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TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY
Amber Hinsley, PhD, Texas State University School of Journalism and Mass Communication associate professor and journalism program coordinator, is passionate about equipping students with the skills and experiences they need to succeed in the rapidly evolving media landscape. A former journalist herself, Hinsley exemplifies the program’s commitment to blending academic rigor with professional expertise.
The journalism program at Texas State is designed to be deeply rooted in practical, hands-on learning. Students take a series of progressively advanced courses, starting with basic reporting and culminating in multimedia and data journalism. Electives like sports reporting, photojournalism and graphic design allow students to tailor their education to their career interests.
For those drawn to broadcast journalism, the electronic media major provides a focused path. Many students benefit from the crossover between journalism and electronic media courses, gaining skills applicable to both fields.
“We prepare students to excel in multiple aspects of media,” Hinsley said.
Hinsley takes pride in the unique learning opportunities offered by the program. Through the Study in America initiative, students travel to locations like Acadia National Park or New Mexico, where they complete intensive, two-week courses while engaging in hands-on reporting. The program also offers international study-abroad trips, including destinations like Japan, London and Amsterdam.
“These short-term trips provide invaluable experiences,” Hinsley said. “They’re more affordable and flexible, especially for students who work during the semester, and they open students’ eyes to broader perspectives in journalism.”
Core classes in multimedia and investigative journalism ensure students graduate with marketable skills. The investigative journalism course, for instance, teaches students how to file open records requests, analyze data sets and create compelling data visualizations.
“Our goal is to help students uncover stories hidden in data and present them in a way the public can easily understand,” Hinsley said.
The program’s faculty consists entirely of former journalists, many of whom still maintain professional connections. This expertise directly benefits students, providing them with opportunities to publish work in professional outlets.
One example is Professor Dino Chiecchi collaboration with the Austin American-Statesman. Over the past two years, Chiecchi has taken students to Uvalde to report on the community’s recovery following the tragic school shooting. These stories have been published in the Statesman, the Texas Standard and have aired on Austin’s public radio station, KUT.
Students are encouraged to get involved with The University Star, Texas State’s student-run newspaper, starting in their first semester. The newspaper operates as a multi-platform outlet, publishing a print edition, a newsletter, a monthly newscast and maintaining a strong social media presence.
“Unlike other universities, we don’t make students wait until they’ve completed specific courses to join student media,” Hinsley said. “They can start building their portfolios from day one.”
Additional student organizations include the Society of Professional Journalists chapter and a forthcoming Hispanic Journalist Student Association. The annual Mass Comm Week brings guest speakers, alumni and media professionals to campus for networking and professional development events.
Texas State graduates go on to work in diverse fields, from traditional newsrooms to digital content creation and storytelling roles. Alumni have won Emmy Awards, worked at the New York Times, and landed roles in organizations like Texas Monthly.
“We focus on helping students get their first job,” Hinsley said. “That first step is often the key to unlocking future opportunities.”
The program evolves alongside the media industry, integrating emerging tools like artificial intelligence into the curriculum. Hinsley encourages students to view AI as a tool rather than a threat, teaching them ethical ways to incorporate it into their reporting.
“AI can handle basic tasks, but it can’t replace human intuition or the ability to uncover complex, investigative stories,” she said.
Facilities like the new Live Oak Studio enhance students’ learning experiences, providing access to podcast studios and television production spaces. The Strategic Professionalism course, launching soon, will teach students skills like resume building, LinkedIn optimization and professional etiquette.
Under Hinsley’s leadership, Texas State’s journalism program prioritizes hands-on experience, industry relevance and adaptability. Her dedication to student success is clear in her approach to teaching and mentorship.
“I want students to take advantage of every opportunity,” she said. “By engaging with student media, internships and networking events, they can set themselves up for success in this competitive and exciting field.”
Through her work, Hinsley continues to shape the next generation of journalists, ensuring they graduate not just with a degree, but with the skills and confidence to excel.
