School of Communication

Sarah Gibson, Director, Chair, Professor
Alan Griggs, Associate Professor
Lois Jones, Assistant Professor
James F. McCollum Jr., Professor

Standing at the intersection of digital ethics and innovative media, the School of Communication prepares tomorrow’s communicators and storytellers for a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Our mission bridges the power of emerging technologies with the timeless art of storytelling while thoughtfully addressing the ethical challenges that new media presents.

Through our innovative curriculum, students join a creative community where hands-on experience is informed by a strong liberal arts foundation. Small classes led by scholar-practitioners enable students to put theory into practice from their first courses through their final portfolios. This distinctive approach combines time-tested communication fundamentals with cutting-edge developments in how we exchange, process, and reflect on information.

Our students emerge as:

Excellent communicators who craft compelling narratives across platforms
Active listeners who understand diverse perspectives
Critical thinkers who navigate complex media challenges
Bold leaders who embrace innovation responsibly
Responsible storytellers who uphold ethical principles

In our dynamic learning environment, students are challenged to meet new media boldly while building essential principles and values that will guide them throughout their careers.

Distinctives of the School of Communication

Legacy of Innovation

The School of Communication builds upon a rich journalistic heritage dating back to our founder, David Lipscomb, editor of the Gospel Advocate in 1866. From our first student newspaper in 1923 to early broadcast initiatives, our legacy of media innovation continues to evolve, shaping how we prepare today’s communication professionals.

Learning in Action

Students gain hands-on experience in our 6,000-square-foot Mullican Studios complex, featuring professional-grade television and radio facilities, multimedia production suites, social media recording space and a computer lab. Through award-winning Herd Media (our student media network) and Herd House (our student-run PR agency), students work on real projects for real clients, building professional portfolios before graduation.

Innovative Curriculum

Through our innovative curriculum, students design their own educational journey by combining a comprehensive Communication Core with multiple specialized certificates that align with their career aspirations. The Core develops essential skills in areas such as branding, storytelling, crisis management and multimedia writing, while certificates in Public Relations, Advertising, Sports Media, Broadcast Journalism, Digital Storytelling, Client and Event Management and AI Storytelling align with specific career goals. Students study more than one field, enhancing their employability in various market sectors upon graduation.

Internships

Every student completes at least one required internship. Lipscomb communication majors have interned at dozens of locations in the last several years, including the following: The Buntin Group, Bridgestone, Clear Channel, CMT, Country Music Association, “Dateline:NBC,” The Dave Ramsey Show, the Dell Corporation, the Disney Corporation, E! Radio, The Emmys, Firestone, Fox 17, the Golf Channel, Gospel Music Association, Governor of Tennessee, McNeely Pigott & Fox, Nashville Predators, Nashville Public Television, The Nashville Scene, Nashville Zoo, Provident Music, Seigenthaler Public Relations, Southern Hills Medical Center, Tennessee Titans, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Titans Radio Network, The Tennessean, Universal Music Group, United States Senator representing Tennessee, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, 95.5 WSM, WKRN-TV, WPLN-Radio, WSMV-TV, WTVF-TV, Youth Encouragement Services and 104.5 The Zone.

Professional Experience

Our Professional Real-World Opportunities (PRO) program bridges the classroom and industry by connecting students directly with seasoned professionals to work on projects. This unique mentorship model has yielded exceptional results, including a recent National Edward R. Murrow Award-winning project. Students also have the opportunity to build portfolios through hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art facilities, including the ESPN3 control room in Allen Arena, where they produce live sports coverage through our partnership with Turner Broadcasting and the Atlantic Sun Conference. These immersive experiences, combined with professional mentorship, enable students to develop essential industry connections and graduate with award-winning work in their portfolios.

Professional Societies

Students further enhance their professional growth through active participation in campus chapters of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ).

Career Opportunities

Our Communication degree offers unparalleled flexibility through customizable certificate combinations, developing the essential skills that employers consistently rank as fundamental qualifications across a wide range of positions.

Public Relations & Strategic Communication

Public Relations Specialist
Media Relations Manager
Corporate Communications Specialist
Crisis Communication Manager
Public Information Officer
Press Secretary
Internal Communications Specialist
Community Engagement Specialist
Government Relations Specialist
Nonprofit Communications Director

Advertising & Marketing

Advertising Account Manager
Digital Campaign Manager
Brand Strategist
Marketing Analytics Specialist
Content Marketing Strategist
Digital Marketing Manager
Social Media Manager
SEO/SEM Specialist
Media Planner/Buyer
Digital Reputation Manager

Sports Media

Sports Reporter
Sportscaster
Sports Information Director
Sports Production Director
Team Media Relations Manager
Sports Analytics Content Producer
Sports Digital Content Manager
Athletic Communications Director
Play-by-Play Announcer
Sports Promotion Specialist

Broadcast & Digital Journalism

News Anchor
Television Reporter
Broadcast Producer
News Director
Documentary Producer
Multimedia Journalist
Video Journalist
Broadcast Technical Director
News Writer
Field Producer
Photojournalist
Journalist
Station Manager

Digital Storytelling & Production

Digital Content Producer
Multimedia Storyteller
Podcast Producer/Host
Video Producer/Director
Digital Audio Producer
Documentary Filmmaker
Interactive Media Producer
Visual Storyteller
Digital Content Editor
Streaming Content Manager

Content Creation & Publishing

Content Strategist
Digital Publishing Specialist
Magazine/Newspaper Editor
Technical Writer
Copywriter
Book Editor
Feature Writer
Grant Writer

Strategic Planning & Event Management

Event Planner
Conference Manager
Project Manager
Client Relations Manager
Fundraising Professional
Event Marketing Specialist
Corporate Event Director
Experience Designer
Venue Relations Manager
Strategic Planning Consultant

AI & Emerging Media

AI Content Strategist
AI Prompt Engineer
Content Automation Specialist
Digital Innovation Manager
AI Ethics Communication Specialist
Emerging Technology Content Producer
AI Training & Development Specialist
Digital Transformation Specialist
AI Content Quality Manager
AI Implementation Strategist

Business & Professional Services

Account Executive
Marketing Manager
Human Resources Administrator
Customer Service Manager
Sales Representative
Real Estate Professional
Insurance Broker
Business Consultant

Specialized Fields

Legal Communications (Legal Assistant, Lawyer)
Government Relations
Crisis Communication Specialist
Mediator
Speechwriter
Motivational Speaker
Educational Professional
Non-profit Communications Director

Program of Study Requirements

Major

Communication, B.A.

Certification