The West Virginia University Reed School of Media and Communications is currently one of only 120 journalism/communication programs accredited worldwide by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC). The School is also one of only 45 programs internationally to earn the Certification in Public Relations from the Public Relations Society of America. To learn more about the public relations certification read
Accreditation site visits for ACEJMC occur every six years; our last visit was held in October 2015. Accreditation is a voluntary activity that helps ensure quality educational curricula, facilities, faculty, student services, technology and more.
During the site visit for Certification for Education in Public Relations, reviewers observed several PR classes; had individual meetings with PR faculty members and the Dean; spoke with advising and career support staff; toured facilities; interviewed current students, alumni and internship employers; and conducted a Q&A session during a PRSSA meeting.
ACEJMC Professional Values and Competencies
The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) requires that, irrespective of their particular specialization, all graduates should be aware of certain core values and competencies and be able to:
- Understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press for the country in which the institution that invites ACEJMC is located, as well as receive instruction in and understand the range of systems of freedom of expression around the world, including the right to dissent, to monitor and criticize power, and to assemble and petition for redress of grievances;
- Demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications;
- Demonstrate an understanding of gender, race ethnicity, sexual orientation and, as appropriate, other forms of diversity in domestic society in relation to mass communications;
- Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of peoples and cultures and of the significance and impact of mass communications in a global society;
- Understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information;
- Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity;
- Think critically, creatively and independently;
- Conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work;
- Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve;
- Critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness;
- Apply basic numerical and statistical concepts;
- Apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work.
Units requesting evaluation of a graduate program must also demonstrate how their master’s graduates attain this additional core competency:
- Contribute to knowledge appropriate to the communications professions in which they work.