School of Journalism & Strategic Media

Our 50th Anniversary is Here!

The School of Journalism and Strategic Media is celebrating its 50th anniversary this spring, and we will be holding a special fundraising and networking event to mark the occasion! Details follow:

Friday, April 12

At

5:30 p.m.

Miller Education Center

2nd Floor Atrium

503 East Bell St.

Murfreesboro, TN 37132

Free parking at the Highland Lot!

This event will allow our esteemed alumni to connect with some of our most promising students. Attendees can RSVP by purchasing a $68 ticket; tickets are tax-deductible, with proceeds benefitting both current and future SoJSM students. Click here to be taken to the RSVP page.

Attendees will be entitled to a course of heavy appetizers, desserts, and a limited edition 50th anniversary t-shirt. Proceeds from donations will be used to fund student enrichment within the SoJSM, helping us provide our students with unique learning opportunities that will enhance their educational experience.

Even if you cannot attend the event, we still humbly ask our alumni to consider donating. Our goal is “$50K for 50 years,” and achieving such an endowment would help finance student learning experiences for many years to come. You can donate by clicking here. When selecting who you would like to give to, select “other” and type in “SOJSM fund.”

We look forward to celebrating our storied history with our honored guests!

Inform. Entertain. Design. Engage.

MTSU’s internationally recognized and accredited School of Journalism and Strategic Media equips students with the professional knowledge necessary for success in the work environments of today and tomorrow. 

Our education model balances professional skills with a broader understanding of history, ethics, and social impacts. Through our core classes, all students gain a solid foundation in digital skills, professional writing, and critical thinking, learning how to use video, photography, audio, and social media to tell stories, build audiences, and design portfolios that get noticed. Moreover, our professional development classes and internship/practicum requirements prepare students for a host of established and emerging careers in and outside of media fields.

Leaders in Understanding Media

Faculty draw from extensive professional experience and internationally-recognized research to teach the latest skills and concepts in award-winning, innovative ways. The MTSU Social Media Insights Lab provides real-time information about what’s happening on social media.  With industry-leading technology, the SMIL serves as the place for social media management, social media listening, influencer engagement, and more.

What is Strategic Media?  Accreditation Matters

See and Hear What Our Students Say

The School of Journalism and Strategic Media is a part of the College of Media and Entertainment, and includes the Center for Innovation in Media, bringing together the University’s two campus radio stations, WMOT and WMTS, and the school newspaper, Sidelines, along with TV broadcasting facilities. The Center enhances the School curriculum with further opportunities to acquire and use digital media skills.

What Can You Study?

There are nine concentrations within the school, each with its own core faculty:

These concentrations provide practical skills and experience through classes, laboratory courses, fieldwork and internships, while acquainting students with the history, theory, ethics, social responsibility and law of media communication.

The College of Media and Entertainment offers a graduate program leading to a Master of Science degree in Media and Communication.

Students may minor in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media. Options include Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising and Visual Communication.

Mission Statement

The mission of the School of Journalism and Strategic Media is to:

  • 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.

Retention Information

The SoJSM's retention information can be viewed here.