School of Communication + Journalism Fast Facts
On-Campus Degree Programs
Undergraduate & Graduate Enrollment
National and Regional Student Awards:
Undergraduate Degree Programs
- Communication Arts, BA
- PRAAC, BS (Public Relations, Advertising and Applied Communication)
Undergraduate Degree Programs
Graduate Degree Programs
Graduate Enrollment:
Master’s Retention Fall 2020 to Fall 2021:
Professional Programs + Facilities
Student Organizations + Student Media:
Digital Labs + Newsrooms:
TV Studio:
FIU opened its doors as South Florida’s public university in 1972. The first communication and journalism courses were offered in 1978 with the formal School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC) beginning operations in 1988 as part of the College of Arts and Sciences. The Chair and the Associate Chair determined early on that accreditation was key to establishing and maintaining the reputation of the School and built the curriculum around ACEJMC standards. The Provost at the time agreed to make the unit a free-standing school if it was accredited, which it was in 1991. The on-site accreditation team told FIU’s President that it had found the program in compliance with all 12 standards.
The new School grew rapidly. By 2003, the SJMC had more than 2,000 students and 24 faculty. In 2008, the School was given permission to control growth and institute quality indices, so the 2007-2008 enrollment stood at 1,995 with 28 faculty. In 2016, the School integrated with the College of Architecture and the Arts to become the College of Communication, Architecture and the Arts (CARTA) and the SJMC evolved into what is today known as the School of Communication + Journalism (SCJ). Post-integration, the School has moved from a singular academic unit with four sequences in journalism, public relations and advertising (the former SJMC) into two departments, Communication and Journalism + Media. Though the School is not a traditional academic unit that functions as one singular entity, taken together, the two departments offer six undergraduate majors: PRAAC (Public Relations, Advertising and Applied Communication), Communication Arts (not to be reviewed by ACEJMC), Digital Journalism, Digital Broadcasting, Digital TV and Multimedia Production and Digital and Interactive Media; and two graduate programs: Global Strategic Communications and Spanish-language Journalism.
Investment in Forward-Looking Resources and Facilities. The School has gained several new facilities through investment from philanthropy and from the Office of the Provost. These efforts have been led by Dean Brian Schriner, who has made it possible for the School to renovate and brand its existing facilities while reimagining and creating new spaces.
The Academic Two (AC2) Building houses digital media laboratories, educational computer labs, digital editing bays, fully mediated classrooms, interactive conference rooms, an audience analysis lab outfitted with the latest technology for research purposes and these dedicated state-of-the-art spaces:
iSTAR | Immersive Studio for Altered Reality, AC2 100 – This soon-to-be-opened suite of rooms houses the Immersive Studio for Altered Reality (iSTAR). The space will include a small computer lab equipped with software for XR development, a 180-degree theater and faculty offices.
The BOLD Agency, AC2 129 – This large multi-purpose conference room is used to hold classes and client meetings for the BOLD Agency, the student-run strategic communications agency in the Department of Communication. The space is equipped with two in-room cameras for remote learning, video conferencing and streaming content (webinars, workshops, etc). This space was completely renovated in 2018-2019 including new furniture, hardware and rewiring for phone lines to make it a state-of-the-art academic learning environment.
The Newsroom, AC2 132 – The Newsroom has 21 iMac computers equipped with Adobe Creative Cloud software, a smart podium with a multi-window video wall at the front of the room, which is equipped with two in-room cameras for remote learning, video conferencing and streaming content (webinars, workshops, etc). Faculty, staff and students for the South Florida Media Network use the Newsroom for meetings and to work collaboratively on projects. The Newsroom is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for student use.
TV Studio - The TV studio includes three studio cameras, a virtual set system, physical sets, a control room, wired and wireless mics.
The Writing Lab, AC2 120 – This large multi-purpose conference area is home to the Writing Lab, where students from all SCJ majors may come for help with writing assignments. The Writing Lab has four iMac computers. In the evening, the Spanish language master’s program holds classes in the Writing Lab, which is equipped with 2 in-room cameras for remote learning, video conferencing and streaming content (webinars, workshops, etc.) and a large interactive display.
Additional Resources
Students have access to equipment in the SCJ Equipment Room. Students enrolled in production courses, working for the South Florida Media Network or Student Media, or engaged in special projects may check out equipment. Students must request equipment at least 10 hours before checking it out and may use the equipment for up to five days. There is no limit to how many times a student checks out gear. The inventory includes:
- 32 digital audio recorders
- 5 audio boom poles
- 27 hand-held microphones
- 79 lavalier microphones
- 27 camera-mounted microphones
- 14 shotgun microphones
- 68 Canon HD camcorder kits (with bag, battery and cables)
- 16 Samsung Gear 360 video kits (with bag, phone and cables)
- 25 DSLR cameras
- 31 HD cameras
- 15 light kits
- 8 mic stands
- 90 tripods
General-Purpose Classrooms Used by the Unit
The unit uses general-purpose classrooms on the BBC campus in the Glenn Hubert Library that are part of the University’s general-assignment classroom pool. On the MMC campus the unit manages several general-purpose classrooms in the Veritas Haus building, where the Communication Department is located. All general-purpose classrooms have smart podiums with Internet-enabled computers attached to a large display screen for the instructor.
Faculty Offices
Both departments have faculty and staff office space on the BBC campus on the first, second and third floors of AC2. The Department of Communication also has office space on the MMC campus at the Veritas Haus.
ACEJMC Values and Competencies: As an accredited journalism and mass communication program, the School of Communication + Journalism is committed to classroom learning that achieves the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication’s professional values and competencies.
All graduates of the school should be aware of certain core values and competencies and be able to:
- Understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press for the country in which the institution that invites ACEJMC is located, as well as receive instruction in and understand the range of systems of freedom of expression around the world, including the right to dissent, to monitor and criticize power, and to assemble and petition for redress of grievances;
- Demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications;
- Demonstrate an understanding of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and, as appropriate, other forms of diversity in domestic society in relation to mass communications;
- Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of peoples and cultures and of the significance and impact of mass communications in a global society;
- Understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information;
- Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity;
- Think critically, creatively and independently;
- Conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work;
- Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve;
- Critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness;
- Apply basic numerical and statistical concepts;
- Apply current tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work, and to understand the digital world.
We attract bright minds, innovators, and influencers. Giving to the College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts helps support our mission to enroll and retain the most talented artists, musicians, architects, designers and communicators – regardless of financial status – who will shape a future we can only begin to imagine. How will you choose to make an impact?
Your scholarship gift will be the difference that allows a deserving student to say “YES!” to FIU.
Every gift, whatever the size, makes a significant difference to the next generation of students of the College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts.
Thank you for your support!
Main email: scj@fiu.edu
Department of Communication
Main Phone: 305-348-1984
Email: mairs@fiu.edu
Department of Journalism + Media
Main Phone: 305-919-5625 | Fax: 305-919-5215
Advising (current students):
Admissions (first-year students):
Admissions (transfer):
Admissions (grad students):
Development (fundraising/philanthropic support): Oliver Ionita,
Senior Director of Development, oionita@fiu.edu
High school summer programs: Karla Kennedy
kkennedy@fiu.edu
Phone: 305-919-4029
Internships + Career Services: John Sotham, Career Specialist, Assistant Director, Communication + Journalism
jsotham@fiu.edu
PCA 273A
Office: 305-348-0552
Mobile: 305-962-3892
Modesto A. Maidique Campus (MMC)
11200 SW 8th St.
Viertes Haus 212
Miami, FL 33199
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Biscayne Bay Campus (BBC)
3000 N.E. 151 St.
Academic Two – Room 320
North Miami, FL 33181
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.