University of Tennessee

What you'll study

The curriculum blends courses in journalism, strategic communication, media production, communication theory and research methods. You will study reporting and writing for print and digital media, multimedia storytelling, audio and video production, editing, public relations, advertising principles, social media strategy, media law and ethics, and persuasion and rhetoric.

Typical modules and learning activities include:

• News Reporting and Writing — fundamentals of newsgathering, interviewing and clear, accurate writing for different platforms.
• Multimedia Storytelling — photojournalism, video production, audio production and mobile journalism skills for digital audiences.
• Public Relations and Strategic Communication — campaign planning, message development, media relations and evaluation.
• Media Law and Ethics — legal frameworks affecting journalists and communicators and ethical decision-making in professional contexts.
• Communication Theory and Research Methods — foundations in interpersonal, organisational and mass communication theory and basic qualitative and quantitative research techniques.
• Social Media and Digital Analytics — content strategy, platform-specific tactics and measuring audience engagement.
• Specialist electives — options might include broadcast journalism, documentary production, crisis communication, political communication and visual communication.

Many students complete practical capstone projects or internships and participate in student media organisations, giving real-world experience in newsroom and agency-like settings.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school qualification appropriate for university admission, with a strong record in English and written communication. Specific requirements vary by applicant type (first-year, transfer, international) and are assessed by the university's admissions office.

• Typical academic background: competitive secondary school grades with emphasis on English, humanities or social sciences.
• Portfolio or work samples: some pathways, especially journalism and media production, may recommend or require a short portfolio of writing, multimedia pieces or a personal statement showcasing interest and experience.
• English language proficiency: international students must demonstrate proficiency through recognised tests (such as TOEFL or IELTS) or equivalent qualifications.
• Transfer students: college transcripts and a minimum collegiate GPA are required; transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis.

Applicants are encouraged to consult the university's admissions pages for the most current, programme-specific criteria and any faculty advising recommendations.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue roles across news media, corporate and public sectors, digital platforms, and non-governmental organisations. Common career paths include:

• Journalist, reporter or editor for print, online or broadcast outlets.
• Digital content producer, multimedia storyteller or social media manager.
• Public relations or corporate communications specialist, including internal communications and media relations.
• Broadcast producer, on-air presenter or podcast producer.
• Communications officer for nonprofits, government agencies or advocacy groups.
• Media analyst, audience researcher or content strategist in agencies and consultancies.

The programme’s emphasis on internships and student media experience helps graduates build professional portfolios and industry contacts that are valuable when entering competitive media and communication markets.

Why study at University of Tennessee

The University of Tennessee offers access to a comprehensive communications curriculum housed within a college known for combining theory with applied learning. Students benefit from hands-on opportunities with campus media outlets such as the student newspaper and radio station, as well as multimedia labs and digital production facilities.

Strong regional media connections and an active internship network give students placements in newsrooms, agencies and corporate communication departments. Faculty often bring professional experience alongside academic expertise, and small-class instruction in upper-level and production courses supports personalised mentoring and portfolio development.

Graduates leave with both practical skills in contemporary media production and a critical understanding of the social, ethical and legal issues that shape communication professions.