Journalism

Harness your creativity and technology to create impactful designs in digital and print media.

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Journalism, Visual Communication Concentration, B.S.

The Visual Communication concentration in the Bachelor of Science in Journalism program is offered through the School of Journalism and Strategic Media in the College of Media and Entertainment at MTSU.

The way that content is designed and displayed is an important and fast-evolving component of the information revolution. MTSU students enrolled in visual communication learn how to creatively work with current technology used in both digital and print design, while also studying theories and practices of effective visual storytelling. Students in the program learn how to work with print and interactive media through such projects as editorial and magazine design, websites, mobile apps, social media content, branding, illustration, and advertising design. Industry professionals teach students the ins and outs of strategy, conceptual thinking, software shortcuts, and advanced design techniques. Those who have interests in a creative career with a wide variety of opportunities should consider the Visual Communication concentration in the Bachelor of Science in Journalism program offered through the School of Journalism and Strategic Media in the College of Media and Entertainment at MTSU.

Careers
Requirements
Faculty
Information
Careers
Requirements
Faculty
Information

News Briefs

VCOM students create award-winning campaign graphics

Visual Communication 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.

VisCom 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

VCOM students create award-winning campaign graphics

Visual Communication 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.

VisCom 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.

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CAREERS

Visual Communication graduates have both the technical and conceptual knowledge needed to successfully deliver compelling stories on both print and digital platforms. Some possible professional pursuits:

  • Art director
  • Book designer
  • Communications director
  • Digital publications designer
  • Editorial designer
  • Graphic designer
  • Illustrator
  • Multimedia director
  • Publications director
  • Web 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.

  • CJ Advertising
  • Custom Packaging
  • Day Communications
  • Gannett Design Studio
  • Hanco Studio
  • HCA Healthcare
  • Hip Zipper Vintage
  • Ingram Content Group
  • Journal Communications
  • Maple Ridge Events
  • The Murfreesboro Post
  • The Nashville Predators
  • The Tennessean (Nashville)
  • True North Custom Media

REQUIREMENTS

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FACULTY

INFORMATION

MTSU's School of Journalism and Strategic Media offers work leading to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with a major in Journalism. Concentrations are available in

For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS tab above.

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.

Master of Science (M.S.) degree is available in Media and Communication.

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