COURSE CURRICULUM

The journalism and mass communication program at Texas State University is designed to prepare students for modern media careers through a combination of core academic study, hands-on training, and professional skill development. The program emphasizes practical experience alongside classroom learning, ensuring students are ready for the fast-paced and evolving media industry. In the early stages of the degree, students complete foundational courses such as introduction to mass communication, media writing, communication theory, government, and basic liberal arts requirements including history, science, and mathematics. These courses help students build strong writing, analytical, and communication skills.As students progress, they move into more specialized journalism and media courses that focus on reporting, media law and ethics, digital journalism, and professional development. A key feature of the program is its strong emphasis on ethical journalism, teaching students how to report accurately, responsibly, and objectively across multiple platforms. Students also gain technical skills in areas such as photography, video production, editing, social media, design, and data storytelling, which are essential in today’s digital media environment.The curriculum includes advanced electives and media performance courses that allow students to explore areas such as interviewing, broadcasting, drone media, digital tools, SEO, and internship experiences. These applied learning opportunities help students build real-world portfolios and industry experience before graduation. The program also requires students to complete a minor, further broadening their academic and professional knowledge.By the senior year, students engage in advanced coursework in media law, ethics, and specialized media topics, along with elective choices that align with their career goals. Overall, this program is structured to produce versatile, skilled, and industry-ready media professionals who can work in journalism, broadcasting, digital media, public relations, content creation, and other communication-related fields.