New School of Journalism and Media Studies excites future journalists and communicators

Jackson State University is the first historically black college or university in the state of Mississippi to open a School of Journalism and Media Studies.  JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers made the official announcement Nov. 12 at the Mississippi e-Center@ JSU where the School is located.

Only two other universities in Mississippi, The University of Mississippi and the University of Southern Mississippi, have a School of Journalism or Mass Communication.

Jackson State becomes the 7th out of 106 HBCUs in the nation (three private and three public universities) to house schools of journalism, media or communication.

Communication students are excited about the announcement and what it will mean to their career aspirations.

Jhade’ Norris, a junior mass communication major from Chicago, Ill., said: “I feel that the new School of journalism and Media Studies will benefit students because it will bring new experiences, curriculum, and professors. I am eager as a student to see what the future holds for the department.”

Orionna Brumfield, a senior from Brookhaven, Miss., said even though she graduates in May, she is happy to see the department expand.

“It’s great to see my department revamped. We have a new team of teachers, staff, and administration who are ready to put in the necessary work to ensure us more resources and media education so we can be prepared for life after graduation. I’ll be graduating next semester, but I will take advantage of all the new opportunities available from our new School of Journalism.”

Cory Davis, a senior from Vicksburg, Miss., also is excited about the school.

“I think the changes can lead to great things. The department is really evolving in a positive way,” said Davis.  “Although it is a little bittersweet for me because I am a graduating senior and I won’t get to experience all of the changes that are coming in the future.”

The major focus of the School is to become a national leader in producing high quality multi-media journalists and mass communicators.

Current concentrations in the Department of Mass Communication are integrated marketing, media production and multi-media journalism. Sequences to be added to the School will include sports media, advertising and public relations. New offerings will include a course in media literacy and social media.

JSU has a note-worthy mass communication academic program, two television stations, one radio station, one affiliate radio station, a weekly student newspaper, a student-produced magazine and access to an online weather facility. By leveraging these resources, the University recognized that this modification would provide a core opportunity for growth and enhancement.

JSU media, which includes: JSU TV, WJSU Radio, Tiger TV, The Blue & White Flash, Experience Magazine, and affiliate WeatherVision, are now under the auspices of the School.  The establishment of the School of Journalism and Media Studies, coupled with the inclusion of all JSU media will enhance the reach of the department and result in a premiere program.

•The JSU School of Journalism and Media Studies offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication and a Master of Science degree in Mass Communication.

•Enrollment is approximately 250 undergraduates and 44 graduate students.

•Courses relate to specializations in editing and graphic design, electronic communication (television and radio broadcasting), multi-media journalism, photojournalism, reporting, integrated marketing and public relations.

•The School has three (3) labs:  video, design, and journalism plus the remote equipment that will allow students to complete multi-media projects.

•Students write, edit and produce content for the closed-circuit and commerical television stations as well as participate in practium experiences at the radio stations and student publications.

•The School consists of full-time faculty members with expertise in sequence areas of multi-media journalism, media production and integrated marketing; adjunct faculty who are current or former media practitioners, professional media managers, and 22 Advisory Board members.