Department of Media & Journalism

Internships provide you with opportunities to gain professional-level media experience in real-world environments under the supervision of professional practitioners. They also offer opportunities for developing portfolios, making media contacts and networking. Internships are valuable experiences that potential employers look for on students' transcripts and resumes.

KYOT-TV Cable Channel 21 : Student Television

Station KYOT-TV is a student cable television station owned by USD and operated by the Department of Media & Journalism. KYOT provides you with hands-on experience and prepares you for communication careers. Participation includes opportunities for directing, producing, anchoring, production and marketing of programming including live newscasts, sports specials and more. No matter what your major is, you can become part of the Coyote News team.

Coyote News TV: Wednesdays live at 5 p.m., KYOT Cable Channel 21

Coyote Radio 91.1 FM: Student Radio Station

Coyote Radio, KAOR-FM, 91.1 MHz, is the student radio station of the University of South Dakota. Coyote Radio is licensed as a non-commercial education FM station by the Federal Communications Commission to the Board of Regents of the State of South Dakota under the name of the University of South Dakota. All students are welcome to join us. Programming includes news, talk shows, music, movie reviews, live sports play-by-play and color commentary, among many other program options. 

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The Volante: Student Newspaper

The Volante is our award-winning weekly student newspaper that is consistently ranked among the top college weekly publications in the country. Joining The Volante staff enables you to experience news writing, reporting, editing, photography and more. All majors are welcome to participate.

Coyote Creative: In-house Advertising Agency

Students brainstorm ideas, write scripts and then produce video promotions, commercials and public service announcements for campus entities and non-campus clients. Projects are designed to enhance student portfolios. 

American Advertising Federation (AAF)

Members of the USD chapter of the AAF are involved in various activities associated with the advertising industry, including internships and conference participation. Students work as a team and compete annually in the National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC) among other campaigns. Practical experience that gives students an edge in the job market is obtained through the chapter's work and the Coyote Creative agency.

Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)

The USD chapter of the national PRSSA offers students the opportunity to explore career options in public relations, network with professionals and develop a sense of professionalism and ethics. Students also participate in field trips and meet with company or ad agency representatives to learn first-hand about the inner workings of the profession.

South Dakota Public Broadcasting

Our partnership with South Dakota Public Broadcasting ensures the most comprehensive media program in the region and gives graduates an edge in the industry. Students work in marketing, digital storytelling, radio, and TV production. 

Generation Us, GEN:US, is a student-led digital marketing agency at the University of South Dakota. GEN:US was formed to help create, promote and engage the community of Vermillion and the students of USD by connecting one another through digital media. Students work with clients by assisting in the creation of social media strategies and digital content, creating compelling campaigns for businesses, programs and organizations.

The Departments of Media & Journalism and Communication Studies offer a number of graduate teaching assistantships, which carry a stipend and tuition reduction. Our graduate teaching assistants obtain valuable skills for professional careers or continuing academic work.

As a graduate assistant, you may do the following:

• Teach individual sections of MCOM courses including 161 Graphic Communication or 151 Introduction to Mass Communication or CMST 101: The Basic Course. 
• Provide campus-wide training at the Presentation Center.
• Assist with coaching the Speech and Debate Team.
• Support audio and video production at the state-of-the-art Al Neuharth Media Center.
• Conduct testing and research in the psychophysiology lab.

More about Graduate Assistantships