Media Law
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 4250.) Prerequisites: JOUR 1020 and JOUR 2710; junior standing. Examination of legal guarantees and restrictions on the flow of information using the case study method. Focus on libel, privacy, obscenity, and the special restrictions placed on advertising, broadcasting, cable TV, and the Internet.
JOUR 3580 - MC Practicum
1 to 3 credit hours
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JOUR 3580 - MC Practicum
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing; permission of instructor. Practical experience in an on-campus mass communication setting. Note: Total credit for practicum and internship courses cannot exceed 3 credits. Pass/Fail.
JOUR 4000 - MC Internship
1 to 3 credit hours
(1 credit hour required)(1 credit hour required)
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title:(1 credit hour required)
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JOUR 4000 - MC Internship
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing; permission of the internship coordinator. Advanced students gain practical experience in a professional setting. Note: Total credit for internship and practicum courses cannot exceed 3 credits. Pass/Fail.
Sports Media Concentration (15 hours)
SPM 2100 - Media and Sports
3 credit hours
Covers the relationships between the sports industry, athletes, media, and audience. Students will develop literacy and critical-thinking skills about the sports industry and its relationship with the media.
SPM 3100 - Diversity in Sports Media
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: SPM 2100 or permission of instructor. Diversity issues in the sports media industry as they relate to race, ethnicity, gender, social class, sexuality, and physical ability/disability.
SPM 3200 - Sports Media Relations
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: SPM 2100 or permission of instructor. A look at the relationship between sports media relations, media outlets, and the teams/organizations they represent.
JOUR 3090 - Reporting
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: JOUR 2710. Theory and practice of basic journalism skills, including content gathering, storytelling, evaluating, writing, and processing of news.
JOUR 4440 - Advanced Reporting
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: JOUR 3090. Advanced theory and practice in reporting, emphasis on coverage of public affairs-related assignments or other relevant topics, including an introduction to interpretive and investigative reporting techniques.
Conceptual Requirements (9 hours)
Choose three:
ADV 3020 - Principles of Advertising
3 credit hours
Overview of advertising principles and practices including the role of advertising in society and the marketplace, consumer behavior, advertising media, budgeting and planning, and the creation and production of advertising messages.
ADV 3060 - Issues in Advertising: Sexuality and Gender
3 credit hours
Explores use of sexuality and gender portrayals in print, broadcast, outdoor, and online and new forms of advertising from various theoretical perspectives and using actual cases.
JOUR 2800 - Journalism and Media Topics
1 to 3 credit hours
Examines a specific topic in the field of journalism or media. Variable credit. Topic and available academic credit will be announced prior to scheduling of the class. May include Study Abroad; Study Abroad fees may apply.
JOUR 3050 - Principles of Health Communication
3 credit hours
Introduces students to fundamental issues in Health Communication. The development of health communication, the role of interpersonal communication in health care, the design and challenges of public health campaigns, intended and unintended health messages in news and popular media, the structure of health care organization, and key ethical issues in creating and disseminating health messages to diverse audiences.
JOUR 3600 - Digital and Media Literacy
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: EMC 1020/JOUR 1020/RIM 1020. Enables students to develop an informed and critical understanding of media messages and media culture as well as their social, cultural, and political contexts and implications. Students develop the critical thinking skills and methods of analysis necessary to interpret media content in a digital age. Offers ways to think critically about media as they relate to citizenship and democracy.
JOUR 3660 - Strategic Communication Research
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: JOUR 2710, permission of instructor, or permission of the School of Journalism. Introduces research methods used in advertising, journalism, public relations, and strategic communication. Provides experiences in scientific research and data analysis, including quantitative and qualitative methods, content analysis, experiments, surveys and focus groups for diagnosing, planning, managing, and evaluating situations.
JOUR 4210 - Mass Communication and Society
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Theories of the process of mass communication, how media affect society, the evolution within a social and cultural context, ethical and social dimensions. Extensive reading in theory, history, and research. Media-content emphasis varies depending on instructor's expertise.
JOUR 4240 - Television, Culture, and History
3 credit hours
Examines television as a cultural product, communication tool, "mirror on the world," and as an agent for social change. Explores censorship, sponsorship, ethics, and the impact of context on content. Focuses on role that television has had and continues to have on constructing notions of gender, race, class, and difference.
JOUR 4510 - Media History and Culture
3 credit hours
Viewing history as the study of change across time, examines "new media" from different periods (symbols, writing, printing, telecommunications, Internet) and their role in shaping journalism and media content historically. Includes discussion of alternative media, including the Black Press and Woman Suffrage Press.
JOUR 4800 - Seminar in Media Issues
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Examination and critical evaluation of issues relevant to the operation and functions of mass media, including their relationships to each other and to government, advertisers, consumers, and other publics. May be repeated up to 6 credits.
PR 2040 - Public Relations Principles
3 credit hours
Introduces the practice of public relations, including its fundamental concepts and theories, historical development, and current issues.
NOTE: This was formerly PR 3040.
PR 4720 - Crisis Communication in Public Relations
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: PR 2040 or permission of School of Journalism. Examines crisis communication theories, management, strategies, tactics, and cases while developing practical skills useful in crisis situations.
VCOM 2010 - Introduction to Visual Communication
3 credit hours
Overview of concepts for effective visual communication; the role of visual elements and design practices in a cultural, historical, and political context; basic typography and design, electronic and digital composition and reproduction, and technological aspects of design and production.
VCOM 3810 - History of Visual Communication
3 credit hours
Explores various creative and critical dialogues between principles and practices, movements and paradigms, art, science, and technology relating specifically to journalism and visual media from the printed to the digital.
- Approved School of Journalism and Strategic Media elective 3 credit hours
Professional Topics (9 hours)
Choose three:
ADV 4250 - Interactive Advertising and Social Media
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ADV 3020 or permission of instructor. Explores advertisers' use of social media from various theoretical perspectives and using actual cases. Focuses on building skills in various platforms.
JOUR 3430 - Radio News Reporting
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: JOUR 2710 and JOUR 2720. Stresses reporting, writing, and presenting radio news. The history, philosophy, and regulation of electronic media news. Three-hour lecture.
JOUR 3500 - Video Reporting and Editing
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: JOUR 2710 or JOUR 2132 and JOUR 3430 with minimum grade of C. Theory and practice in the gathering, editing, and reporting video news. Attention given to on-the-air presentation. Laboratory required. Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
JOUR 3520 - Special Topics in Professional Issues
3 credit hours
(Same as ADV/PR/VCOM 3520.) Prerequisites: JOUR 3090 or JOUR 3430 or permission from the School of Journalism. Special topics in journalism, advertising, public relations, and visual communication focusing on practical applications. Topics change each semester and have included investigative, environmental, sports, and political reporting; visual editing; international public relations; and advertising account management. May be repeated up to 6 credits.
JOUR 3530 - Feature Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: JOUR 2710 or permission of instructor. Theory and practice of writing feature stories for newspapers and magazines. Assignments in writing for professional publications as well as the student newspaper.
JOUR 2132 - Video Journalism Practices
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: EMC 1020/JOUR 1020/RIM 1020. Video journalism techniques and skills necessary to arrange, shoot, edit, and produce a television or video news story. Field production techniques covered include camera work, lighting, audio, and editing.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
PR 3360 - Strategic Communication Writing for Public Relations
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: JOUR 2710 and PR 2040. Techniques of creating and writing strategic messages, including the planning and development of components for strategic communication campaigns for corporate, public service, and other persuasive messages.
PR 3380 - Public Relations Publications
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy; VCOM 2950. Effective print-design techniques with emphasis on organizational publications.
PR 3400 - Case Studies in Public Relations
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: PR 2040. Practical methods of handling problems in public relations with emphasis on fact-finding, planning, promoting, and evaluating.
VCOM 2950 - Visual Communication Applications
3 credit hours
Introduces students to the creative use of current industry-standard software used for print, digital, and Web design. Focuses on important aspects of design, typography, color theory, and production for creating more effective visual communication. Students explore their own vision through creative projects. Exposure to diverse industry professionals from around the world expands knowledge of the field. Combined lecture/lab.
VCOM 3920 - Information Web Design
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: VCOM 2950. Introduces software, design principles, and technology used for communicating concepts, information, and narratives through websites and digital media. Overview of social, political, copyright, and ethical issues involving websites, digital, and social media. Combined lecture/lab.
VCOM 3930 - Visual Storytelling for Journalism
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: JOUR 2710, VCOM 2010, and VCOM 2950 or permission of instructor. This intermediate course in the Visual Communication concentration delves deep into the creative process. Students produce more insightful and effective visual communication through such projects as ad design, editorial layout, and digital illustration. Typography and advanced software skills allow students to leave the class with a diverse portfolio of work. Combined lecture/lab.
VCOM 3950 - Digital Storytelling for Journalism
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: VCOM 3920 and VCOM 3930. Advanced practice in communicating concepts, information, and narratives through the use of websites and digital media. Topics include contemporary practices and use of code and software for online and digital media production, combined with in-depth discussion of social, political, copyright, and ethical issues pertaining to websites and digital and social media. Combined lecture/lab.
VCOM 4010 - Information Design
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: VCOM 3930. Advanced principles and practices of visual design applied to projects such as publication design, newsletters, branding, and logo design. Students will turn the skillful selection of photographs and illustrations into contemporary formats. Constructive critiques and inspirational examples of diverse, visual work will allow students to advance their own aesthetic.
- Approved College of Media and Entertainment elective 3 credit hours
Minor (15-18 hours)
- Selected from outside the School of Journalism and Strategic Media with advisor approval.
Electives (14-20 hours)
- Students in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media (SOJSM) must complete 50 hours in liberal arts and sciences including General Education requirements and one minor from outside SOJSM. Students must select at least nine hours of liberal arts/social sciences (beyond General Education); at least six hours of liberal arts/social science electives must come from courses at the 3000-level or higher.
Curriculum: Journalism, Sports Media
Curricular listings include General Education requirements in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.
Majors must have a C (2.00) or better in all Media and Entertainment courses.
Freshman Fall
COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication
3 credit hours
Introduces principles and processes of effective public oral communication including researching, critical thinking, organizing, presenting, listening, and using appropriate language. Counts as part of the General Education Communication requirement. TBR Common Course: COMM 2025
ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing
3 credit hours
The first General Education English course. Emphasis on learning to adapt composing processes to a variety of expository and analytic writing assignments. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.
JOUR 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 1020/RIM 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.
EMC 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment
3 credit hours
(Same as JOUR 1020/RIM 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.
RIM 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 1020/JOUR 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.
- Elective 3 credit hours
- Mathematics 3 credit hours
Subtotal: 15 Hours
Freshman Spring
ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ENGL 1010. The second General Education English course. Emphasis on analytic and argumentative writing and on locating, organizing, and using library resource materials in the writing. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.
- Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
- Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
- Elective 3 credit hours
HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010
HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from 1877 to the present. May be used to satisfy one part of the the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020
HIST 2030 - Tennessee History
3 credit hours
The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030
HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in establishing and shaping the American nation. Covers their historical development and contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
NOTE: HIST 2040 is not a prerequisite for HIST 2050.
HIST 2050 - Survey African American History II
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in shaping the American nation and creating a twentieth-century racial identity. Covers their historical development and examines their contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
Subtotal: 16 Hours
Sophomore Fall
ENGL 2020 - Themes in Literature and Culture
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Traces a specific theme or idea through a number of literary texts that reflect different historical and cultural contexts. Subject will vary.
ENGL 2030 - The Experience of Literature
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. The reading of a variety of literary types which illuminate themes and experiences common to human existence.
HUM 2610 - World Literatures
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Representative works of French, German, and Hispanic authors in English translation. No foreign-language proficiency required. Carries General Education credit.
SPM 2100 - Media and Sports
3 credit hours
Covers the relationships between the sports industry, athletes, media, and audience. Students will develop literacy and critical-thinking skills about the sports industry and its relationship with the media.
JOUR 2710 - Media Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020 or equivalents. Theory and practice of writing for print and electronic media according to the techniques, styles, and formats of various media.
- Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
- Minor course 3 credit hours
Subtotal: 16 Hours
Sophomore Spring
JOUR 2720 - Digital Media Skills
3 credit hours
Professional skills necessary to create digital platform stories that integrate audio, photo, video, and text.
JOUR 3090 - Reporting
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: JOUR 2710. Theory and practice of basic journalism skills, including content gathering, storytelling, evaluating, writing, and processing of news.
- Minor course 3 credit hours
- Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours
- Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
Subtotal: 15 Hours
Junior Fall
HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010
HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from 1877 to the present. May be used to satisfy one part of the the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020
HIST 2030 - Tennessee History
3 credit hours
The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030
HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in establishing and shaping the American nation. Covers their historical development and contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
NOTE: HIST 2040 is not a prerequisite for HIST 2050.
HIST 2050 - Survey African American History II
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in shaping the American nation and creating a twentieth-century racial identity. Covers their historical development and examines their contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
SPM 3100 - Diversity in Sports Media
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: SPM 2100 or permission of instructor. Diversity issues in the sports media industry as they relate to race, ethnicity, gender, social class, sexuality, and physical ability/disability.
- Minor 3 credit hours
- School conceptual requirement 6 credit hours
Subtotal: 15 Hours
Junior Spring
JOUR 4440 - Advanced Reporting
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: JOUR 3090. Advanced theory and practice in reporting, emphasis on coverage of public affairs-related assignments or other relevant topics, including an introduction to interpretive and investigative reporting techniques.
SPM 3200 - Sports Media Relations
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: SPM 2100 or permission of instructor. A look at the relationship between sports media relations, media outlets, and the teams/organizations they represent.
- School conceptual requirement 3 credit hours
- Minor 3 credit hours
- Elective 3 credit hours
Subtotal: 15 Hours
Senior Fall
JOUR 4250 - Mass Media Law
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 4250.) Prerequisites: JOUR 1020 and JOUR 2710; junior standing. Examination of legal guarantees and restrictions on the flow of information using the case study method. Focus on libel, privacy, obscenity, and the special restrictions placed on advertising, broadcasting, cable TV, and the Internet.
JOUR 4880 - Professional Development
1 credit hour
Prerequisite: Senior status. Issues faced by graduates upon entering the professional world or graduate school. Topics include preparation of the professional portfolio, the resume and cover letter, post-graduate study, and professional advancement. Should be completed by majors in the School of Journalism in either of their last two semesters prior to graduation.
- Minor 3 credit hours
- Electives 5 credit hours
- School professional topic 3 credit hours
Subtotal: 15 Hours
Senior Spring
JOUR 3580 - MC Practicum
1 to 3 credit hours
(1 credit hour required)(1 credit hour required)
dotslash:(1 credit hour required)
title:(1 credit hour required)
(1 credit hour required)
JOUR 3580 - MC Practicum
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing; permission of instructor. Practical experience in an on-campus mass communication setting. Note: Total credit for practicum and internship courses cannot exceed 3 credits. Pass/Fail.
JOUR 4000 - MC Internship
1 to 3 credit hours
(1 credit hour required)(1 credit hour required)
dotslash:(1 credit hour required)
title:(1 credit hour required)
(1 credit hour required)
JOUR 4000 - MC Internship
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing; permission of the internship coordinator. Advanced students gain practical experience in a professional setting. Note: Total credit for internship and practicum courses cannot exceed 3 credits. Pass/Fail.
- School professional topic 6 credit hours
- Elective 3 credit hours
- Minor or elective 3 credit hours
Subtotal: 13 Hours
