The Department of Journalism and Media Studies concerns itself with both the practice of journalism and media production as well as the analysis of media institutions in a democratic society. We stand out among other journalism programs in our emphasis on both theory and practice, grounding our students in a rigorous, well-rounded approach to Journalism and Media Studies.

As a department committed to promoting a vibrant public sphere, our faculty conduct research in the areas of media and public policy; public culture and digital democracy; social movement media; global, local, and regional cultural production; global media and international journalism; nationalism, citizenship and identity, and media diversity. The research of our faculty not only broadens the scholarship in the field but also acts upon our society in transformative ways. We therefore strive to be public intellectuals and to train future practitioners and intellectuals.

At the undergraduate level, our students are taught state-of-the-art production techniques in television, print and on-line journalism. The department has its own facilities for television and radio production, as well as newswriting. Full-time faculty in JMS come with both practical and research experience in journalism and media studies. Additionally, the department draws upon a number of highly talented media practitioners, who work in the New York/New Jersey area, as visiting part-time faculty.

This combination of instructors gives students an opportunity to keep up with new practical developments in the field, as well as cutting edge research on media and journalism theory. There are many theoretical and conceptual courses that introduce students to media and politics, media criticism and news analysis and other such foundational theory. Students seeking employment as practitioners find the many internship opportunities in the nearby New York/New Jersey/Pennsylvania geographical area as stepping stones to a new career. Additionally, our theoretical courses prepare students to go on to graduate programs.

The Department offers an undergraduate major leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree, a specialization within the Master of Communication and Information Studies program, and participates in the school's doctoral program with a specialization in Media Studies.