Abstract
This article critiques the dominance of professional values in the accreditation of journalism and mass communication programs, arguing that academic perspectives have been marginalized in the process. It highlights how accreditation policies, shaped largely by industry representatives, have defined all journalism and mass communication courses as non-liberal arts, a stance that threatens the intellectual and academic identity of the field. The discussion emphasizes that many communication courses contribute directly to liberal education through conceptual and critical content, and rigid vocational classifications risk undermining their value within universities. Historical perspectives and comparisons with liberal arts traditions are used to illustrate the need for flexibility in accreditation standards, allowing journalism and mass communication to be recognized as part of the liberal arts. The article concludes that accreditation should balance professional training with academic values, ensuring that communication education contributes fully to general education and civic life.
Recommended Citation
Blanchard, Robert O.
(1988)
"Academic Values Are Losing Out to the Narrow Values of Industry Representatives in the Accreditation Process,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 64, Article 10.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol64/iss1/10
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