Tennessee's Digital Communications pathway prepares students for careers in online content creation, social media management, and digital journalism. Tennessee's media landscape—from traditional news organizations to digital-native publishers—values skilled digital communicators.
Students develop competencies in content strategy, social media management, digital writing, multimedia storytelling, and audience analytics. Hands-on work includes creating content for multiple platforms, managing social media accounts, and analyzing audience engagement.
Graduates work as content creators, social media managers, digital journalists, or communications specialists. Opportunities span news organizations, marketing departments, nonprofits, and independent content creation.
Digital Communications at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Tennessee's digital communications standards emphasize storytelling, platform mastery, and analytics. The state integrates current social media trends and professional communication practices.
Students complete communication projects and develop digital portfolios. Assessment includes content analysis, audience engagement metrics, and participation in communication competitions.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Communications Foundations |
| Digital Communications I |
| Digital Communications II |
| Communications Practicum |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Video Design Specialist
- ✓Unity Certified User - Programmer
- ✓Unity Certified User - Artist
- ✓Unity Certified User - VR Developer
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Photoshop
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Illustrator
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - InDesign
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Premiere Pro
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Content Creator
Entry LevelSalary range: $46,940 - $67,580
Adjusted for cost of living: $50,735
Social Media Manager
Entry LevelSalary range: $42,780 - $75,900
Adjusted for cost of living: $46,239
Digital Strategist
ExperiencedAdjusted for cost of living: $51,881
Communications Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $42,780 - $75,900
Adjusted for cost of living: $60,744
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern at media outlets, marketing agencies, nonprofits, and corporate communications departments.
Career & Technical Student Organization
How Sage Helps Tennessee CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Tennessee Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Tennessee's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Tennessee standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Tennessee
Audio/Visual Production
Tennessee's Audio/Visual Production pathway prepares students for careers in video production, audio engineering, and media production. Nashville's music industry heritage expands into film, television, podcasting, and streaming media, creating strong demand for production professionals. Students learn camera operation, audio recording and mixing, video editing, lighting design, and production management. Projects include producing short films, documentaries, music videos, and podcast episodes using professional equipment and software. Graduates work as videographers, audio engineers, production assistants, or technical directors with production companies, television stations, music studios, and corporate media departments. Growing opportunities exist in streaming, YouTube, and independent production.
Arts, A/V Technology, & CommunicationsDigital Arts & Design
Tennessee's Digital Arts & Design pathway prepares students for creative careers in digital media, graphic design, and visual communication. Nashville's growing creative and entertainment industries—beyond music to include film, television, and digital media—create opportunities for skilled designers. Students develop proficiency in design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma), digital illustration, layout principles, color theory, and typography. Projects include designing digital assets, creating visual identities, and developing portfolios. Graduates work as graphic designers, digital artists, user experience designers, or in-house designers for companies and agencies. Many freelance or start creative businesses. Salaries range from $30,000 entry-level to $65,000+ for experienced designers.
Arts, A/V Technology, & CommunicationsMarketing
Tennessee's Marketing pathway prepares students for careers in advertising, digital marketing, sales management, marketing research, merchandising, and retail operations. This dynamic program teaches students to analyze consumer behavior, develop marketing strategies, create promotional campaigns, and build customer relationships in diverse business contexts. With businesses throughout Tennessee requiring marketing expertise to compete in digital marketplaces, marketing skills are essential across all industries. The pathway integrates traditional marketing principles with contemporary digital marketing strategies including social media marketing, content marketing, search engine optimization, marketing analytics, and e-commerce. Students develop both creative and analytical abilities, learning to craft compelling marketing messages while using data to measure campaign effectiveness and optimize marketing investments. The curriculum includes hands-on projects where students create marketing plans, develop promotional materials, conduct market research, and execute campaigns for real clients. Tennessee's Marketing programs often operate school stores, student-run businesses, or marketing agencies that provide authentic marketing and sales experiences. Students participate in DECA competitions testing marketing knowledge, professional skills, and business acumen. Strong partnerships with Tennessee businesses provide work-based learning opportunities and employment pathways. Graduates are prepared for entry-level marketing and sales positions, continuation to four-year marketing degree programs, or entrepreneurial ventures in retail or e-commerce.
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