Public Accountability

The Department of Journalism provides students with educational excellence in an experiential learning environment leading to an understanding of the role of mass media in a diverse democratic society while teaching critical thinking, and the ethical use of traditional and new media. The department’s current strategic plan emphasizes seven key areas: 1) student experience, 2) industry and career outreach, 3) recruitment and marketing, 4) accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion, 5) global impact, 6) innovation and thought leadership, and 7) a steadfast commitment to free speech.

Assessment of learning outcomes

The department’s assessment plan ensures student success by helping the faculty continuously assess its curriculum. Upon graduation, graduates of the Department of Journalism will be able to: 

  1. Apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press, in the U.S. and global contexts.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the multicultural history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications.
  3. Demonstrate culturally proficient communication that empowers those traditionally disenfranchised in society, especially, for example, as grounded in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and ability, domestically and globally, across communication and media contexts;
  4. Present images and information accurately, effectively and creatively, using appropriate tools and technologies.
  5. Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve.
  6. Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity.
  7. Apply critical thinking skills in conducting research and evaluating information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work. 2
  8. Effectively and accurately apply basic numerical and statistical concepts.
  9. Critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness.
  10. Apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work.