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 2022. 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 requires
that graduates of accredited programs be aware of certain core values and competencies
and be able to:
- apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press, in a global context, and for the country in which the institution that invites ACEJMC is located;
- demonstrate an understanding of the multicultural history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications;
- demonstrate culturally proficient communication that empowers those traditionally disenfranchised in society, especially as grounded in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and ability, domestically and globally, across communication and media contexts;
- present images and information effectively and creatively, using appropriate tools and technologies;
- write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve;
- demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and service to all people and communities.
- apply critical thinking skills in conducting research and evaluating information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work;
- effectively and correctly apply basic numerical and statistical concepts;
- critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness;
- 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.