Communication
Mailing Address:
Tennessee Tech UniversityDepartment of Communication
P.O. Box 5072
Cookeville, TN 38505
Street Address:
1 William L. Jones DriveCookeville, TN 38505
Roaden University Center, Room 376
Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Monday-Friday(931) 372-3060
The communication program at Tennessee Tech is dedicated to preparing students for civic participation in an increasingly complex world that requires sophisticated, practical, critical, and theoretical understanding of the human communication process. Our mission is to provide general education instruction in media and society as well as oral communication and a variety of undergraduate courses in communication studies and journalism including mass communication, print and broadcast reporting, multimedia storytelling, public relations, advertising, photojournalism, literary journalism, interpersonal, intercultural, computer-mediated communication, persuasion, and conflict resolution. Our program provides students the opportunity to participate in various clubs and student media organizations related to their major.
Concentration Areas
Communication Studies and Journalism curricula lead to the Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) in Communication. Majors take a common, foundational core of courses, which serves a dual purpose. First, it focuses on the personal development and growth of the individual for success in both personal and career life. The program helps students to become focused, confident, polished, and creative professionals. Second, its courses are structured to develop career and professional competence in situational, corporate, public, and mediated environments and cultures.
Communication Studies
The bed-rock of the major is oral communication, reinforced in the written arena. The curricula emphasizes corporate teamwork with individual collaboration along with the use of technology to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of communication.
Journalism
Journalism curricula focuses on the fundamentals of written communication and critical thinking skills that translate to excellent multimedia storytelling in reporting and public relations settings.
Practical Experience
These specializations combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on application. The curricula stress practical experiences. The student magazine, newspaper, radio station, yearbook, podcast studio, the regional PBS-affiliate television station, and the forensics (speech and debate) team are integrated with class work. Further, majors are encouraged to participate in internship and co-op programs.