Missouri School of Journalism Earns National Accreditation
Missouri is one of just a handful of schools that has been continuously accredited since the voluntary self-assessment and external review process began in the late 1940s. Only 113 journalism and mass communication programs in the U.S. are accredited.
The Report Noted ‘the School Continues to Be One of the Best Programs in the Country’
Chicago (May 3, 2017) — The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications unanimously voted to reaccredit the Missouri School of Journalism at the group’s April 28 meeting in Chicago.
The School was found to be in full compliance with all nine standards at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Missouri is one of just a handful of schools that has been continuously accredited since the voluntary self-assessment and external review process began in the late 1940s. Only 113 journalism and mass communication programs in the U.S. are accredited.
“The faculty of the School of Journalism are dedicated researchers and practitioners who set high standards for students who return that commitment by winning state and national awards. The School continues to be one of the best programs in the country,” noted the site-visit team in its final report.
The accreditation process involves four steps. These are a self-study conducted by faculty, staff and students; a site visit of educators and professionals; a recommendation by the national accrediting committee; and a final vote by the national Accrediting Council.
Since the school was last accredited in 2011, its top administration changed hands when David Kurpius was named dean in July 2015 following the retirement of Dean Mills who had served for more than 20 years. Of Kurpius, the team noted: “The dean favors consultative, collaborative leadership, the engagement of faculty in decision making, and transparency about administration and resources.”
Efforts to strengthen the school’s diversity and inclusiveness were recognized by the site team. They said “it is clear that the School is deeply committed to continuing to improve the makeup and climate of the School so it is more representative of the media landscape and of the changing demographics of the country.”
Among other comments in the 69-page report is one regarding student services: “The hands-on, learning-by-doing approach and the wealth of curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities to develop their professional and intellectual abilities are particular strengths of the program.”
Another, about professional and public service, noted: “The School is a model in the nation for engaging alumni, industry professionals and journalism and mass communication associations and organizations. The interaction is part of its culture, integrated in classrooms and promoted in recruitment. This engagement not only helps Missouri constituents but also contributes to the advancement of the profession on a national basis.”
The Missouri School of Journalism is the world’s first. It is recognized internationally for its Missouri Method, which provides practical hands-on training in six professional news outlets – Columbia Missourian, KOMU-TV, KBIA-FM, Vox Magazine, Global Journalist, Missouri Business Alert – and two strategic communication agencies – AdZou and MOJO Ad.
The school works with the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute to help create a bright future for journalism. RJI and the 21 institutes and centers headquartered at the school provide numerous research, networking, collaboration opportunities and other resources. Students and faculty earned top awards and recognitions – more than 560 in the last academic year – from international, national and other organizations.
Updated: October 20, 2020