July 24, 2024
The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications unanimously voted to reaccredit the Missouri School of Journalism at a recent meeting in Washington, D.C.
The School reaffirmed its status as one of a handful of schools continuously accredited since the late 1940s, fulfilling all eight standards of compliance at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Only 119 journalism and mass communication programs in the U.S. hold this accreditation.
“This reaccreditation highlights our unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism education,” said David Kurpius, Dean of the School of Journalism. “Our faculty and staff are dedicated to preparing students to thrive in a rapidly evolving media landscape through innovative and top-tier educational practices.”
The accreditation process includes a comprehensive self-study, a site visit by educators and professionals, a recommendation by the national accrediting committee and a final vote by the Accrediting Council.
The accrediting team highlighted the School’s strong and dynamic leadership, innovative curriculum, dedicated faculty, significant endowment and robust fundraising efforts as key factors in reaffirming its accreditation as one of the nation’s leading journalism schools.
Lynda Kraxberger, associate dean for undergraduate studies, spearheaded the School’s preparation of the self-study and coordinated the visit of the on-site accrediting team.
“It is deeply satisfying to hear such positive comments from the Accrediting Council,” Kraxberger said. “They confirm what we learned from the year-long self-study, which is that the Missouri School of Journalism provides students with a world-class education. Through our faculty and staff, we continue to evolve and grow to meet the journalism and strategic communication needs of our complicated and changing society.”
The 70-page accreditation report praised the school’s renowned hands-on teaching, commonly referred to as the “Missouri Method,” which immerses students in real-world print/digital news, TV news, and strategic communication work. This approach ensures students are well-prepared for professional careers.
“Students have unparalleled opportunities to learn in a professional atmosphere, supported by working professionals, faculty, and staff,” the report noted. “The list of achievements is almost unending.”
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