The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications is the agency formally recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation for accrediting professional education programs in journalism and mass communications at institutions of higher learning.

ACEJMC’s current CHEA-recognized scope is: “Programs in regionally and nationally accredited institutions within the United States and internationally that provide professional education in journalism and mass communications at the baccalaureate and master’s degree level (only profession-focused master’s level programs).”

The structure for evaluating and accrediting journalism and mass communications programs was established in 1945, when the American Council on Education in Journalism was formed. Its name was changed to the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications in 1980.

The Council originally was an association of journalism education and newspaper organizations. Its membership now includes national associations representing newspapers, broadcasting, advertising, public relations, professional societies, and education in journalism and mass communications. Its three public members are affiliated with neither industry nor education in journalism and mass communications.

Membership on the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications is open to all membership associations of educators or professionals (including foundations related to such associations) that are involved with the professional education of students for careers in journalism, mass communications, telecommunications and other media. Admission to the Council is subject to approval by a majority of the Accrediting Council.

The Council is assisted in its work by the office of an executive director, an Accrediting Committee, an Executive Committee, teams that conduct site visits, and an Appeals Board. The executive director’s office maintains records, provides assistance regarding the self-study process, arranges site visits and meetings for the Council, and manages the day-to-day operations of the organization.

The Council elects an Accrediting Committee composed of journalism and mass communications educators and industry representatives to advise it on the accreditation status of journalism and mass communications units. A majority of Accrediting Committee members are educators. The Committee meets each spring to make its recommendations based on the reports prepared by the site teams and responses from the institutions.

The members of a site team are persons qualified to evaluate the units and curricula offered by a particular institution. The institution to be visited approves site team members before invitations are made to the individuals.

The Council comprises member association representatives and three public members. Each member has one vote. The Council makes final decisions about the accreditation of visited units, the periodic revision of its standards and procedures, and the publication of information about accreditation of journalism and mass communications programs. The Council usually meets twice each year.

The Council elects a president and a vice president from the representatives who make up the Council. The Council also selects its executive director.

The Executive Committee comprises the president and vice president of the Accrediting Council, the chair and vice chair of the Accrediting Committee, and the executive director. This committee assists the executive director and the Council president in responding to questions and in providing guidance and recommendations for decisions the president may have to make before the next full Council meeting.

The Appeals Board, appointed each year by the president, hears appeals from schools and departments regarding accreditation decisions made by the Council.

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See Part I Accreditation Authority, History and Structure of ACEJMC, Pages 11-12, in the 2026-2027 Journalism and Mass Communications Accreditation handbook.

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