School of Journalism & Mass Communications

Graduation requirements and regulations for every academic program are provided in this catalog; however, this catalog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract. Degree and program requirements and course descriptions are subject to change.

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The School of Journalism and Mass Communications

Values

The William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications is guided by a set of core values. We value

  • A diverse, collaborative, and dynamic student-centered environment.
  • Excellence in learning, teaching, and mentoring.
  • Free expression and conscientious, ethical journalism as cornerstones of a democratic society.
  • Critical and creative thinking.
  • Meaningful research and creative activity.
  • Imaginative outreach and collaboration on this campus, in Kansas, and in the profession of journalism.

Mission

The mission of the school is to teach students to think critically and creatively while preparing them for careers in journalism, mass communications, and related fields and for graduate study. Graduates will

  • Appreciate the value of freedom of expression and its importance in society.
  • Be able to analyze mass media critically.
  • Have an ethical framework for the practice of journalism and mass communication.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the value of a diverse society, a diverse workplace, and the importance of reflecting that diversity in mass media.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of changing media technologies on society.
  • Demonstrate effective production and presentation skills for the media.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of research for adding new knowledge and an ability to employ research techniques for analysis and interpretation.
  • Demonstrate understanding of how communications organizations function and the important management issues they face.

The school is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.

Facilities

Stauffer-Flint Hall and Dole Human Development Center

The school’s classrooms, laboratories, student media, and faculty offices are in Stauffer-Flint Hall and Dole Human Development Center. The school’s Dean's office, Student Services office, The Agency, The University Daily Kansan, Media Crossroads, KUJH-TV, and the Journalism Resource Center are in Stauffer-Flint, as is the office of the Kansas Scholastic Press Association. The Dole Center houses multimedia labs, graduate student offices and classroom space.

Journalism Student Services Center

The Student Services Center, 117 Stauffer-Flint Hall, houses the Recruitment Coordinator, Career and Outreach Coordinator and Undergraduate Advising and Records. For prospective student questions about admissions to KU from a high school or transfer institution, please contact our Recruitment Coordinator at (785) 864-7620. For current KU students seeking admission to the School of Journalism, contact (785) 864-4080. Students who need advising, enrollment and graduation planning and assistance should also call (785) 864-4080.

Journalism Resource Center

Professional publications, copies of major national and state newspapers, and reference and research materials are available in the Journalism Resource Center, 210 Stauffer-Flint Hall. Students may check out computers for use in the Resource Center.