J+SM
UNDERGRADUATE STUDY IN JOURNALISM AND STRATEGIC MEDIA
YOUR CAREER BEGINS HERE MEDIA
ACCREDITATION
Fewer than 125 programs worldwide are accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications. Journalism and Strategic Media at the UofM is one of them. Additionally, our Public Relations program is endorsed with a Certification in Education for Public Relations by the Public Relations Society of America.
Journalism and Strategic Media distributes more than $40,000 in donor-funded scholarships every year, in addition to scholarships offered by the University and the State of Tennessee. Recently, the department launched its inaugural Ida B. Wells-Barnett Scholarship, a new award in honor of a trail-blazing Black journalist and civil rights leader.
Journalism and Strategic Media has an extensive internship program that’s connected throughout the Mid-South and nationally. Graduates often say the experiences gained during an internship are among the best parts of their time at the University. All Journalism and Strategic Media students complete either an internship or work in student media as part of their degree requirements.
As the only program in the city with media-focused studies, Journalism and Strategic Media has the full support of local collaborators looking to invest in the next generation of professionals. Through dynamic guest speakers, on-campus events and professional organization involvement, our students are regularly exposed to mentorship opportunities no other nearby universities can offer.
TECHNOLOGY DIVERSITY
From remodeled computer labs with the latest software to photo, video and audio devices, Journalism and Strategic Media ensures no student is burdened with the high costs of industry-standard technology to earn their degree. Students have access to more than $250,000 worth of professional-grade cameras, microphones, lights and more.
Journalism and Strategic Media students, faculty and staff represent the full spectrum of diversity. Students can engage with peers and professors who share their identities and can learn from the perspectives of others who are different. Further, faculty expertise encompasses the full scope of the media industry. At the UofM, our differences make us a stronger community.
For students driven to be changemakers and storytellers, Journalism and Strategic Media boasts specialized curriculum in two majors housing seven different areas of study — Journalism, Broadcast Journalism, Sports Media, Creative Mass Media, Advertising, Public Relations and Integrated Social Media — all informed by industry-standard practices, robust research and first-hand experiences.
Journalism and Strategic Media students are prepped to navigate an ever-changing media landscape, with ethics and innovation as our ideological cornerstones. Strategic communicators of tomorrow must be ready to think critically and employ the latest methods. That means curriculum is regularly updated, special topics classes are rotated each semester and new course offerings are introduced every academic year.
Through strategic media campaigns, student reporting, brand development, multimedia projects and more, our students created more than $2 million in pro bono work for the Memphis community in recent years. Learning Journalism and Strategic Media at the University of Memphis means learning how media make a positive contribution to society.
EARN YOUR DEGREE IN A CITY WHERE YOU CAN GET A JOB.
The University of Memphis is one of only a few accredited journalism and mass communications programs in the country located in a major city.
Being in a metropolitan area means students can get internships at premiere media outlets while in school and use those experiences to transition to a job in the city after graduation. Or, they can use their experiences to thrive in a major city elsewhere. Because media organizations are concentrated in urban areas, the experience offered at the University of Memphis gives students a strong foundation for their careers.
Additionally, our programs are unique offerings in the City of Memphis. This means employers, professional organizations and other collaborators in the community look to our students for mentorship and networking opportunities. Our students have shows on the airwaves, articles published in major outlets and start their professional journeys well before graduation.
Fortune 500 companies: FedEx, AutoZone and International Paper Co.
media companies, including magazines, newspapers, television and radio stations
ADVANTAGE 3 19
AT THE UOFM, OUR URBAN
ADVANTAGE SETS US APART
Designated Market Area, the largest in the Mid-South, and 20th largest in the Southeast and rising firms and agencies specializing in public relations, advertising, creative strategy and more
SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS ON CAMPUS ABROAD
STUDENT MEDIA STUDY ABROAD
The Department of Journalism and Strategic Media offers real-world media experiences right here in our own building. Students can work for Meeman 901 Strategies, a student-run strategic communications agency; The Daily Helmsman, the UofM’s independent multimedia news site; Tiger News, a student-produced television news program; and The ROAR, the campus radio station.
The Global Learning Office offers more than 200 programs in 60+ countries around the world. Faculty-led trips also allow students to travel with friends and a familiar professor to Mainz, Germany, for a three-week summer trip. Additionally, the Journalism and Strategic Media’s Pennington Abroad scholarship helps fund life-changing experiences for students each year.
INTERNSHIPS AND PRACTICUMS
Yes, 100% of students in Journalism and Strategic Media graduate with work experience on their resumes. Our unique metropolitan setting allows students to work with major Memphis news outlets, agencies, companies, organizations and nonprofits while earning their degrees.
Landing a job or internship isn’t easy, but Journalism and Strategic Media trains students in the art of crafting effective resumes and high-quality portfolios. Our students learn how to showcase their best selves and put the right foot forward before the interview even begins.
Students earn three credit hours from their required internship or practicum, but more college credit is possible for those who accept internship positions for multiple semesters.
REPORT
CURIOSITY + STORYTELLING
Journalism students put their curiosity into action by digging deep and telling stories that matter.
In this program, offered on-campus and online through UofM Global, students develop a foundational core of writing and multimedia skills centered around effective and ethical storytelling. In an everchanging media world, that focus on storytelling means our graduates can produce meaningful content no matter the platform. Trained in both print and digital approaches, Journalism students blend various areas of expertise and interest into their work.
Students can further refine their studies to build a portfolio that
features niche content beyond general news writing. Special topics courses cover sports journalism, food writing, reporting for social media and podcasting.
A degree in Journalism from the UofM allows students to pursue multimedia and reporting positions at digital outlets, magazines and newspapers or even start an entrepreneurial media venture of their own. Others may put their writing and storytelling skills to work as copywriters, editors or bloggers. No matter where they land, a Journalism graduate understands the art of weaving the written word with digital content.
REPORT
UofM students have won awards from the Hearst Foundation, Tennessee Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists and more.
INFORM
PERFORMANCE + PRODUCTION
Breaking news happens fast, and a degree in Broadcast Journalism prepares students to perform quickly and confidently whether on camera or behind the scenes.
Broadcast journalists and producers must cover breaking news and enterprise stories with accuracy, clarity and fairness. Successful journalists are tuned in to the stories that matter most in their communities, keeping their finger on the pulse and connecting with everyday people. Understanding how to react and adapt in an ever-evolving media landscape is key for building a career in broadcast journalism.
Students learn to write and prepare content for television and radio. From stand-ups and anchoring to producing and podcasts, our robust curriculum covers wide-ranging avenues for content delivery. With access to an array of industrystandard tools and devices, our students tell today’s stories using tomorrow’s technology.
A degree in Broadcast Journalism from the UofM can take students to news channels, radio stations and a number of multimedia news outlets around the world. From behind-thescenes producing or digital desk work to on-air talent, our graduates are ready for the task at hand.
INFORM BROADCAST
The UofM has chapters in two of the nation’s premier journalism organizations: the Society of Professional Journalists and the National Association of Black Journalists. These clubs build skills in print, broadcast and online media.
ANALYZE
EXPERTISE + FANDOM
Sports Media applies the tools and technology of media work with the excitement of the sports world, covering games and athletes while also learning to represent teams, leagues and sporting events.
Students in this program build writing skills as journalists while also learning production skills in audio, photo, video and social media. They also collaborate with real-world clients like Memphis Tigers athletics, the Grizzlies, the Redbirds and 901 FC.
Students build a foundational knowledge of journalism practices then focus on the development of strategic media skills related to sports. By blending both journalistic writing with strategic message
building, students will learn how to work in the industry, whether they are covering a team for a news organization or promoting the league from a public relations office. Class projects include news stories, media kits, social media and audio/video projects. If you want to put your writing and multimedia skills to use in the sports world, from the Olympics to the Super Bowl, then Sports Media might be for you.
With a degree in Sports Media, students can launch a career as a reporter, analyst, commentator, sports promoter, communications director, sports social media specialist and other careers working for news organizations, teams, leagues and events focused on athletics.
ANALYZE SPORTS MEDIA
Every year, the Department of Journalism and Strategic Media awards the Phil Cannon Memorial Scholarship, worth more than $10,000.
CREATE
VISION + DELIVERY
Creative Mass Media lies at the intersection of art and technology, where imaginative students bring creative visions to life and deliver innovative solutions.
Students in this major incorporate digital design, layout, branding, photography, videography, web coding and more into their work. Through collaboration with partners on campus and beyond, Creative Mass Media students get to experience real-world client interactions while developing their visual communication skills.
Students build a foundational knowledge of journalism and strategic media practices before
focusing on the development of multimedia materials for these differing outlets. Class projects cover advertisements, marketing materials, brand identities, publication design and more. If you’ve ever wondered about the look and feel of product packaging, the interface of a mobile application, or how eye-catching display signage is made, Creative Mass Media might be for you.
With a degree in Creative Mass Media, students can launch a career as a creative strategist, art director, creative director, media designer, UI/ UX designer, photojournalist, web designer, content creator and other roles focused on emerging and innovative media technologies.
CREATE CREATIVE MASS MEDIA
The Creative Mass Media program blends Journalism and Strategic Media with artistic skills and courses unlike any other program in Tennessee.
COMPEL
STRATEGY + ANALYSIS
Advertising students learn to craft strategic campaigns while analyzing their performance to ensure the project meets the client’s needs.
Gaining real-world experience through their coursework, students compete annually in the National Student Advertising Competition, where they present to major brands like Meta, Adobe and more. In addition to the NSAC, Advertising students can participate in Meeman 901 Strategies, the student-run digital strategy agency working with clients of all types in the Memphis area.
Students begin with building foundational knowledge of
advertising, markets and strategic media. Then they focus on branding, creative strategy, media planning, market research and audience research. This array of topics prepares students for careers in account management, media planning, media buying, client services, branding, copywriting, analytics and creative direction.
With a degree in Advertising from the UofM, students can work locally or nationally in areas across the industry. Our graduates work in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington, Orlando, Atlanta and Nashville, in addition to leading positions in Memphis.
COMPEL ADVERTISING
Advertising students regularly win American Advertising awards, American Advertising Federation scholarships and spots on AAF’s list of Most Promising Multicultural Students.
ENGAGE
MESSAGE + TRUST
Public Relations students learn the power of meaningful messaging to maintain a brand’s reputation and build trust among stakeholders.
People-oriented by nature, students in this program discover ways to broaden their client or company’s sphere of influence by engaging a target audience with key information. Often speaking or writing on behalf of their brand, Public Relations students simultaneously develop both interpersonal and digital communication skills.
Students build foundational knowledge of public relations, marketing and strategic media,
then focus on writing, crisis communications, social media, event planning, media relations, campaigns and market and audience research. Then, they apply these skills through corporate, nonprofit, community and agency projects and internships.
A degree in Public Relations leads students toward careers in account management, social media management, media relations, brand management, internal communications, event planning and strategic writing. Brands, organizations, causes, ideas and cities have messages to share with the world, so Public Relations is crucial in every industry.
ENGAGE PUBLIC RELATIONS
The Public Relations program was recognized as the best in the country by the Public Relations Society of America with the prestigious Silver Anvil Award in 2024.
CONNECT
CONTENT + AUDIENCE
Integrated Social Media students master the art of connecting their content to target audiences, while fostering measurable engagement on a wide range of platforms.
In this program, students learn to develop social media campaigns and manage accounts for popular platforms and emerging ones, too. Students build foundational knowledge in public relations, marketing, strategic media and writing for digital media before focusing on tools used to create, share and repurpose online content.
Students also learn to measure and analyze how people use social
media, engage their audiences through search engine optimization, launch paid and organic social media campaigns and employ on-trend digital strategies. In class, students work with a real-world client to craft a social media strategy with an audience-first focus, managing and growing that audience across multiple platforms in real time.
With a degree in Integrated Social Media, students are prepared to be content creators and social media managers. With opportunities for inhouse corporate work, agency or firm work, freelance positions and more, graduates from this program bring value to any operation.
CONNECT INTEGRATED SOCIAL MEDIA
Integrated Social Media students graduate with resume-building certifications in Hootsuite, Google Analytics and Hubspot.
YOUR FIRST YEAR LAYS THE FOUNDATION
JRSM1700
INTRO TO MEDIA
This course introduces students to the basic concepts of mass communication, with topics covering the evolution, philosophy and societal impact of journalism, advertising, public relations and more.
JRSM1750
MEDIA WRITING I
This course teaches the core grammar skills needed for mass media professionals. Different from a traditional English course, Media Writing I focuses on AP Style writing, the industry-standard journalistic writing style.
JRSM2121
MEDIA WRITING II
Building on their Media Writing I skills, students in this course learn the basics of newswriting, including finding and interviewing sources, crafting headlines and ledes and producing concise but effective stories.
JRSM3900/3905
VISUAL COURSE
Depending on their program, students will take either Visual Media or Graphics for Strategic Media. Both cover the basics of visual communication and digital design using various software like Adobe or Canva.
FOUNDATION LET’S GET STARTED
CONNECT WITH AN ADVISOR
Does Journalism and Strategic Media sound like the right place for you? If you’re interested in learning more about our programs, or declaring a major or minor, we have advisors ready to answer your questions and guide you toward success. The classes outlined here provide the basis of the first-year experience before branching off into robust major-area courses.
The Meeman Journalism Building is centrally located on campus and our full contact information is available on the back cover.
