The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication Department of Journalism, Media Studies and Public Relations (JMPR) Assessment Plan for Student Learning Outcomes The mission of the Journalism, Media Studies, and Public Relations program is to provide students with a strong liberal arts background that will enable them to think critically, follow ethical practices, and understand the concepts and skills that will equip them for meaningful communication careers. We are dedicated to educating the next generation of storytellers to be open-minded and eager to explore new ideas, techniques, and technologies that will help to advance the field of communication and civic life globally and across our diverse cultures. Through this commitment students will: • • • • •
Receive an education that combines professional skills with a liberal arts emphasis and fosters an appreciation of the significance of domestic and global diversity in mass and targeted communications. Be guided by a dedicated and diverse faculty with the proper mix of academic and professional backgrounds to ensure excellence in teaching and advising. Experience a required internship program that affords them the opportunity to work with some of the nation’s leading professionals while matching classroom learning with on-the-job practices. Be trained with equipment and software that reflects the current state of the industry and is regularly updated to help students adapt to developments in the field. Be enriched by a faculty who are actively involved in research and professional communities and who contribute to advancing the body of information available in the journalism, media studies, and the public relations fields.
The Department’s bachelor’s degree programs have been accredited for nearly 25 years by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC). What follows are the Department’s learning outcomes (expressed as Department goals), the assessment plan process and a brief history of the ways in which they are measured, both directly and indirectly. Using these assessments, the Department has instituted changes in course content, curriculum, resources, and instructional approach. This process has been done by individuals, as programs, and collectively as a department. UNDERGRADUATE ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENTS Over the past six academic years, the Department of Journalism, Media Studies and Public Relations (JMPR) has engaged in a sustained and systematic process of learning outcomes assessment. These efforts reflect a strong institutional commitment to continuous improvement, alignment with disciplinary standards, and preparation of students for professional success. The assessment strategies employed combine both direct and indirect measures, utilize multiple tools, and demonstrate a consistent emphasis on “closing the loop” through data-informed curricular and programmatic changes. The department has implemented a comprehensive and multi-layered assessment model grounded in the competencies outlined by ACEJMC. Across the 5-year review period, the department consistently assessed key learning outcomes including critical thinking, writing proficiency, ethical reasoning, research skills, technological competency, and understanding of key concepts related to the disciplines of mass communication, such as freedom of expression, basic numerical and statistical concepts.
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