COM Department Seeks Accreditation for its Journalism and AD/PR Options

The Journalism and Advertising/Public Relations options of the CSUDH Communications Department are pursuing national accreditation from the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC), a nonprofit organization that measures standards in professional education in journalism and mass communications programs through rigorous, independent reviews once every six years.

The ACEJMC accreditation team of peers and practitioners visited the CSUDH campus earlier this year and conducted their initial site evaluation by looking at facilities, curricula, course syllabi, student learning outcomes, and meeting with students, faculty and administrators.

Based on their initial recommendations, the Communications Department has begun to develop and implement a strategic plan to meet the rigorous ACEJMC standards.

Over the next few years, the voluntary accreditation review process will involve a program self-study, campus visits, review of evidence, an assessment report and recommendations and/or judgments on accreditation status based on nine standards. The final site visit is expected to be completed in 2021, after which the ACEJMC will render its decision regarding the accreditation status.

The purpose of accreditation is to assure through self-evaluation, outside review, and other systems of accountability the quality of academic programs, including that curricula cover essential skills, maintain professional standards of practice and competencies, ensure effective preparation for the field, as well as provide appropriate resources and modern facilities.

Accreditation can also have a significant impact on eligibility for federally funded programs and student financial aid with the federal government and other public funding agencies. Earning accreditation also raises the profile and enhances an academic program’s reputation through the process of peer recognition.

The long-term goals for programs seeking accreditation are to meet national standards while continually improving the educational experience they offer students preparing for careers in journalism and mass communications.

“Accreditation is important because it ensures students receive the best education possible,” said Communications Department Chair, Dr. Nancy Cheever. “To earn accreditation, our journalism and advertising/public relations programs must meet the high standards of excellence set forth by the accrediting council. Once achieved, accreditation will elevate the value of these degrees, bring further awareness to our campus, and assist students in obtaining their chosen careers after graduation.”

If earned, the CSUDH COM program options would join a select few accredited programs in the state of California, including CSU Chico, CSU Fullerton, CSU Long Beach, CSU Northridge, San Diego State University, San Francisco State University, San Jose State University and the University of Southern California.