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Advertising professionals inform the public about goods and services and encourage audience action though advertising messages. The Advertising concentration at MTSU offers preparation for diverse advertising careers. Students learn to write, design, and create materials for a variety of media from print to digital through courses focusing on the creative side. The management area teaches students the principles of media planning/buying and advertising management. The program concludes with an advertising campaigns course in which students work with clients. Faculty who teach advertising have diverse professional experience and remain active as consultants and researchers. Students gain additional experience through The Ad Club and activities with the Nashville Advertising Federation/Ad2.


What We're Doing

MTSU students a 'natural' to win national ad contest

MTSU students win numerous awards at regional, national competitions

Under the guidance of our faculty, students have won numerous awards at regional and national competitions, including a Certificate of Merit from the PRSA Nashville Chapter Parthenon Awards, 3rd place in the TPG Ideal Career Experience, Honorable mention in the Peer to Peer: Facebook Global Digital Challenge, Honorable mention in the Invent 2 Prevent  competition, 1st place in the ANGA Collegiate Energy Challenge and 1st place (tied) in the General Motors Chevrolet Collegiate Marketing Challenge, among others. 

Such success comes from the hands-on experience students gain in class, working with real-world community partners as clients to help solve the partners' advertising problems. These partnerships provide students with the opportunity to work on real advertising situations, negotiate client-agency relations and develop projects for partners who need and use the materials. Past community partners include: the Rutherford County Property Assessor, Tennessee Vintage Baseball, National Pro Fastpitch, Roosevelt's Warm Springs Rehabilitation Facility, the Nashville Zoo and Music City Grand Prix.

Graduate chooses to work with non-profits

Graduate chooses to work with non-profits

Because she’s passionate about working with volunteers, Kelley Ferguson likes her role at Vanderbilt University as associate director of volunteer outreach, a position she’s held for some two years. “I get to work with alumni who bring their impressive skills to projects that can make a difference,” she explains. When Ferguson came from San Diego to MTSU in 1998, she planned to major in Recording Industry but changed her mind. She knew she wanted to stay in mass communication but wasn’t sure of her specific goals at the time. She decided that the skills learned in advertising and public relations were transferable. “I liked the hands-on aspect and enjoyed the experience of working with groups or organizations,” she recalls. After taking several years off, she came back and finished her degree in 2008 as a more focused adult learner and found support among the faculty for her needs. She says that all her professors were helpful, but she especially appreciates Tricia Farwell as a key factor and Kim Harris, who “gave me a sense of the non-profit field” and also shared her experience of working in politics.


Related Media

  • MTSU School of Journalism and Strategic Media

    MTSU School of Journalism and Strategic Media

  • MTSU True Blue Preview: Advertising

    MTSU True Blue Preview: Advertising

  • MTSU | The University of Opportunities

    MTSU | The University of Opportunities

 
 
 

Advertising graduates can work as account executives trying to make the successful pitch to clients, on the creative side of producing materials for media, or in analyzing and researching market trends and branding. Graduates can pursue careers in sales, marketing, media buying, or promotions. Some career possibilities include

  • Ad designer
  • Ad sales representative
  • Advertising account executive
  • Brand manager/market researcher
  • Copywriter
  • Creative/art director
  • Digital advertising strategist
  • Marketing director
  • Marketing materials designer
  • Marketing consultant
  • Media buyer
  • Media planner
  • SEO strategist
  • Social media/marketing strategist
  • Special events manager
  • Strategic planner

Employers of MTSU alumni include

  • BOHAN Advertising
  • GS&F
  • Industrial Strength Marketing
  • J&A integrated thinking
  • Ketchum, Inc.
  • Lord and Taylor
  • M&C SAATCHI
  • Navigation Advertising
  • People Helping People of Utah
  • redpepper
  • Southwest Washington Blood Program
  • The Buntin Group
  • Tractor Supply

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 button to the right.

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.

Advertising-Public Relations Concentration (Advertising), B.S. 

Journalism, Advertising-Public Relations Concentration (Advertising), B.S.

Journalism and Strategic Media 
615-898-2814
Tricia Farwell, program coordinator
Tricia.Farwell@mtsu.edu

Advertising helps students prepare for positions in advertising agencies and departments, media buying or sales, and advertising production, design, or creative.

Students in advertising orient toward either the creative or management side of the business with students making class selections within the concentration. One minor is required.

Students should check the prerequisites for each course.

Academic Map

Following is a printable, suggested four-year schedule of courses:

Journalism, Advertising-Public Relations (Advertising), B.S., Academic Map  

Degree Requirements

General Education41 hours
Major Requirements47 hours*
Minor15-18 hours
Electives14-20 hours
TOTAL120 hours

*This program requires courses that can also fulfill requirements of the General Education curriculum. If program requirements are also used to fulfill General Education requirements, the number of elective hours will increase.

General Education (41 hours)

General Education requirements (shown in curricular listings below) include courses in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences.

The following course required by the program meets General Education requirements:

Major Requirements (47 hours)

School of Journalism and Strategic Media Core (14 hours)

  • EMC 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    EMC 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment

    3 credit hours

    (Same as JOUR 1020/RIM 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.

  • JOUR 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    JOUR 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment

    3 credit hours

    (Same as EMC 1020/RIM 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.

  • RIM 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment

    3 credit hours

    (Same as EMC 1020/JOUR 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.

(may be counted in General Education)

 

  • JOUR 2710 - Media Writing  3 credit hours  

    JOUR 2710 - Media Writing

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020 or equivalents. Theory and practice of writing for print and electronic media according to the techniques, styles, and formats of various media.

  • JOUR 2720 - Digital Media Skills

    3 credit hours

    Professional skills necessary to create digital platform stories that integrate audio, photo, video, and text.

  • JOUR 4880 - Professional Development

    1 credit hour

    Prerequisite: Senior status. Issues faced by graduates upon entering the professional world or graduate school. Topics include preparation of the professional portfolio, the resume and cover letter, post-graduate study, and professional advancement. Should be completed by majors in the School of Journalism in either of their last two semesters prior to graduation.

 

  • EMC 4250 - Mass Media Law  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    EMC 4250 - Mass Media Law

    3 credit hours

    (Same as JOUR 4250.) Prerequisites: EMC 1020; junior standing. Examines legal guarantees and restrictions on the flow of information using the case study method. Focuses on libel, privacy, obscenity, and the special restrictions placed on advertising, broadcasting, cable television, and the Internet.  

  • JOUR 4250 - Mass Media Law  3 credit hours  

    JOUR 4250 - Mass Media Law

    3 credit hours

    (Same as EMC 4250.) Prerequisites: JOUR 1020 and JOUR 2710; junior standing. Examination of legal guarantees and restrictions on the flow of information using the case study method. Focus on libel, privacy, obscenity, and the special restrictions placed on advertising, broadcasting, cable TV, and the Internet.

 

  • JOUR 3580 - MC Practicum  1 to 3 credit hours  
    1 credit hour(1 credit hour) OR  dotslash:(1 credit hour) OR title:1 credit hour 
    (1 credit hour) OR 

    JOUR 3580 - MC Practicum

    1 to 3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Junior standing; permission of instructor. Practical experience in an on-campus mass communication setting. Note: Total credit for practicum and internship courses cannot exceed 3 credits. Pass/Fail.

  • JOUR 4000 - MC Internship  1 to 3 credit hours  
    (1 credit hour)(1 credit hour)  dotslash:(1 credit hour) title:(1 credit hour) 
    (1 credit hour) 

    JOUR 4000 - MC Internship

    1 to 3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Junior standing; permission of the internship coordinator. Advanced students gain practical experience in a professional setting. Note: Total credit for internship and practicum courses cannot exceed 3 credits. Pass/Fail.

Writing/Design Requirements (12 hours)

 

  • ADV 3160 - Advertising Design and Visuals

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: VCOM 2950 or permission of instructor. Creating and producing advertising messages for various media, including publications, broadcast, outdoor, and direct mail.

  • ADV 3170 - Advertising Copy and Creativity

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: ADV 3020 or permission of instructor. Techniques for analyzing, creating, and writing strategic messages for advertising and social media with attention to message strategy and presentation across multiple platforms.

  • VCOM 2950 - Visual Communication Applications

    3 credit hours

    Introduces students to the creative use of current industry-standard software used for print, digital, and Web design. Focuses on important aspects of design, typography, color theory, and production for creating more effective visual communication. Students explore their own vision through creative projects. Exposure to diverse industry professionals from around the world expands knowledge of the field. Combined lecture/lab.

Plus one of the following:

  • PR 3360 - Strategic Communication Writing for Public Relations

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: JOUR 2710 and PR 2040. Techniques of creating and writing strategic messages, including the planning and development of components for strategic communication campaigns for corporate, public service, and other persuasive messages.

  • PR 3380 - Public Relations Publications

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy; VCOM 2950. Effective print-design techniques with emphasis on organizational publications.

  • VCOM 3920 - Information Web Design

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: VCOM 2950. Introduces software, design principles, and technology used for communicating concepts, information, and narratives through websites and digital media. Overview of social, political, copyright, and ethical issues involving websites, digital, and social media. Combined lecture/lab.

  • VCOM 3930 - Visual Storytelling for Journalism

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: JOUR 2710, VCOM 2010, and VCOM 2950 or permission of instructor. This intermediate course in the Visual Communication concentration delves deep into the creative process. Students produce more insightful and effective visual communication through such projects as ad design, editorial layout, and digital illustration. Typography and advanced software skills allow students to leave the class with a diverse portfolio of work. Combined lecture/lab.

Conceptual Requirements (9 hours)

 

  • ADV 3020 - Principles of Advertising

    3 credit hours

    Overview of advertising principles and practices including the role of advertising in society and the marketplace, consumer behavior, advertising media, budgeting and planning, and the creation and production of advertising messages.

  • JOUR 4850 - Ethics and Mass Communication

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Junior standing. Examination of ethical concerns of media practitioners illuminated by study of selected current ethical issues and an overview of the cultural and philosophical basis of socially responsive mass media.

 

  • ADV 3060 - Issues in Advertising: Sexuality and Gender  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    ADV 3060 - Issues in Advertising: Sexuality and Gender

    3 credit hours

    Explores use of sexuality and gender portrayals in print, broadcast, outdoor, and online and new forms of advertising from various theoretical perspectives and using actual cases.

  • Approved conceptual elective in School of Journalism and Strategic Media 3 credit hours

Research Requirements (6 hours)

  • ADV 3480 - Media Strategy and Buying

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: ADV 3020 or permission of instructor. Planning, implementing, and evaluating of media objectives and strategy in advertising, including media characteristics, limitations, and budgeting.

  • JOUR 3660 - Strategic Communication Research

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: JOUR 2710, permission of instructor, or permission of the School of Journalism. Introduces research methods used in advertising, journalism, public relations, and strategic communication. Provides experiences in scientific research and data analysis, including quantitative and qualitative methods, content analysis, experiments, surveys and focus groups for diagnosing, planning, managing, and evaluating situations.

Professional Topics (3 hours)

Select one:

  • ADV 4230 - Case Studies in Strategic Communication

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ADV 3170 and ADV 3480 or permission of instructor and junior standing. Problems, decisions, and decision-making processes of advertising and strategic communication managers. Emphasis on decision making across functional areas of advertising and strategic communication processes.

  • ADV 4250 - Interactive Advertising and Social Media

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: ADV 3020 or permission of instructor. Explores advertisers' use of social media from various theoretical perspectives and using actual cases. Focuses on building skills in various platforms.

  • Approved College of Media and Entertainment elective 3 credit hours

Senior Capstone (3 hours)

  • ADV 4970 - Advertising Campaigns

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ADV 3170 and ADV 3480 or permission of instructor. Planning, designing, and executing all phases of a complete advertising campaign. An opportunity for advanced students to synthesize and apply skills from previous courses.

Minor (15-18 hours)

  • Selected from outside the School of Journalism and Strategic Media

Electives (14-20 hours)

  • Students in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media (SOJSM) must complete 50 hours in liberal arts and sciences including General Education requirements and one minor from outside SOJSM. Students must select at least nine hours of liberal arts/social sciences (beyond General Education); at least six hours of liberal arts/social science electives must come from courses at the 3000-level or higher.

Curriculum: Journalism, Advertising-Public Relations (Advertising)

Curricular listings include General Education requirements in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.

Majors must have a C (2.00) or better in all mass communication courses.

Freshman

 

  • ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing  3 credit hours  
    (Comm)(Comm)  dotslash:(Comm) title:(Comm) 
    (Comm) 

    ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing

    3 credit hours

    The first General Education English course. Emphasis on learning to adapt composing processes to a variety of expository and analytic writing assignments. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.

  • ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing  3 credit hours  
    (Comm)(Comm)  dotslash:(Comm) title:(Comm) 
    (Comm) 

    ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: ENGL 1010. The second General Education English course. Emphasis on analytic and argumentative writing and on locating, organizing, and using library resource materials in the writing. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.

  • COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication  3 credit hours  
    (Comm)(Comm)  dotslash:(Comm) title:(Comm) 
    (Comm) 

    COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication

    3 credit hours

    Introduces principles and processes of effective public oral communication including researching, critical thinking, organizing, presenting, listening, and using appropriate language. Counts as part of the General Education Communication requirement. TBR Common Course: COMM 2025

  • HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I

    3 credit hours

    Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010

  • HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II

    3 credit hours

    Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from 1877 to the present. May be used to satisfy one part of the the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020

  • HIST 2030 - Tennessee History  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HIST 2030 - Tennessee History

    3 credit hours

    The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030

  • HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I

    3 credit hours

    The role of African Americans in establishing and shaping the American nation. Covers their historical development and contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.

    NOTE: HIST 2040 is not a prerequisite for HIST 2050.

  • HIST 2050 - Survey African American History II

    3 credit hours

    The role of African Americans in shaping the American nation and creating a twentieth-century racial identity. Covers their historical development and examines their contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.

  • JOUR 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment  3 credit hours  
    OR(Soc/Beh Sci) OR  dotslash:(Soc/Beh Sci) OR title:OR 
    (Soc/Beh Sci) OR 

    JOUR 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment

    3 credit hours

    (Same as EMC 1020/RIM 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.

  • EMC 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment  3 credit hours  
    OR(Soc/Beh Sci) OR  dotslash:(Soc/Beh Sci) OR title:OR 
    (Soc/Beh Sci) OR 

    EMC 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment

    3 credit hours

    (Same as JOUR 1020/RIM 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.

  • RIM 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment  3 credit hours  
    (Soc/Beh Sci)(Soc/Beh Sci)  dotslash:(Soc/Beh Sci) title:(Soc/Beh Sci) 
    (Soc/Beh Sci) 

    RIM 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment

    3 credit hours

    (Same as EMC 1020/JOUR 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.

 

  • Mathematics 3 credit hours
  • Elective 3 credit hours
  • Humanities and/or Fine Arts (2 rubrics) 6 credit hours
  • Natural Sciences 4 credit hours

Subtotal: 31 Hours

 

Sophomore

 

  • ENGL 2020 - Themes in Literature and Culture  3 credit hours  
    (Hum/FA)(Hum/FA)  dotslash:(Hum/FA) title:(Hum/FA) 
    (Hum/FA) 
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    ENGL 2020 - Themes in Literature and Culture

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Traces a specific theme or idea through a number of literary texts that reflect different historical and cultural contexts. Subject will vary.

  • ENGL 2030 - The Experience of Literature  3 credit hours  
    (Hum/FA)(Hum/FA)  dotslash:(Hum/FA) title:(Hum/FA) 
    (Hum/FA) 
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    ENGL 2030 - The Experience of Literature

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. The reading of a variety of literary types which illuminate themes and experiences common to human existence.

  • HUM 2610 - World Literatures  3 credit hours  
    (Hum/FA)(Hum/FA)  dotslash:(Hum/FA) title:(Hum/FA) 
    (Hum/FA) 

    HUM 2610 - World Literatures

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Representative works of French, German, and Hispanic authors in English translation. No foreign-language proficiency required. Carries General Education credit.

  • HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I

    3 credit hours

    Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010

  • HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II

    3 credit hours

    Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from 1877 to the present. May be used to satisfy one part of the the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020

  • HIST 2030 - Tennessee History  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HIST 2030 - Tennessee History

    3 credit hours

    The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030

  • HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I

    3 credit hours

    The role of African Americans in establishing and shaping the American nation. Covers their historical development and contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.

    NOTE: HIST 2040 is not a prerequisite for HIST 2050.

  • HIST 2050 - Survey African American History II

    3 credit hours

    The role of African Americans in shaping the American nation and creating a twentieth-century racial identity. Covers their historical development and examines their contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.

 

  • ADV 3020 - Principles of Advertising

    3 credit hours

    Overview of advertising principles and practices including the role of advertising in society and the marketplace, consumer behavior, advertising media, budgeting and planning, and the creation and production of advertising messages.

  • JOUR 2710 - Media Writing  3 credit hours  

    JOUR 2710 - Media Writing

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020 or equivalents. Theory and practice of writing for print and electronic media according to the techniques, styles, and formats of various media.

  • JOUR 2720 - Digital Media Skills

    3 credit hours

    Professional skills necessary to create digital platform stories that integrate audio, photo, video, and text.

  • VCOM 2950 - Visual Communication Applications

    3 credit hours

    Introduces students to the creative use of current industry-standard software used for print, digital, and Web design. Focuses on important aspects of design, typography, color theory, and production for creating more effective visual communication. Students explore their own vision through creative projects. Exposure to diverse industry professionals from around the world expands knowledge of the field. Combined lecture/lab.

  • Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
  • Minor course 3 credit hours
  • Elective 3 credit hours
  • Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours

Subtotal: 31 Hours

 

Junior

 

  • ADV 3160 - Advertising Design and Visuals

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: VCOM 2950 or permission of instructor. Creating and producing advertising messages for various media, including publications, broadcast, outdoor, and direct mail.

  • ADV 3170 - Advertising Copy and Creativity

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: ADV 3020 or permission of instructor. Techniques for analyzing, creating, and writing strategic messages for advertising and social media with attention to message strategy and presentation across multiple platforms.

  • ADV 3480 - Media Strategy and Buying

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: ADV 3020 or permission of instructor. Planning, implementing, and evaluating of media objectives and strategy in advertising, including media characteristics, limitations, and budgeting.

  • JOUR 3660 - Strategic Communication Research

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: JOUR 2710, permission of instructor, or permission of the School of Journalism. Introduces research methods used in advertising, journalism, public relations, and strategic communication. Provides experiences in scientific research and data analysis, including quantitative and qualitative methods, content analysis, experiments, surveys and focus groups for diagnosing, planning, managing, and evaluating situations.

 

  • PR 3360 - Strategic Communication Writing for Public Relations  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    PR 3360 - Strategic Communication Writing for Public Relations

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: JOUR 2710 and PR 2040. Techniques of creating and writing strategic messages, including the planning and development of components for strategic communication campaigns for corporate, public service, and other persuasive messages.

  • PR 3380 - Public Relations Publications  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    PR 3380 - Public Relations Publications

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy; VCOM 2950. Effective print-design techniques with emphasis on organizational publications.

  • VCOM 3920 - Information Web Design  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    VCOM 3920 - Information Web Design

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: VCOM 2950. Introduces software, design principles, and technology used for communicating concepts, information, and narratives through websites and digital media. Overview of social, political, copyright, and ethical issues involving websites, digital, and social media. Combined lecture/lab.

  • VCOM 3930 - Visual Storytelling for Journalism

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: JOUR 2710, VCOM 2010, and VCOM 2950 or permission of instructor. This intermediate course in the Visual Communication concentration delves deep into the creative process. Students produce more insightful and effective visual communication through such projects as ad design, editorial layout, and digital illustration. Typography and advanced software skills allow students to leave the class with a diverse portfolio of work. Combined lecture/lab.

  • Minor courses 9 credit hours
  • Electives 6 credit hours

Subtotal: 30 Hours

 

Senior

 

  • ADV 3060 - Issues in Advertising: Sexuality and Gender  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    ADV 3060 - Issues in Advertising: Sexuality and Gender

    3 credit hours

    Explores use of sexuality and gender portrayals in print, broadcast, outdoor, and online and new forms of advertising from various theoretical perspectives and using actual cases.

  • Approved conceptual elective in School of Journalism 3 credit hours

 

  • ADV 4970 - Advertising Campaigns

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ADV 3170 and ADV 3480 or permission of instructor. Planning, designing, and executing all phases of a complete advertising campaign. An opportunity for advanced students to synthesize and apply skills from previous courses.

  • Elective courses 5 credit hours
  • Minor courses 3 credit hours
  • Minor/elective course 3 credit hours
  • JOUR 4250 - Mass Media Law  3 credit hours  

    JOUR 4250 - Mass Media Law

    3 credit hours

    (Same as EMC 4250.) Prerequisites: JOUR 1020 and JOUR 2710; junior standing. Examination of legal guarantees and restrictions on the flow of information using the case study method. Focus on libel, privacy, obscenity, and the special restrictions placed on advertising, broadcasting, cable TV, and the Internet.

  • JOUR 4880 - Professional Development

    1 credit hour

    Prerequisite: Senior status. Issues faced by graduates upon entering the professional world or graduate school. Topics include preparation of the professional portfolio, the resume and cover letter, post-graduate study, and professional advancement. Should be completed by majors in the School of Journalism in either of their last two semesters prior to graduation.

 

  • ADV 4250 - Interactive Advertising and Social Media  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    ADV 4250 - Interactive Advertising and Social Media

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: ADV 3020 or permission of instructor. Explores advertisers' use of social media from various theoretical perspectives and using actual cases. Focuses on building skills in various platforms.

  • ADV 4230 - Case Studies in Strategic Communication  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    ADV 4230 - Case Studies in Strategic Communication

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ADV 3170 and ADV 3480 or permission of instructor and junior standing. Problems, decisions, and decision-making processes of advertising and strategic communication managers. Emphasis on decision making across functional areas of advertising and strategic communication processes.

  • Upper-division elective 3 credit hours
  • JOUR 3580 - MC Practicum  1 to 3 credit hours  
    OR(1 credit hour required) OR  dotslash:(1 credit hour required) OR title:OR 
    (1 credit hour required) OR 

    JOUR 3580 - MC Practicum

    1 to 3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Junior standing; permission of instructor. Practical experience in an on-campus mass communication setting. Note: Total credit for practicum and internship courses cannot exceed 3 credits. Pass/Fail.

  • JOUR 4000 - MC Internship  1 to 3 credit hours  
    (1 credit hour required)(1 credit hour required)   dotslash:(1 credit hour required) title:(1 credit hour required) 
    (1 credit hour required)  

    JOUR 4000 - MC Internship

    1 to 3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Junior standing; permission of the internship coordinator. Advanced students gain practical experience in a professional setting. Note: Total credit for internship and practicum courses cannot exceed 3 credits. Pass/Fail.

 

  • EMC 4850 - Ethics and Mass Communication  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    EMC 4850 - Ethics and Mass Communication

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Junior standing.

    Examines ethical concerns of media practitioners, illuminated by study of selected current ethical issues and an overview of the cultural and philosophical bases of a socially responsive mass media.  

  • JOUR 4850 - Ethics and Mass Communication

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Junior standing. Examination of ethical concerns of media practitioners illuminated by study of selected current ethical issues and an overview of the cultural and philosophical basis of socially responsive mass media.

Subtotal: 28-30 Hours

 

Advertising-Public Relations Concentration (Public Relations), B.S. 

Journalism, Advertising-Public Relations Concentration (Public Relations), B.S.

Journalism and Strategic Media 
615-898-2814
Matt Taylor, program coordinator
Matthew.Taylor@mtsu.edu

Public relations is a "strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics," according to the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). MTSU's public relations program teaches coursework consistent with this industry standard in order to prepare students for successful careers in the corporate and nonprofit sectors, education, entertainment, government and politics, social media, and sports. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects public relations to experience "faster than average" job growth through 2031.

Areas covered include strategic communications, media relations, corporate communications, crisis communications, entertainment public relations, healthcare public relations, international public relations, and research methods.

Academic Map

Following is a printable, suggested four-year schedule of courses:

Journalism, Advertising-Public Relations (PR-General), B.S., Academic Map  

Degree Requirements

General Education41 hours
Major Requirements47 hours*
Minor15-18 hours
Electives14-20 hours
TOTAL120 hours

*This program requires courses that can also fulfill requirements of the General Education curriculum. If program requirements are also used to fulfill General Education requirements, the number of elective hours will increase.

General Education (41 hours)

General Education requirements (shown in curricular listings below) include courses in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences.

The following course required by the program meets General Education requirements:

Major Requirements (47 hours)

School of Journalism and Strategic Media Core (14 hours)

  • EMC 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    EMC 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment

    3 credit hours

    (Same as JOUR 1020/RIM 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.

  • JOUR 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    JOUR 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment

    3 credit hours

    (Same as EMC 1020/RIM 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.

  • RIM 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment

    3 credit hours

    (Same as EMC 1020/JOUR 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.

(may be counted in General Education)

 

  • JOUR 2710 - Media Writing  3 credit hours  

    JOUR 2710 - Media Writing

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020 or equivalents. Theory and practice of writing for print and electronic media according to the techniques, styles, and formats of various media.

  • JOUR 2720 - Digital Media Skills

    3 credit hours

    Professional skills necessary to create digital platform stories that integrate audio, photo, video, and text.

  • JOUR 4880 - Professional Development

    1 credit hour

    Prerequisite: Senior status. Issues faced by graduates upon entering the professional world or graduate school. Topics include preparation of the professional portfolio, the resume and cover letter, post-graduate study, and professional advancement. Should be completed by majors in the School of Journalism in either of their last two semesters prior to graduation.

 

  • EMC 4250 - Mass Media Law  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    EMC 4250 - Mass Media Law

    3 credit hours

    (Same as JOUR 4250.) Prerequisites: EMC 1020; junior standing. Examines legal guarantees and restrictions on the flow of information using the case study method. Focuses on libel, privacy, obscenity, and the special restrictions placed on advertising, broadcasting, cable television, and the Internet.  

  • JOUR 4250 - Mass Media Law  3 credit hours  

    JOUR 4250 - Mass Media Law

    3 credit hours

    (Same as EMC 4250.) Prerequisites: JOUR 1020 and JOUR 2710; junior standing. Examination of legal guarantees and restrictions on the flow of information using the case study method. Focus on libel, privacy, obscenity, and the special restrictions placed on advertising, broadcasting, cable TV, and the Internet.

 

  • JOUR 3580 - MC Practicum  1 to 3 credit hours  
    1 credit hour(1 credit hour) OR  dotslash:(1 credit hour) OR title:1 credit hour 
    (1 credit hour) OR 

    JOUR 3580 - MC Practicum

    1 to 3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Junior standing; permission of instructor. Practical experience in an on-campus mass communication setting. Note: Total credit for practicum and internship courses cannot exceed 3 credits. Pass/Fail.

  • JOUR 4000 - MC Internship  1 to 3 credit hours  
    (1 credit hour)(1 credit hour)  dotslash:(1 credit hour) title:(1 credit hour) 
    (1 credit hour) 

    JOUR 4000 - MC Internship

    1 to 3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Junior standing; permission of the internship coordinator. Advanced students gain practical experience in a professional setting. Note: Total credit for internship and practicum courses cannot exceed 3 credits. Pass/Fail.

Writing/Design Requirements (9 hours)

  • JOUR 3090 - Reporting  3 credit hours  

    JOUR 3090 - Reporting

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: JOUR 2710. Theory and practice of basic journalism skills, including content gathering, storytelling, evaluating, writing, and processing of news.

  • PR 3360 - Strategic Communication Writing for Public Relations

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: JOUR 2710 and PR 2040. Techniques of creating and writing strategic messages, including the planning and development of components for strategic communication campaigns for corporate, public service, and other persuasive messages.

  • VCOM 2950 - Visual Communication Applications

    3 credit hours

    Introduces students to the creative use of current industry-standard software used for print, digital, and Web design. Focuses on important aspects of design, typography, color theory, and production for creating more effective visual communication. Students explore their own vision through creative projects. Exposure to diverse industry professionals from around the world expands knowledge of the field. Combined lecture/lab.

Conceptual Requirements (9 hours)

 

  • JOUR 3660 - Strategic Communication Research

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: JOUR 2710, permission of instructor, or permission of the School of Journalism. Introduces research methods used in advertising, journalism, public relations, and strategic communication. Provides experiences in scientific research and data analysis, including quantitative and qualitative methods, content analysis, experiments, surveys and focus groups for diagnosing, planning, managing, and evaluating situations.

  • PR 2040 - Public Relations Principles

    3 credit hours

    Introduces the practice of public relations, including its fundamental concepts and theories, historical development, and current issues.

    NOTE: This was formerly PR 3040.

Choose one:

  • ADV 3020 - Principles of Advertising

    3 credit hours

    Overview of advertising principles and practices including the role of advertising in society and the marketplace, consumer behavior, advertising media, budgeting and planning, and the creation and production of advertising messages.

  • ADV 3060 - Issues in Advertising: Sexuality and Gender

    3 credit hours

    Explores use of sexuality and gender portrayals in print, broadcast, outdoor, and online and new forms of advertising from various theoretical perspectives and using actual cases.

  • JOUR 2800 - Journalism and Media Topics

    1 to 3 credit hours

    Examines a specific topic in the field of journalism or media. Variable credit. Topic and available academic credit will be announced prior to scheduling of the class. May include Study Abroad; Study Abroad fees may apply. 

  • JOUR 3050 - Principles of Health Communication

    3 credit hours

    Introduces students to fundamental issues in Health Communication. The development of health communication, the role of interpersonal communication in health care, the design and challenges of public health campaigns, intended and unintended health messages in news and popular media, the structure of health care organization, and key ethical issues in creating and disseminating health messages to diverse audiences. 

  • JOUR 3650 - Free Expression, Mass Media, and the American Public

    3 credit hours

    (Same as EMC 3650/RIM 3650.) A general introduction to the issues surrounding free expression and its relationship to mass media in contemporary America. Comprehensive analysis of the history, philosophies, cases, and controls associated with freedom of expression.

  • JOUR 4210 - Mass Communication and Society

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Junior standing. Theories of the process of mass communication, how media affect society, the evolution within a social and cultural context, ethical and social dimensions. Extensive reading in theory, history, and research. Media-content emphasis varies depending on instructor's expertise.

  • JOUR 4700 - Mass Media and National Security

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Junior/Senior standing or permission of instructor. Examines the role of the mass media in maintaining national security. Topics include history, legal, and operational concerns from both media and the government perspectives. Discusses the tension between maintaining national security and American traditions of civil liberties and the role of both the media and government in these discussions.

  • JOUR 4790 - Global News and World Media Cultures

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Junior standing. Systems and philosophies associated with gathering international news and news coverage in different regions. Looks at global communication systems and ownership; examines how cultures shape news and the role of the individual in reporting news internationally. Includes discussion of development issues and role of global advertising and public relations.

  • JOUR 4800 - Seminar in Media Issues

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Junior standing. Examination and critical evaluation of issues relevant to the operation and functions of mass media, including their relationships to each other and to government, advertisers, consumers, and other publics. May be repeated up to 6 credits.

  • JOUR 4820 - Race, Gender, and Class in Media

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing or permission of instructor. Critical examination of diversity in mass communication with particular emphasis on media representations of race, gender, and class. Also examines audience interpretations of media texts.

  • JOUR 4850 - Ethics and Mass Communication

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Junior standing. Examination of ethical concerns of media practitioners illuminated by study of selected current ethical issues and an overview of the cultural and philosophical basis of socially responsive mass media.

 

  • VCOM 2010 - Introduction to Visual Communication  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    VCOM 2010 - Introduction to Visual Communication

    3 credit hours

    Overview of concepts for effective visual communication; the role of visual elements and design practices in a cultural, historical, and political context; basic typography and design, electronic and digital composition and reproduction, and technological aspects of design and production.  

  • Approved School of Journalism and Strategic Media elective 3 credit hours

Professional Topics (12 hours)

  • PR 3380 - Public Relations Publications

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy; VCOM 2950. Effective print-design techniques with emphasis on organizational publications.

  • PR 3400 - Case Studies in Public Relations

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: PR 2040. Practical methods of handling problems in public relations with emphasis on fact-finding, planning, promoting, and evaluating.

Choose two:

  • ADV 4250 - Interactive Advertising and Social Media

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: ADV 3020 or permission of instructor. Explores advertisers' use of social media from various theoretical perspectives and using actual cases. Focuses on building skills in various platforms.

  • PR 4720 - Crisis Communication in Public Relations

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: PR 2040 or permission of School of Journalism. Examines crisis communication theories, management, strategies, tactics, and cases while developing practical skills useful in crisis situations.

  • Approved upper-division professional or conceptual elective 3 credit hours

Senior Capstone (3 hours)

  • PR 4740 - Public Relations Campaigns

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: JOUR 3660, PR 3360, and PR 3380 or VCOM 2950; junior standing. Researching and planning public relations campaigns. An opportunity for senior-level students to synthesize and apply knowledge and skills from previous courses.

Minor (15-18 hours)

  • Selected from outside the School of Journalism and Strategic Media with advisor approval; students may wish to consider a minor in the Jennings A. Jones College of Business.

Electives (14-20 hours)

  • Students in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media (SOJSM) must complete 50 hours in liberal arts and sciences including General Education requirements and one minor from outside SOJSM. Students must select at least nine hours of liberal arts/social sciences (beyond General Education); at least six hours of liberal arts/social science electives must come from courses at the 3000-level or higher.

Curriculum: Journalism, Advertising-Public Relations (Public Relations-General)

Curricular listings include General Education requirements in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.

Majors must have a C (2.00) or better in all Media and Entertainment courses.

Freshman

 

  • ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing  3 credit hours  
    (Comm)(Comm)  dotslash:(Comm) title:(Comm) 
    (Comm) 

    ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing

    3 credit hours

    The first General Education English course. Emphasis on learning to adapt composing processes to a variety of expository and analytic writing assignments. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.

  • ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing  3 credit hours  
    (Comm)(Comm)  dotslash:(Comm) title:(Comm) 
    (Comm) 

    ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: ENGL 1010. The second General Education English course. Emphasis on analytic and argumentative writing and on locating, organizing, and using library resource materials in the writing. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.

  • COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication  3 credit hours  
    (Comm)(Comm)  dotslash:(Comm) title:(Comm) 
    (Comm) 

    COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication

    3 credit hours

    Introduces principles and processes of effective public oral communication including researching, critical thinking, organizing, presenting, listening, and using appropriate language. Counts as part of the General Education Communication requirement. TBR Common Course: COMM 2025

  • HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I

    3 credit hours

    Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010

  • HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II

    3 credit hours

    Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from 1877 to the present. May be used to satisfy one part of the the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020

  • HIST 2030 - Tennessee History  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HIST 2030 - Tennessee History

    3 credit hours

    The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030

  • HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I

    3 credit hours

    The role of African Americans in establishing and shaping the American nation. Covers their historical development and contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.

    NOTE: HIST 2040 is not a prerequisite for HIST 2050.

  • HIST 2050 - Survey African American History II

    3 credit hours

    The role of African Americans in shaping the American nation and creating a twentieth-century racial identity. Covers their historical development and examines their contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.

  • JOUR 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment  3 credit hours  
    OR(Soc/Beh Sci) OR  dotslash:(Soc/Beh Sci) OR title:OR 
    (Soc/Beh Sci) OR 

    JOUR 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment

    3 credit hours

    (Same as EMC 1020/RIM 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.

  • EMC 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment  3 credit hours  
    OR(Soc/Beh Sci) OR  dotslash:(Soc/Beh Sci) OR title:OR 
    (Soc/Beh Sci) OR 

    EMC 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment

    3 credit hours

    (Same as JOUR 1020/RIM 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.

  • RIM 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment  3 credit hours  
    (Soc/Beh Sci)(Soc/Beh Sci)  dotslash:(Soc/Beh Sci) title:(Soc/Beh Sci) 
    (Soc/Beh Sci) 

    RIM 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment

    3 credit hours

    (Same as EMC 1020/JOUR 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.

  • Mathematics 3 credit hours
  • Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
  • Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
  • Electives 6 credit hours

Subtotal: 31 Hours

 

Sophomore

 

  • ENGL 2020 - Themes in Literature and Culture  3 credit hours  
    (Hum/FA)(Hum/FA)  dotslash:(Hum/FA) title:(Hum/FA) 
    (Hum/FA) 
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    ENGL 2020 - Themes in Literature and Culture

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Traces a specific theme or idea through a number of literary texts that reflect different historical and cultural contexts. Subject will vary.

  • ENGL 2030 - The Experience of Literature  3 credit hours  
    (Hum/FA)(Hum/FA)  dotslash:(Hum/FA) title:(Hum/FA) 
    (Hum/FA) 
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    ENGL 2030 - The Experience of Literature

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. The reading of a variety of literary types which illuminate themes and experiences common to human existence.

  • HUM 2610 - World Literatures  3 credit hours  
    (Hum/FA)(Hum/FA)  dotslash:(Hum/FA) title:(Hum/FA) 
    (Hum/FA) 

    HUM 2610 - World Literatures

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Representative works of French, German, and Hispanic authors in English translation. No foreign-language proficiency required. Carries General Education credit.

  • HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I

    3 credit hours

    Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010

  • HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II

    3 credit hours

    Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from 1877 to the present. May be used to satisfy one part of the the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020

  • HIST 2030 - Tennessee History  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HIST 2030 - Tennessee History

    3 credit hours

    The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030

  • HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I

    3 credit hours

    The role of African Americans in establishing and shaping the American nation. Covers their historical development and contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.

    NOTE: HIST 2040 is not a prerequisite for HIST 2050.

  • HIST 2050 - Survey African American History II

    3 credit hours

    The role of African Americans in shaping the American nation and creating a twentieth-century racial identity. Covers their historical development and examines their contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.

  • JOUR 2710 - Media Writing  3 credit hours  

    JOUR 2710 - Media Writing

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020 or equivalents. Theory and practice of writing for print and electronic media according to the techniques, styles, and formats of various media.

  • JOUR 2720 - Digital Media Skills

    3 credit hours

    Professional skills necessary to create digital platform stories that integrate audio, photo, video, and text.

  • JOUR 3090 - Reporting  3 credit hours  

    JOUR 3090 - Reporting

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: JOUR 2710. Theory and practice of basic journalism skills, including content gathering, storytelling, evaluating, writing, and processing of news.

  • PR 2040 - Public Relations Principles

    3 credit hours

    Introduces the practice of public relations, including its fundamental concepts and theories, historical development, and current issues.

    NOTE: This was formerly PR 3040.

  • Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
  • Minor course 3 credit hours
  • Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours
  • Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours

Subtotal: 31 Hours

 

Junior

 

  • JOUR 3660 - Strategic Communication Research

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: JOUR 2710, permission of instructor, or permission of the School of Journalism. Introduces research methods used in advertising, journalism, public relations, and strategic communication. Provides experiences in scientific research and data analysis, including quantitative and qualitative methods, content analysis, experiments, surveys and focus groups for diagnosing, planning, managing, and evaluating situations.

  • PR 3360 - Strategic Communication Writing for Public Relations

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: JOUR 2710 and PR 2040. Techniques of creating and writing strategic messages, including the planning and development of components for strategic communication campaigns for corporate, public service, and other persuasive messages.

  • PR 3380 - Public Relations Publications

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy; VCOM 2950. Effective print-design techniques with emphasis on organizational publications.

  • VCOM 2950 - Visual Communication Applications

    3 credit hours

    Introduces students to the creative use of current industry-standard software used for print, digital, and Web design. Focuses on important aspects of design, typography, color theory, and production for creating more effective visual communication. Students explore their own vision through creative projects. Exposure to diverse industry professionals from around the world expands knowledge of the field. Combined lecture/lab.

  • Elective 3 credit hours
  • Minor courses 12 credit hours
  • JOUR conceptual requirement 3 credit hours

Subtotal: 30 Hours

 

Senior

 

  • PR 3400 - Case Studies in Public Relations

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: PR 2040. Practical methods of handling problems in public relations with emphasis on fact-finding, planning, promoting, and evaluating.

  • PR 4740 - Public Relations Campaigns

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: JOUR 3660, PR 3360, and PR 3380 or VCOM 2950; junior standing. Researching and planning public relations campaigns. An opportunity for senior-level students to synthesize and apply knowledge and skills from previous courses.

  • JOUR 4250 - Mass Media Law  3 credit hours  

    JOUR 4250 - Mass Media Law

    3 credit hours

    (Same as EMC 4250.) Prerequisites: JOUR 1020 and JOUR 2710; junior standing. Examination of legal guarantees and restrictions on the flow of information using the case study method. Focus on libel, privacy, obscenity, and the special restrictions placed on advertising, broadcasting, cable TV, and the Internet.

  • JOUR 4880 - Professional Development

    1 credit hour

    Prerequisite: Senior status. Issues faced by graduates upon entering the professional world or graduate school. Topics include preparation of the professional portfolio, the resume and cover letter, post-graduate study, and professional advancement. Should be completed by majors in the School of Journalism in either of their last two semesters prior to graduation.

  • JOUR 3580 - MC Practicum  1 to 3 credit hours  
    (1 credit hour required) OR(1 credit hour required) OR  dotslash:(1 credit hour required) OR title:(1 credit hour required) OR 
    (1 credit hour required) OR 

    JOUR 3580 - MC Practicum

    1 to 3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Junior standing; permission of instructor. Practical experience in an on-campus mass communication setting. Note: Total credit for practicum and internship courses cannot exceed 3 credits. Pass/Fail.

  • JOUR 4000 - MC Internship  1 to 3 credit hours  
    (1 credit hour required)(1 credit hour required)  dotslash:(1 credit hour required) title:(1 credit hour required) 
    (1 credit hour required) 

    JOUR 4000 - MC Internship

    1 to 3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Junior standing; permission of the internship coordinator. Advanced students gain practical experience in a professional setting. Note: Total credit for internship and practicum courses cannot exceed 3 credits. Pass/Fail.

  • Professional Topics requirement 6 credit hours
  • Electives 8 credit hours
  • Minor or elective course 3 credit hours

Subtotal: 28-31 Hours

 

Advertising-Public Relations Concentration (Recording Industry) B.S. 

Journalism, Advertising-Public Relations Concentration (Recording Industry) B.S.

Journalism and Strategic Media  
615-898-2814
Matt Taylor, program coordinator
Matthew.Taylor@mtsu.edu

Advertising and public relations are distinct fields; these programs help students prepare for positions in advertising agencies and departments, media sales and management, advertising production and design, public relations agencies and departments, and organizational and employee relations.

Students in public relations may choose the general program or a specialty in the recording industry. By the junior year students should choose a minor.

Academic Map

Following is a printable, suggested four-year schedule of courses:

Journalism, Advertising-Public Relations (RIM), B.S., Academic Map  

Degree Requirements

General Education41 hours
Major Requirements59 hours*
Minor15-18 hours
Electives2-8 hours
TOTAL120 hours

*This program requires courses that can also fulfill requirements of the General Education curriculum. If program requirements are also used to fulfill General Education requirements, the number of elective hours will increase.

General Education (41 hours)

General Education requirements (shown in curricular listings below) include courses in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences.

The following course required by the program meets General Education requirements:

Major Requirements (59 hours)

School of Journalism and Strategic Media Core (14 hours)

  • EMC 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    EMC 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment

    3 credit hours

    (Same as JOUR 1020/RIM 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.

  • JOUR 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    JOUR 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment

    3 credit hours

    (Same as EMC 1020/RIM 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.

  • RIM 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment

    3 credit hours

    (Same as EMC 1020/JOUR 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.

(may be counted in General Education)

 

  • JOUR 2710 - Media Writing  3 credit hours  

    JOUR 2710 - Media Writing

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020 or equivalents. Theory and practice of writing for print and electronic media according to the techniques, styles, and formats of various media.

  • JOUR 2720 - Digital Media Skills

    3 credit hours

    Professional skills necessary to create digital platform stories that integrate audio, photo, video, and text.

  • JOUR 4250 - Mass Media Law  3 credit hours  

    JOUR 4250 - Mass Media Law

    3 credit hours

    (Same as EMC 4250.) Prerequisites: JOUR 1020 and JOUR 2710; junior standing. Examination of legal guarantees and restrictions on the flow of information using the case study method. Focus on libel, privacy, obscenity, and the special restrictions placed on advertising, broadcasting, cable TV, and the Internet.

  • JOUR 4880 - Professional Development

    1 credit hour

    Prerequisite: Senior status. Issues faced by graduates upon entering the professional world or graduate school. Topics include preparation of the professional portfolio, the resume and cover letter, post-graduate study, and professional advancement. Should be completed by majors in the School of Journalism in either of their last two semesters prior to graduation.

 

  • JOUR 3580 - MC Practicum  1 to 3 credit hours  
    (1 credit hour)(1 credit hour) OR  dotslash:(1 credit hour) OR title:(1 credit hour) 
    (1 credit hour) OR 

    JOUR 3580 - MC Practicum

    1 to 3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Junior standing; permission of instructor. Practical experience in an on-campus mass communication setting. Note: Total credit for practicum and internship courses cannot exceed 3 credits. Pass/Fail.

  • JOUR 4000 - MC Internship  1 to 3 credit hours  
    (1 credit hour)(1 credit hour)  dotslash:(1 credit hour) title:(1 credit hour) 
    (1 credit hour) 

    JOUR 4000 - MC Internship

    1 to 3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Junior standing; permission of the internship coordinator. Advanced students gain practical experience in a professional setting. Note: Total credit for internship and practicum courses cannot exceed 3 credits. Pass/Fail.

Writing/Design Requirements (9 hours)

  • PR 3360 - Strategic Communication Writing for Public Relations

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: JOUR 2710 and PR 2040. Techniques of creating and writing strategic messages, including the planning and development of components for strategic communication campaigns for corporate, public service, and other persuasive messages.

  • VCOM 2950 - Visual Communication Applications

    3 credit hours

    Introduces students to the creative use of current industry-standard software used for print, digital, and Web design. Focuses on important aspects of design, typography, color theory, and production for creating more effective visual communication. Students explore their own vision through creative projects. Exposure to diverse industry professionals from around the world expands knowledge of the field. Combined lecture/lab.

 

  • JOUR 3090 - Reporting  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    JOUR 3090 - Reporting

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: JOUR 2710. Theory and practice of basic journalism skills, including content gathering, storytelling, evaluating, writing, and processing of news.

  • RIM 3780 - Entertainment Reporting and Writing

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy; others - RIM 3600 and JOUR 2710. Theory and practice of the fundamentals of entertainment journalism, including music industry writing, feature stories, and CD and concert reviews.

Conceptual Requirements (24 hours)

  • PR 2040 - Public Relations Principles

    3 credit hours

    Introduces the practice of public relations, including its fundamental concepts and theories, historical development, and current issues.

    NOTE: This was formerly PR 3040.

  • JOUR 3660 - Strategic Communication Research

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: JOUR 2710, permission of instructor, or permission of the School of Journalism. Introduces research methods used in advertising, journalism, public relations, and strategic communication. Provides experiences in scientific research and data analysis, including quantitative and qualitative methods, content analysis, experiments, surveys and focus groups for diagnosing, planning, managing, and evaluating situations.

  • RIM 3000 - History of the Recording Industry

    3 credit hours

    Traces the development of the technology, business, major record labels, and the music recorded as well as significant individuals in these areas.

  • RIM 3600 - Survey of the Recording Industry

    3 credit hours

    Examination of the industry including, but not limited to, artist development, songwriting, publishing, record companies, record marketing and promotion, copyright, performance rights, and careers.

  • RIM 3700 - Entertainment Intellectual Property I

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: RI majors - admission to candidacy and RIM 3600 with C or better; others RIM 3600. Introduction to the law of copyright, as well as the basic law of contracts, within a lecture setting combined with the interactivity of student in-class argument of appellate opinions rendered in both the areas of U.S. Copyright law and Contract law. Focuses solely on high-level intellectual property disputes related to the entertainment industry, whether regarding argument as to the rightful copyright ownership of parties within the entertainment industry, or as to a contract dispute, e.g. the breach of an entertainment agreement involving artistic content such as a recording or publishing agreement.

Choose one:

  • ADV 3020 - Principles of Advertising

    3 credit hours

    Overview of advertising principles and practices including the role of advertising in society and the marketplace, consumer behavior, advertising media, budgeting and planning, and the creation and production of advertising messages.

  • ADV 3060 - Issues in Advertising: Sexuality and Gender

    3 credit hours

    Explores use of sexuality and gender portrayals in print, broadcast, outdoor, and online and new forms of advertising from various theoretical perspectives and using actual cases.

  • JOUR 2800 - Journalism and Media Topics

    1 to 3 credit hours

    Examines a specific topic in the field of journalism or media. Variable credit. Topic and available academic credit will be announced prior to scheduling of the class. May include Study Abroad; Study Abroad fees may apply. 

  • JOUR 3600 - Digital and Media Literacy

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: EMC 1020/JOUR 1020/RIM 1020. Enables students to develop an informed and critical understanding of media messages and media culture as well as their social, cultural, and political contexts and implications. Students develop the critical thinking skills and methods of analysis necessary to interpret media content in a digital age. Offers ways to think critically about media as they relate to citizenship and democracy.

  • JOUR 3650 - Free Expression, Mass Media, and the American Public

    3 credit hours

    (Same as EMC 3650/RIM 3650.) A general introduction to the issues surrounding free expression and its relationship to mass media in contemporary America. Comprehensive analysis of the history, philosophies, cases, and controls associated with freedom of expression.

  • JOUR 4210 - Mass Communication and Society

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Junior standing. Theories of the process of mass communication, how media affect society, the evolution within a social and cultural context, ethical and social dimensions. Extensive reading in theory, history, and research. Media-content emphasis varies depending on instructor's expertise.

  • JOUR 4670 - Cultural Approaches to Media

    3 credit hours

    Provides a critical overview of the historical, intellectual, and theoretical foundations of cultural studies with specific emphasis on research methods. Explores popular culture, comparative media systems, global media flows, and new media technologies, among other topics pertinent to media and journalism.

  • JOUR 4790 - Global News and World Media Cultures

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Junior standing. Systems and philosophies associated with gathering international news and news coverage in different regions. Looks at global communication systems and ownership; examines how cultures shape news and the role of the individual in reporting news internationally. Includes discussion of development issues and role of global advertising and public relations.

  • JOUR 4800 - Seminar in Media Issues

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Junior standing. Examination and critical evaluation of issues relevant to the operation and functions of mass media, including their relationships to each other and to government, advertisers, consumers, and other publics. May be repeated up to 6 credits.

  • JOUR 4820 - Race, Gender, and Class in Media

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing or permission of instructor. Critical examination of diversity in mass communication with particular emphasis on media representations of race, gender, and class. Also examines audience interpretations of media texts.

  • JOUR 4850 - Ethics and Mass Communication

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Junior standing. Examination of ethical concerns of media practitioners illuminated by study of selected current ethical issues and an overview of the cultural and philosophical basis of socially responsive mass media.

  • PR 4720 - Crisis Communication in Public Relations

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: PR 2040 or permission of School of Journalism. Examines crisis communication theories, management, strategies, tactics, and cases while developing practical skills useful in crisis situations.

  • Approved School of Journalism and Strategic Media elective 3 credit hours

Choose two:

  • ADV 4250 - Interactive Advertising and Social Media

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: ADV 3020 or permission of instructor. Explores advertisers' use of social media from various theoretical perspectives and using actual cases. Focuses on building skills in various platforms.

  • RIM 3720 - Artist Management  3 credit hours  

    RIM 3720 - Artist Management

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: RI majors - admission to candidacy; others RIM 3600. Examines the role of recording artists' representatives. Topics include personal appearances, touring, unions, and contractual considerations.

  • RIM 3770 - Publicity in the Recording Industry

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy; others - RIM 3600 and JOUR 2710. Experience in creating publicity materials and developing media relations, press releases, press kits, and publicity campaigns.

  • RIM 3890 - International Recording Industry

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy; others RIM 3600. Cultural, media, business, and legal aspects of making and selling records on a worldwide basis. Specific studies in foreign record company operations, i.e., production, distribution, marketing, promotion, and licensing. Immigration, union, and tax implications of artists recording abroad.

  • RIM 4130 - Cyber PR® in the Entertainment Industry

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy or permission of instructor. Cyber PR®  is the process where social media (with engaged behavior), public relations (outreach and some processes), and online and direct -to-fan (D2F) marketing intersect. Explores the many new and entrepreneurial methods, theories, applications (i.e., Topspin and Next Big Sound) and best practices artists and brands employ to create awareness and make connections to consumers via electronic media. Readings, lectures, guest presentations, and professional group projects and experiences.

  • RIM 4620 - Marketing of Recordings

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: RI majors - admission to candidacy; others RIM 3600. Special emphasis on the particular structures and problems involved in the movement of recordings from manufacturer to the buying public. Topics include product marketing, promotion, and distribution.

  • RIM 4690 - Digital Strategies for the Music Business

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: RIM 4620 with C or better or permission of the instructor. Applied theory on promoting the services and products of the music industry via digital channels. Topics include market research, content strategy, creating digital assets, search engine marketing, online advertising, email marketing, mobile marketing, and using data and insights from analytics to optimize digital marketing efforts.

  • RIM or School of Journalism and Strategic Media approved elective 3 credit hours

Professional Topics (9 hours)

  • PR 3380 - Public Relations Publications

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy; VCOM 2950. Effective print-design techniques with emphasis on organizational publications.

  • PR 3400 - Case Studies in Public Relations

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: PR 2040. Practical methods of handling problems in public relations with emphasis on fact-finding, planning, promoting, and evaluating.

Choose one:

  • RIM 3770 - Publicity in the Recording Industry

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy; others - RIM 3600 and JOUR 2710. Experience in creating publicity materials and developing media relations, press releases, press kits, and publicity campaigns.

  • RIM 4130 - Cyber PR® in the Entertainment Industry

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy or permission of instructor. Cyber PR®  is the process where social media (with engaged behavior), public relations (outreach and some processes), and online and direct -to-fan (D2F) marketing intersect. Explores the many new and entrepreneurial methods, theories, applications (i.e., Topspin and Next Big Sound) and best practices artists and brands employ to create awareness and make connections to consumers via electronic media. Readings, lectures, guest presentations, and professional group projects and experiences.

  • Approved RIM professional course 3 credit hours

Senior Capstone (3 hours)

  • PR 4740 - Public Relations Campaigns

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: JOUR 3660, PR 3360, and PR 3380 or VCOM 2950; junior standing. Researching and planning public relations campaigns. An opportunity for senior-level students to synthesize and apply knowledge and skills from previous courses.

Minor (15-18 hours)

  • Selected from outside the School of Journalism and Strategic Media with advisor approval; students may wish to consider a minor in the Jennings A. Jones College of Business.

Electives (2-8 hours)

  • Students in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media (SOJSM) must complete 50 hours in liberal arts and sciences including General Education requirements and one minor from outside SOJSM. Students must select at least nine hours of liberal arts/social sciences (beyond General Education); at least six hours of liberal arts/social science electives must come from courses at the 3000-level or higher.

Curriculum: Journalism, Advertising-Public Relations (Recording Industry)

Curricular listings include General Education  requirements in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.

Majors must have a C (2.00) or better in all Media and Entertainment courses.

Freshman

 

  • ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing  3 credit hours  
    (Comm)(Comm)  dotslash:(Comm) title:(Comm) 
    (Comm) 

    ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing

    3 credit hours

    The first General Education English course. Emphasis on learning to adapt composing processes to a variety of expository and analytic writing assignments. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.

  • ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing  3 credit hours  
    (Comm)(Comm)  dotslash:(Comm) title:(Comm) 
    (Comm) 

    ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: ENGL 1010. The second General Education English course. Emphasis on analytic and argumentative writing and on locating, organizing, and using library resource materials in the writing. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.

  • COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication  3 credit hours  
    (Comm)(Comm)  dotslash:(Comm) title:(Comm) 
    (Comm) 

    COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication

    3 credit hours

    Introduces principles and processes of effective public oral communication including researching, critical thinking, organizing, presenting, listening, and using appropriate language. Counts as part of the General Education Communication requirement. TBR Common Course: COMM 2025

  • HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I

    3 credit hours

    Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010

  • HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II

    3 credit hours

    Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from 1877 to the present. May be used to satisfy one part of the the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020

  • HIST 2030 - Tennessee History  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HIST 2030 - Tennessee History

    3 credit hours

    The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030

  • HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I

    3 credit hours

    The role of African Americans in establishing and shaping the American nation. Covers their historical development and contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.

    NOTE: HIST 2040 is not a prerequisite for HIST 2050.

  • HIST 2050 - Survey African American History II

    3 credit hours

    The role of African Americans in shaping the American nation and creating a twentieth-century racial identity. Covers their historical development and examines their contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.

  • JOUR 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment  3 credit hours  
    (Soc/Beh Sci) OR(Soc/Beh Sci) OR  dotslash:(Soc/Beh Sci) OR title:(Soc/Beh Sci) OR 
    (Soc/Beh Sci) OR 

    JOUR 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment

    3 credit hours

    (Same as EMC 1020/RIM 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.

  • EMC 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment  3 credit hours  
    OR(Soc/Beh Sci) OR  dotslash:(Soc/Beh Sci) OR title:OR 
    (Soc/Beh Sci) OR 

    EMC 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment

    3 credit hours

    (Same as JOUR 1020/RIM 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.

  • RIM 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment  3 credit hours  
    (Soc/Beh Sci)(Soc/Beh Sci)  dotslash:(Soc/Beh Sci) title:(Soc/Beh Sci) 
    (Soc/Beh Sci) 

    RIM 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment

    3 credit hours

    (Same as EMC 1020/JOUR 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.

  • Mathematics 3 credit hours
  • Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours
  • Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
  • Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
  • Elective 3 credit hours

Subtotal: 31 Hours

 

Sophomore

 

  • ENGL 2020 - Themes in Literature and Culture  3 credit hours  
    (Hum/FA)(Hum/FA)  dotslash:(Hum/FA) title:(Hum/FA) 
    (Hum/FA) 
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    ENGL 2020 - Themes in Literature and Culture

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Traces a specific theme or idea through a number of literary texts that reflect different historical and cultural contexts. Subject will vary.

  • ENGL 2030 - The Experience of Literature  3 credit hours  
    (Hum/FA)(Hum/FA)  dotslash:(Hum/FA) title:(Hum/FA) 
    (Hum/FA) 
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    ENGL 2030 - The Experience of Literature

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. The reading of a variety of literary types which illuminate themes and experiences common to human existence.

  • HUM 2610 - World Literatures  3 credit hours  
    (Hum/FA)(Hum/FA)  dotslash:(Hum/FA) title:(Hum/FA) 
    (Hum/FA) 

    HUM 2610 - World Literatures

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Representative works of French, German, and Hispanic authors in English translation. No foreign-language proficiency required. Carries General Education credit.

  • HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I

    3 credit hours

    Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010

  • HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II

    3 credit hours

    Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from 1877 to the present. May be used to satisfy one part of the the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020

  • HIST 2030 - Tennessee History  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HIST 2030 - Tennessee History

    3 credit hours

    The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030

  • HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I

    3 credit hours

    The role of African Americans in establishing and shaping the American nation. Covers their historical development and contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.

    NOTE: HIST 2040 is not a prerequisite for HIST 2050.

  • HIST 2050 - Survey African American History II

    3 credit hours

    The role of African Americans in shaping the American nation and creating a twentieth-century racial identity. Covers their historical development and examines their contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.

  • JOUR 2710 - Media Writing  3 credit hours  

    JOUR 2710 - Media Writing

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020 or equivalents. Theory and practice of writing for print and electronic media according to the techniques, styles, and formats of various media.

  • PR 2040 - Public Relations Principles

    3 credit hours

    Introduces the practice of public relations, including its fundamental concepts and theories, historical development, and current issues.

    NOTE: This was formerly PR 3040.

  • Natural Science 4 credit hours
  • Minor course 3 credit hours
  • Minor course/elective 3 credit hours
  • RIM 3000 - History of the Recording Industry

    3 credit hours

    Traces the development of the technology, business, major record labels, and the music recorded as well as significant individuals in these areas.

  • RIM 3600 - Survey of the Recording Industry

    3 credit hours

    Examination of the industry including, but not limited to, artist development, songwriting, publishing, record companies, record marketing and promotion, copyright, performance rights, and careers.

  • JOUR 2720 - Digital Media Skills

    3 credit hours

    Professional skills necessary to create digital platform stories that integrate audio, photo, video, and text.

Subtotal: 31 Hours

 

Junior

 

  • PR 3360 - Strategic Communication Writing for Public Relations

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: JOUR 2710 and PR 2040. Techniques of creating and writing strategic messages, including the planning and development of components for strategic communication campaigns for corporate, public service, and other persuasive messages.

  • VCOM 2950 - Visual Communication Applications

    3 credit hours

    Introduces students to the creative use of current industry-standard software used for print, digital, and Web design. Focuses on important aspects of design, typography, color theory, and production for creating more effective visual communication. Students explore their own vision through creative projects. Exposure to diverse industry professionals from around the world expands knowledge of the field. Combined lecture/lab.

  • Elective 2 credit hours
  • Minor courses 9 credit hours
  • Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
  • JOUR conceptual requirement 3 credit hours
  • JOUR/RIM conceptual requirement 3 credit hours

 

  • JOUR 3090 - Reporting  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    JOUR 3090 - Reporting

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: JOUR 2710. Theory and practice of basic journalism skills, including content gathering, storytelling, evaluating, writing, and processing of news.

  • RIM 3780 - Entertainment Reporting and Writing

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: RI majors - admission to candidacy; others - RIM 3600 and JOUR 2710. Theory and practice of the fundamentals of entertainment journalism, including music industry writing, feature stories, and CD and concert reviews.

Subtotal: 29 Hours

Senior

 

  • RIM 3700 - Entertainment Intellectual Property I

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: RI majors - admission to candidacy and RIM 3600 with C or better; others RIM 3600. Introduction to the law of copyright, as well as the basic law of contracts, within a lecture setting combined with the interactivity of student in-class argument of appellate opinions rendered in both the areas of U.S. Copyright law and Contract law. Focuses solely on high-level intellectual property disputes related to the entertainment industry, whether regarding argument as to the rightful copyright ownership of parties within the entertainment industry, or as to a contract dispute, e.g. the breach of an entertainment agreement involving artistic content such as a recording or publishing agreement.

  • PR 4740 - Public Relations Campaigns

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: JOUR 3660, PR 3360, and PR 3380 or VCOM 2950; junior standing. Researching and planning public relations campaigns. An opportunity for senior-level students to synthesize and apply knowledge and skills from previous courses.

  • JOUR 3660 - Strategic Communication Research

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: JOUR 2710, permission of instructor, or permission of the School of Journalism. Introduces research methods used in advertising, journalism, public relations, and strategic communication. Provides experiences in scientific research and data analysis, including quantitative and qualitative methods, content analysis, experiments, surveys and focus groups for diagnosing, planning, managing, and evaluating situations.

  • PR 3380 - Public Relations Publications

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy; VCOM 2950. Effective print-design techniques with emphasis on organizational publications.

  • PR 3400 - Case Studies in Public Relations

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: PR 2040. Practical methods of handling problems in public relations with emphasis on fact-finding, planning, promoting, and evaluating.

  • JOUR 4250 - Mass Media Law  3 credit hours  

    JOUR 4250 - Mass Media Law

    3 credit hours

    (Same as EMC 4250.) Prerequisites: JOUR 1020 and JOUR 2710; junior standing. Examination of legal guarantees and restrictions on the flow of information using the case study method. Focus on libel, privacy, obscenity, and the special restrictions placed on advertising, broadcasting, cable TV, and the Internet.

  • JOUR 4880 - Professional Development

    1 credit hour

    Prerequisite: Senior status. Issues faced by graduates upon entering the professional world or graduate school. Topics include preparation of the professional portfolio, the resume and cover letter, post-graduate study, and professional advancement. Should be completed by majors in the School of Journalism in either of their last two semesters prior to graduation.

  • JOUR 3580 - MC Practicum  1 to 3 credit hours  
    OR(1 credit hour required) OR  dotslash:(1 credit hour required) OR title:OR 
    (1 credit hour required) OR 

    JOUR 3580 - MC Practicum

    1 to 3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Junior standing; permission of instructor. Practical experience in an on-campus mass communication setting. Note: Total credit for practicum and internship courses cannot exceed 3 credits. Pass/Fail.

  • JOUR 4000 - MC Internship  1 to 3 credit hours  
    (1 credit hour required)(1 credit hour required)   dotslash:(1 credit hour required) title:(1 credit hour required) 
    (1 credit hour required)  

    JOUR 4000 - MC Internship

    1 to 3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Junior standing; permission of the internship coordinator. Advanced students gain practical experience in a professional setting. Note: Total credit for internship and practicum courses cannot exceed 3 credits. Pass/Fail.

  • JOUR/RIM conceptual requirement 3 credit hours
  • Professional Topics requirement 3 credit hours
  • Minor course 3 credit hours

Subtotal: 29-31 Hours

 

Our adjunct faculty bring outstanding professional experience to our programs. Many are industry leaders with decorated careers and honors. Importantly, they are innovative educators who offer hands-on learning to our students to prepare them to enter and thrive in a dynamic, and oftentimes emerging, industry and professional world. They inspire, instruct, and challenge our students toward academic and professional success.

Advertising

ADV 3020 - Principles of Advertising
3 credit hours

Overview of advertising principles and practices including the role of advertising in society and the marketplace, consumer behavior, advertising media, budgeting and planning, and the creation and production of advertising messages.

ADV 3060 - Issues in Advertising: Sexuality and Gender
3 credit hours

Explores use of sexuality and gender portrayals in print, broadcast, outdoor, and online and new forms of advertising from various theoretical perspectives and using actual cases.

ADV 3080 - Ethical Standards and Practices in Advertising
3 credit hours

Explores standards, principles, and practices of ethical decision making in advertising. Students examine theories, concepts, behaviors, and practices relevant to creating, implementing, and pitching advertising in an ethical manner.

ADV 3160 - Advertising Design and Visuals
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: VCOM 2950 or permission of instructor. Creating and producing advertising messages for various media, including publications, broadcast, outdoor, and direct mail.

ADV 3170 - Advertising Copy and Creativity
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: ADV 3020 or permission of instructor. Techniques for analyzing, creating, and writing strategic messages for advertising and social media with attention to message strategy and presentation across multiple platforms.

ADV 3480 - Media Strategy and Buying
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: ADV 3020 or permission of instructor. Planning, implementing, and evaluating of media objectives and strategy in advertising, including media characteristics, limitations, and budgeting.

ADV 3520 - Special Topics in Professional Issues
3 credit hours

(Same as JOUR 3520/PR 3520/VCOM 3520.) Special topics in journalism, advertising, public relations, and visual communication focusing on practical applications. Topics change each semester and have included investigative, environmental, sports, and political reporting; visual editing; international public relations; and advertising account management. May be repeated up to 6 credits.

ADV 3800 - Journalism and Media Topics
1 to 3 credit hours

Examines a specific topic in the field of journalism or media. Topic and available academic credit announced prior to scheduling of the class. May include Study Abroad. Study Abroad fees may apply.

ADV 4230 - Case Studies in Strategic Communication
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: ADV 3170 and ADV 3480 or permission of instructor and junior standing. Problems, decisions, and decision-making processes of advertising and strategic communication managers. Emphasis on decision making across functional areas of advertising and strategic communication processes.

ADV 4250 - Interactive Advertising and Social Media
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: ADV 3020 or permission of instructor. Explores advertisers' use of social media from various theoretical perspectives and using actual cases. Focuses on building skills in various platforms.

ADV 4970 - Advertising Campaigns
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: ADV 3170 and ADV 3480 or permission of instructor. Planning, designing, and executing all phases of a complete advertising campaign. An opportunity for advanced students to synthesize and apply skills from previous courses.

Online or Hybrid Programs at a Glance

This program is available .


For More Information or Explore Your Options​

Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program OR work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.


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With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, MTSU Online offers students access to innovative, high-quality programs. Designed with students in mind, our courses allow maximum flexibility for those unable to participate in person. ​

Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.

Contact Information

Tricia Farwell
tricia.farwell@mtsu.edu
615-898-2814

Who is My Advisor?

Janell Fisher (A-B)
Janell.Fishert@mtsu.edu
615-494-7999 | BRAGG 230E

Leann McBride (C-J; N-Z)
leann.mcbride@mtsu.edu
615-898-5499 | BRAGG 230I

Josh Douglas (K-M)
Joshua.Douglas@mtsu.edu
615-494-4997 | BRAGG 230F

Mailing Address

School of Journalism and Strategic Media
Middle Tennessee State University
MTSU Box 64
1301 East Main Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37132

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