News | April 11th, 2025

SJGC Advances in Reaccreditation Process – Final Round in May 2025

By: Joshua Morain

The School of Journalism & Graphic Communication at Florida A&M University is on the cusp of achieving another milestone in its history. As the first historically Black college or university journalism program to gain national accreditation by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) in 1982, SJGC has consistently upheld its reputation for excellence. Now, the school is preparing for the third and final round of its reaccreditation process, scheduled for May 2025—a pivotal moment for the institution and its students. 

 What Accreditation Means for SJGC 

Accreditation by ACEJMC is more than just a badge of honor; it’s a rigorous process that ensures programs meet high standards in areas such as curriculum, faculty qualifications, facilities and student outcomes. Dean Mira Lowe emphasized the value of maintaining high standards and credibility.  

“Accreditation is a stamp of approval that shows our program has met strict standards for quality and relevance,” says Lowe. “It builds trust among students, parents, and employers, signaling that graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for their fields”. 

The reaccreditation process includes three key steps: an internal self-study to assess alignment with ACEJMC standards, an external site visit by academic and professional experts, and a final decision by the Accrediting Council based on the team’s findings. 

Preparing for the Final Round 

SJGC has already successfully passed two rounds of evaluation, demonstrating compliance with ACEJMC’s stringent standards. As it prepares for May’s final review, faculty members are doubling down on efforts to ensure continued excellence. Dr. Leah Hunter, a tenured professor who has participated in past accreditation cycles, highlighted how accreditation influences curriculum development. 

 “Courses are developed to make sure we are in alignment with accrediting body requirements,” Hunter noted. “The curriculum committee reviews courses regularly to stay on top of industry trends while teaching fundamentals”. 

Additionally, SJGC has made strides in enhancing its resources and facilities. Sophomore public relations student Shayla Jones noted improvements to SJGC equipment in leu of the reaccreditation process.   

“We just started using LiveU, which allows a reporter to record out in the field,” Jones said. “There also is a new TV at the entrance that shows the students and faculty’s accomplishments.”  

With these strategic preparations and investments, SJGC is ready to showcase its unwavering commitment to academic excellence and innovation during the final round of accreditation. 

Why Accreditation Matters 

Accreditation is not just about meeting standards; it’s about fostering continuous improvement. For students like Shayla Jones, studying at an accredited institution adds value to their degrees. 

 “When you say you’re an alumnus of FAMU J-school, that name holds weight because we’re accredited and the people they produce”.  

Employers also recognize ACEJMC accreditation as a mark of quality, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for careers in journalism and mass communications. 

From a broader perspective, accreditation ensures that SJGC remains competitive among the 120 accredited journalism programs in the U.S., out of over 1,000 schools offering media studies. This distinction underscores FAMU’s leadership in journalism education. 

 SJGC: A Top-Tier HBCU Journalism Program 

Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication is consistently recognized as one of the best journalism programs among historically Black colleges and universities. According to hbcu-colleges.com, in 2024, SJGC ranked second out of 69 HBCUs offering journalism programs, trailing only Howard University. This prestigious ranking underscores the program’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and student success. 

This distinction places SJGC ahead of other notable programs, such as those at Tuskegee University and North Carolina A&T State University, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in journalism education. 

 Looking Ahead 

As SJGC approaches May 2025, there is optimism about maintaining its legacy of excellence while embracing innovation. Dean Lowe reflected on the significance of this milestone: “It’s not just about preserving a legacy; it’s about ensuring our program continues to meet the highest standards of excellence and prepares our students for success in an evolving media landscape”. 

The reaccreditation process also positions SJGC to explore emerging opportunities in digital certification, a strategic move aimed at expanding student access to cutting-edge media tools and practices. By aligning with ACEJMC’s rigorous criteria, SJGC ensures it remains at the forefront of journalism education.