Purpose and Vision
We believe that a robust, independent media is fundamental to a democratic society in which individuals are empowered as critical thinkers, creative problem-solvers and engaged citizens. We expect our students, faculty and staff to use their communications skills and expertise to help our communities adapt and thrive in a diverse global society.
Our Goals
- Prepare students to be skilled and ethical communications professionals who are grounded in research methods, current and emerging media practices and the principles of the First Amendment.
- Advance media communications theory and practice that positions the School as an academic thought leader and an incubator for industry solutions.
- Use the skills and expertise of our faculty, staff, students and alumni to create and support communications that contribute to the well-being and betterment of local communities.
- Partner with the school of Creative Arts and Media and the University to grow diverse enrollment, advance innovation and entrepreneurship, and collaborate across disciplines and programs.
Our Assessment Plan
Our school’s accrediting body, the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) requires that, irrespective of their particular specialization, all graduates should be able to do the following:
- 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.
Our undergraduate programs have learning outcomes that reflect ACEJMC’s core values and competencies. Information about each program’s learning outcomes can be found at the following links: Integrated Marketing Communications, Journalism, Multidisciplinary Media Studies, Sports and Adventure Media, and Advertising and Public Relations.
Our direct measures for assessment include the following:
- A syllabus audit is conducted every three years of core courses that are shared across our programs (MDIA 101; MDIA 215S; MDIA 225S; MDIA 328; MDIA 401; MDIA 427; and MDIA 455) to ensure competencies remain across program areas and are scaffolded appropriately. The most recent audit was conducted in AY 2023-2024.
- The Theory, History, Ethics, Law, Digital and Diversity (THELDD) Test is given anonymously to first-year students in the fall semester and to graduating seniors in the spring semester every other year to track learning progress in these areas. THELDD was administered most recently in AY 2024-2025.
- Capstone course assessments take place every other year. Students’ capstone projects in each capstone course we offer are shared with professionals who rate the projects using a rubric that aligns with each major’s learning outcomes. The most recent capstone assessments were completed in Spring 2024.
Our indirect measures for assessment include the following:
- Graduating senior exit survey is conducted each December and May.
- Recent graduate (previous three years) alumni survey is conducted every three years. The most recent survey was administered in August 2025.
Results of assessment measures and responses are shared with faculty and staff in separate reports and are included in our accreditation self-study.
This assessment plan is reviewed every three years. The most recent assessment plan review was in AY 2025-2026 and included updates to the THELDD test.