Journalism
Develop the critical skills necessary to identify societal conflict and inequalities, and present them in their context.
Journalism, Social Justice Journalism Concentration, B.S.
Journalists with a background in social justice journalism will be well-equipped to report on some of the most topical issues facing the world today. Students will learn how to understand and convey complicated information in a nuanced manner, keeping in mind key societal context, as they examine stories and groups that are often underserved by mainstream media. This concentration will show students the best practices for social justice journalism and how these core tenets can be applied to a variety of topics, from crime and courts to sports and food writing.
What We’re Doing:
We’re Just Getting Started!
The Entertainment Journalism concentration launched in August 2023 – check back soon for more updates on what our students have accomplished!
News Briefs
MTSU's School of Journalism hosts Come to Voice event
The School of Journalism and Strategic Media recently held Come to Voice, an event conducted in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford County. Come to Voice affords children the opportunity to gain experience with new and useful technologies; this year's activities included recording podcasts, learning about audio editing, and visiting the Extended Reality Stage. The event was put together by Drs. Jennifer Woodard and Ken Blake, with Kinsey McBride and Bianca Spencer working with and supervising the visiting group
MTSU's School of Journalism hosts AEJMC Southeast Colloquium
The School of Journalism and Strategic Media recently hosted the 2023 Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication Southeast Colloquium. The event drew almost 150 participants from all over the country who gathered to listen to and moderate panels discussing a variety of topics. Highlights included a presentation from keynote speaker Dr. Kathy Roberts Forde, a preconference workshop hosted by the SoJSM's own Drs. Ken Blake and Jun Zhang, and a special appearance by MTSU mascot Lightning. This was the first time MTSU has hosted the event.
News Briefs
MTSU's School of Journalism hosts Come to Voice event
The School of Journalism and Strategic Media recently held Come to Voice, an event conducted in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford County. Come to Voice affords children the opportunity to gain experience with new and useful technologies; this year's activities included recording podcasts, learning about audio editing, and visiting the Extended Reality Stage. The event was put together by Drs. Jennifer Woodard and Ken Blake, with Kinsey McBride and Bianca Spencer working with and supervising the visiting group
MTSU's School of Journalism hosts AEJMC Southeast Colloquium
The School of Journalism and Strategic Media recently hosted the 2023 Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication Southeast Colloquium. The event drew almost 150 participants from all over the country who gathered to listen to and moderate panels discussing a variety of topics. Highlights included a presentation from keynote speaker Dr. Kathy Roberts Forde, a preconference workshop hosted by the SoJSM's own Drs. Ken Blake and Jun Zhang, and a special appearance by MTSU mascot Lightning. This was the first time MTSU has hosted the event.
Careers: Graduates with a concentration in social justice journalism will be prepared to use their knowledge to become exemplary, informed communication professionals. Possible career paths include:
- Arts and entertainment critic
- Business communications specialist
- Digital content specialist
- Editor
- News reporter
- Nonprofit communications
- Online or multiplatform journalist
- Public relations/marketing manager
Social Justice Journalism Advising Worksheet. For official Catalog requirements, see the Requirements tab.
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
Contact Information:
Leon Alligood
[email protected]
615-898-5301
Who is My Advisor?
Janell Fisher (A-B)
[email protected]
615-494-7999 | BRAGG 230E
Leann McBride (C-J; N-Z)
[email protected]
615-898-5499 | BRAGG 230I
Josh Douglas (K-M)
[email protected]
615-494-4997 | BRAGG 230F
Related Links
Mailing Address:
Middle Tennessee State University
MTSU Box 64
1301 East Main Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37132
CONTACT US
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