Program Overview

Introduction to the Journalism Program

The Bachelor of Science in Journalism is offered through the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment at MTSU. This program provides preparation for students who wish to pursue careers in journalism, including news reporters, copy editors, feature writers, editorial writers, freelance magazine writers, and online or multi-platform journalists.

Program Overview

Journalists play a crucial role in providing news, information, and commentary that help citizens make informed decisions and participate in a democratic society. The press is the only institution mentioned by name and protected in the Constitution, emphasizing the importance of a free press in a democratic society. Students in the Journalism program can specialize in newspapers, magazines, and web-based media, and take courses in related sequences like photography and visual communication.

Journalism Degree Program

MTSU's accredited Journalism program emphasizes writing and reporting skills, theory, history, law, ethics, design, management, research, new media, and freedom of expression. The program offers a range of concentrations, including:

• Journalism, Entertainment Journalism Concentration, B.S.
• Journalism, Environmental Journalism and Communication Concentration, B.S.
• Investigative Journalism
• Journalism, Media Design Concentration, B.S.
• Journalism, Media Studies Concentration, B.S.
• Journalism, Sports Media Concentration, B.S.

Careers

The Journalism degree prepares students for a variety of careers in the media, including:

• Advertising executive
• Arts/entertainment critic
• Author
  ovelist
• Book editor
• Business communications specialist
• Copy editor
• Editorial writer
• Editor
• Feature writer
• Freelance magazine writer
• Graphic designer
• Media website entrepreneur
• News reporter
• Online or multi-platform 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 Journalism Degree Alumni

Employers of MTSU Journalism degree 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)

Requirements

The major in Journalism requires 120 hours, including:

• True Blue Core (41 hours)
• Major Requirements (49 hours)
• Minor (15-18 hours)
• Electives (12-21 hours)

Major Requirements

Major requirements include:

• School of Journalism and Strategic Media Core (15 hours)
• Journalism Requirements (12 hours)
• Journalism Subcore (7 hours)
• Conceptual (9 hours)
• Professional Electives (6 hours)

Faculty

The School of Journalism and Strategic Media faculty includes:

• Dr. Sanjay Asthana, Professor
• Dr. Chris A. Bacon, Associate Professor
• Dr. Kenneth Blake, Professor
• Dr. Larry Burriss, Professor
• Dr. Sally Ann Cruikshank, Professor
• Dr. Christine Eschenfelder, Associate Professor
• Daniel Eschenfelder, Senior Instructor
• Dr. Katie Foss, Professor
• Dr. Gregory Pitts, Professor
• Dr. Jason Reineke, Associate Professor
• Dr. Jennifer Bailey Woodard, Professor

Information

The School of Journalism and Strategic Media offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with a major in Journalism, as well as a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Media and Communication. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC).