1301 E Main St.
MTSU Box 64
Murfreesboro, TN 37132
Academic Year Represented
2024
Mission Statement
Mission Statement School of Journalism & Strategic Media Middle Tennessee State University The mission of the School of Journalism & 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. Adopted October 20, 2015 Revised and approved June 21, 2023
Technology/Equipment/Facilities
Four Mac computer labs; three TV on-air/production studios; two non-commercial radio stations; more than 60 Canon 80D DSLR cameras for student use; more than 30 Sony NX100 video cameras for student use, eight mobile journalism kits, mini-drones, 360 cameras, microphones, tripods and other equipment; students may check-out laptops or iPads for project use.
Undergraduate Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Science in Journalism Bachelor of Science in Advertising and Public Relations
Graduate Degrees Offered
Majors
B.S. in Journalism Journalism, Entertainment Journalism, Environmental Journalism & Communication, Social Justice Journalism, Media Studies, Media Design, Sports Media B.S. in Advertising and Public Relations Advertising, Public Relations, Public Relations--Recording Industry
Tracks within Majors
Journalism is taught as a multiplatform approach but student course selection could allow a focus on writing, television, radio or online content.
Internships Accepted for Credit
All students must complete at least one credit of internship or practicum experience. An Internship is completed with an organization off-campus.
Internships Facilitated
Students may complete a Practicum experience with MTSU's student digital daily, Sidelines. Radio options include WMTS or WMOT radio. MTSU Athletics hosts practicum students as does MTSU Office of Communications and Marketing. Other campus opportunities emerge frequently and students are encouraged to evaluate these.
Experiential and/or Immersion Programs for Credit
Prof. Leimkuehler offers a music reporting class to Bonnaroo (a local music festival). Dr. Eschenfelder's Study Abroad trips reported on stories from Paris and other locations. Middle Tennessee News offers hands-on experience in the community. Dr. Cruikshank offers a Mobile Journalism, focusing on digital skills and storytelling. Ad and PR students have participated in the National Student Advertising Competition.
Online Options
B.S. in Journalism-- Media Studies All core classes have online options. Many electives are also available online.
Study-Abroad Options
Study Abroad in Entertainment and Lifestyle Reporting, Paris, England, Scotland, and Argentina
Graduate Programs
Master of Science in Media and Communication
Department Budget
$126,050
Amount Spent per Student
$197
Undergrad Student Fees
$4,140
Undergraduate Student Fees Exclusive of Housing and Meal Plan
$2,054
Undergraduate Student Fees for Housing and Meal Plan
$11,704
Undergrad In-State Tuition
$9,754
Undergrad Out-of-State Tuition
$29,946
Average Undergraduate Financial Aid
$8,064
Average Undergraduate Student Debt
$23,720
Graduate Student Fees
$None
Graduate In-State Tuition
Graduate Out-of-State Tuition
Average Graduate Financial Aid
Average Graduate Student Debt
Total Accredited Unit Enrollment
326
Undergraduate Enrollment
326
Graduate Enrollment
Number of In-State Students
Percentage of In-State Students
Number of International Students
0
Percentage of International Students
0
Male
149
Female
177
Not Specified
White
209
Black
78
Asian
3
Hispanic/Latino
24
Pacific Islands or Native Hawaiian
0
Native American or Native Alaskan
0
Other
12
Average Size of Skill Based Classes
18
Average Size of Non-Skill Based Classes
38
First Year Student (Freshman) Retention Rate at University
71
Four Year Completion Rate
38
Six Year Completion Rate
53
Full-Time Employment within Six Months of Graduation
80
Full-Time Employment Within Field of Study
60
Part-Time Employment Within Field of Study
4
Full-Time Employment Not In Field of Study
20
Part-Time Employment Not In Field of Study
8
Attending a Graduate Program
2
Unemployed
4
Unknown Status
2
Full-Time Faculty
22
Part-Time Faculty
16
Faculty with Tenure
15
Faculty on Tenure Track
3
Untenured Part-Time Faculty
Untenured Full-Time Faculty
4
Percentage of Faculty within Scholarship or Research Field
100
Male
11
Female
11
Unspecified
White
15
Black
2
Asian
3
Hispanic/Latino
0
Pacific Island or Native Hawaiian
Native American or Native Alaskan
Other
Faculty-to-Student Ratio for All Classes
26
Faculty-to-Student Ratio for Skill Classes
20
Comments on Quantitative Numbers
New Graduate Employment Figures reflect PERCENTAGES, not student numbers.