Abstract
This article provides an overview of the accreditation process in journalism and mass communication as administered by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC). It explains accreditation as a system of certifying whether professional units meet prescribed standards and outlines the conditions required for eligibility, including practitioner-oriented mission statements, governance structures, and budgetary control. Twelve standards guide the process, with curriculum, faculty quality, instruction, resources, and diversity emphasized as central criteria. The article describes the multi-year preparation required for accreditation, the role of self-study, site visits, and evaluation by teams of educators and practitioners. It details possible outcomes, including full, provisional, or denied accreditation, and stresses the importance of accreditation for institutional legitimacy, resource acquisition, and program improvement. The discussion concludes that while judgments are complex, the process provides accountability and recognition of quality within higher education.
Recommended Citation
Mullins, Ed
(1988)
"The Basics of Accreditation by ACEJMC: Overview,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 64, Article 11.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol64/iss1/11
