Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications

The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications advocates
for the highest standards in journalism and mass communications education. Established with the goal
of ensuring excellence and continuous improvement, ACEJMC evaluates and accredits programs
at colleges and universities around the world.
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‍At-a-Glance

‍Established in 1945, ACEJMC originally was a partnership of journalism education and newspaper organizations. Its mission has grown to include advertising, public relations and strategic communication, digital media and broadcasting.

Programs are evaluated on eight standards: Governance and Administration; Curriculum and Instruction; Assessment of Learning Outcomes; Advancing a Culturally Proficient Workplace; Faculty; Student Services; Resources, Facilities and Equipment; and Professional and Public Service.

Approximately 120 programs are accredited, primarily in the U.S., and the Council welcomes additional programs in the U.S. and elsewhere that seek accreditation.

Programs are reviewed every six years. Schools are required to complete a self-study, and site teams conduct campus visits to evaluate programs.

Who ACEJMC Serves

ACEJMC is a crucial resource for educators, students and institutions. For educators, ACEJMC provides a framework to ensure journalism and mass communications programs meet industry standards and prepare students for the professions. For students, attending an accredited program means an experience that meets rigorous quality benchmarks and enhances employability. For institutions, obtaining accreditation is a distinction that can attract top-tier faculty and students.

The Value of ACEJMC Accreditation

Systematic, rigorous program review and accountability. Many universities require reviews to ensure programs are providing sufficient resources to students, exercising fiscal responsibility, integrating shared governance, and providing evidence of effective learning outcomes. ACEJMC accreditation provides this kind of review, with highly qualified external reviewers applying rigorous academic and professional standards to assess programs.

A modern, relevant curriculum. ACEJMC accreditation mandates that programs regularly assess and update their courses based on feedback from industry professionals. By regularly assessing program curricula and resources, ACEJMC ensures that graduates are technically and culturally competent and able to thrive in diverse settings. Such assessment ensures that curricula remain relevant and transformative for students and attractive to employers.

External validation for resource allocation and program quality. While acknowledging and allowing for the unique attributes of programs, ACEJMC standards include specific requirements related to course size, teaching credentials, and engagement of full-time faculty. Accreditation review also includes an assessment of resource allocation, which can provide administrators with validation for their needs and help as they plan for program growth.

Exposure to best practices across the professions and the academy. Approximately 120 programs around the globe, representing all institution types, are accredited. The review process and regular ACEJMC updates ensure that program directors are apprised of industry and higher education trends and best practices, and are actively engaged in relevant conversations with industry and academic peers.

Enhanced program reputation, community engagement, and visibility. Accreditation standards include
a review of program engagement with alumni and a wide range of stakeholders. This ensures programs
are engaged in service to the profession and the public at large. As such, accredited programs
enjoy increased visibility and an enhanced reputation that beneifts their institutions, their graduates,
and their local communities.‍

‍Updated Spring 2026

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