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About Us

The Mission of the SJMC

Our mission is education, research and outreach: to prepare students for careers in journalism and related mass communication fields including new media technologies, teach students about the role of mass communication in society and expand and share knowledge of mass communication through research.

We believe in professional preparation and a liberal education that is rooted in the arts and sciences. Therefore, basic to our mission is a commitment to teach students to think critically and creatively. We prepare students to be leaders in mass communication fields and to be thoughtful, productive citizens in their communities and in public life generally. And we commit to doing so in an environment that is dynamic, interactive and intellectually challenging.

Our mission is encompassed within
three broad objectives:

  • To promote learning and advancement of knowledge about mass communication as it relates to the individual, community and society. The objective requires a curriculum that offers students an understanding of the nature, purposes and functions of communication industries and systems including historical context, the legal and regulatory environment, economic and global environment; and ethical standards and practices.
  • To provide students with skills to work as effective communication professionals and assume roles of leadership in communication industries. The objective requires a curriculum that offers students concentrated preparation in gathering, writing, reporting and editing information; and includes teaching students critical and strategic thinking skills in assimilating issues, concepts and content.
  • To advance the communication professions through research, service and professional outreach. The objective requires providing a foundation of knowledge, and a forum in which communication professionals and educators are encouraged to discuss, seek information about and find solutions to industry issues and questions. Our mission as well includes outreach to secondary schools in efforts to encourage and develop future journalism and communication professionals.