PRACTICUM |  JEM 492 (2) S N/C

A practicum is required for all majors.  It is defined as a part-time work and learning experience at a participating media outlet.  Most students enroll in a practicum along with other courses at UT.  A practicum may be on-campus or off-campus in Knoxville.  It may also be in another location during summer months with permission of the practicum coordinator.  A practicum requires a minimum of 150 hours of meaningful and supervised work experienced during a semester.  This usually means that students work 10-20 hours per week.  Media outlets prefer for practicum students to be there for long blocks of time either all day or mornings or afternoons.  Some night shifts are also available in TV news.

Students must not only enroll in the course to earn credit but must also be accepted by an approved media or communications company.   Students should apply a few weeks before the beginning of the semester in which they plan to complete a practicum.  Students may be asked to complete an application for selected companies, interview, and take drug tests.

Paid practicums are permitted.  Some TV stations and cable companies now only hire paid practicum and internship students.  Students should treat the experience as a job. A final paper, time sheet, and a supervisor evaluation are required for a student to receive credit.

JEM Practicum Forms

• Practicum Checklist (PDF file)
• Application (opens in a new tab/window)
• Syllabus (PDF file)
• Schedule Confirmation (PDF file)
• Time Sheet (PDF file)

On-Campus Practicums and contacts:

WUTK-FM — Benny Smith – bsmit60@utk.edu

TNJN.com — Melanie Faizer – mfaizer@utk.edu

Daily Beacon — Jerry Bush – jbush17@utk.edu

TVC — Clint Elmore – celmore@utk.edu

VFL Films — Link Hudson – ahudson@utk.edu