On May 3, 2024, in Washington D.C. the Accrediting Council of Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) approved the reaccreditation Shippensburg University’s Department of Communication, Journalism and Media (CJM). The vote was 12-0 and the Committee commended Ship’s CJM program for its “hard-working, student-focused faculty and staff.”
The accreditation process requires rigorous examination, and evaluation of the program’s structure, curriculum and outcomes. Every six years, a team of experts assesses whether or not the program is aligned with ACEJMC’s standards. In October 2023, Ship welcomed a site team that spent two and a half days engaging with stakeholders, evaluating facilities and analyzing the CJM program. This evaluation, alongside the department’s continuous self-assessments, contributed to determining the CJM department’s accreditation.
Ship’s CJM program is proud to utilize a student-focused approach and commitment to hands-on learning. Students are encouraged to immerse themselves in student media organizations and actively participate in professional development opportunities. Under the mentorship of faculty and staff, students gain critical thinking abilities that are essential to their success within the field.
Furthermore, the CJM curriculum emphasizes diversity and inclusion, striving to create a welcoming environment for all students. The department follows a stringent assessment plan that ensures every student receives a high-quality education that prepares them to participate in a diverse society.
According to the site visit report, “The unit has a robust curriculum that balances skills and conceptual courses. Its significant revisions updated the curriculum and prepared students with industry, writing and critical thinking skills. Students are actively engaged in the college and university with their coursework.”
Ship’s CJM program is honored to have earned an ACEJMC accreditation for the next six years and promises to continue to uphold the exemplary standards of the ACEJMC along with preparing students to become professionals in the field.
