About the School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Over a Century of Media Influence
The communications industry is booming, and college graduates with the right skills are in high demand. Just think of all the media you consume every day: radio and TV broadcasts, newspapers, magazines, ads, websites, videos, podcasts, webcasts, tablets, social media, mobile apps, and more.
We are living in an information age, and smart, talented, innovative, and ethical communications professionals get jobs—in industry, in government, in sports and entertainment, in education, in the nonprofit world … everywhere, really. An education from Drake University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication gives you the skills and confidence to create that future!
In this immersive, hands-on environment, you’ll discover the major and career path that fits you. You can declare a major right away—and change it, if you change your mind. Either way, Bulldogs graduate prepared to enter—and lead—an intensely competitive, dynamic industry.
Learn more about our history and how we’ve educated media professionals for over a century.
Our Community
Everything that results from your SJMC education—a great internship, a terrific career, and future-flexible skills—starts with our people: A supportive community of award-winning faculty and staff, who are ready to mentor tomorrow’s media professionals.
Undergraduates and 30 graduate students were enrolled in 2023.
SJMC is the only ACEJMC-accredited program at a private institution in the Midwest (and one of just 117 worldwide).
Each of our full-time faculty combines academic credentials with practical experience in their fields.
Our History and Mission
Communication education has been an integral part of Drake for more than 100 years. As the field has changed, so have we, embracing new media and expanding our scope—while maintaining our focus on ethics, experience, and excellence.
Our Early Years
Our entry into media instruction dates to 1919, when the College of Commerce, Finance and Journalism opened. One of our first leaders was George Gallup, who went on to launch a famed polling organization.
Our Mission
We educate strategic, global thinkers with diverse media and communication skills. Our emphasis on active, real-world preparation, adhering to journalistic standards, and personal mentorship produces graduates able to adapt to rapid changes in our field.
Our Growth
By the 1930s, our newspaper journalism offerings had expanded to advertising, photojournalism, and radio. Over the following decades, we added programs in public relations and television as well.
Formation of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication
In 1981, we became the School of Journalism and Mass Communication to reflect the diversity of our offerings. Regardless of which of our seven majors you choose, you’ll be part of a tradition focused on telling stories that reflect the human experience.
Accreditation
We earned our first accreditation, from the American Council on Education for Journalism (ACEJ), in 1972. Since then, we’ve been continuously re-accredited several times, most recently by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) in 2024.
Our Commitment to Diversity
SJMC celebrates our differences not just in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and other characteristics but also through the lens of the First Amendment’s guarantee of freedom of expression.
SJMC Today
Choose from seven undergraduate majors focused on multimedia journalism, magazine and brand media, digital media production, advertising, public relations, sports media, and strategic political communication, plus our Open Journalism major to sample a bit of everything during your first two years.
Learning to tell stories from day one, SJMC students manage and contribute to our award-winning student publications, including The Times-Delphic newspaper, Drake Mag, Urban Plains, and Drake Political Review. From here, many start interning during their second year.
SJMC students win dozens of national and local awards every year, in categories such as news reporting, video production, feature writing, and overall publication excellence.
In addition to student publications, Bulldogs can get involved with the Public Relations Student Society of America, go on-air with the Drake Broadcasting System, or join Ad Club.
Our Achievements
The best evidence of our success is yours. SJMC students start building their careers long before they graduate, establishing skills and connections that pay dividends for years to come.
.3%
Of SJMC undergrads launch their career or go to grad school within six months of graduation.
%
Every SJMC student completes at least one internship.
SJMC students who have participated in the People Inc. Apprenticeship Program.
Leadership
Personalized career guidance, forging connections, and intensive, applied learning are hallmarks of your time as an SJMC student. More than a mission statement, these traits are embodied by our leadership, who bring years of professional experience to their roles as educators.
Take the Next Step
The School of Journalism and Mass Communication has powered the careers of rising communicators for more than a century. Discover how we’ll help you break through and amplify your voice.
