Established in 1975, the Eastern Illinois University Department of Journalism offers a bachelor of arts degree, that effectively integrates professional training with a liberal arts education to provide flexibility, breadth and depth of educational experience. Eastern's Journalism Department has been nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC) since 1982. Only about 110 Journalism programs in the nation are accredited.

The department was most recently re-accredited in 2006. In its report, the ACEJMC evaluating team wrote: "Instruction gets high marks for quality from classroom visits; syllabi; interviews with students, alumni and employers. Teaching is clearly a priority of the faculty. Small classes allow individual attention and coaching from faculty and that’s clearly valued by students. The unit’s curriculum and close relationship with student media emphasizes basic skills – such as accuracy and clear writing – as well as sophisticated electronic layout and design. Faculty members often arrange weekend or night-time special sessions to work with freshmen who are beginning reporters with The Daily Eastern News, the student newspaper. Students routinely describe the faculty as “welcoming” and keeping an ‘open door.’ Several students reported having the cell phone numbers to call professors when they need them."

The report went on to state, “Employers and alumni both also had strong praise for the faculty’s dedication and the unit’s level of instruction. The faculty, said one editor whose staff includes several of the unit’s graduates, ‘really, really care about the kids.’ An alum now working at a major daily added, ‘They have a tremendous passion for journalism. Graduates are sought-after and highly valued.’"

Through classroom work and hands-on experience with student media and internships, Eastern journalism students prepare themselves for careers in newspapers, magazines, broadcast, publishing, online publishing and public relations as reporters, editors, photographers, producers, directors and advertising, marketing and public relations specialists.

Through the support of alumni, media and friends, the department offers several scholarships to support study in journalism, including two reserved for incoming students and three intended to encourage minority students to pursue careers in journalism. In addition, the department offers talented student awards and grants-in-aid to outstanding students and those who hold leadership positions on one or more student media.

Nothing beats practical experience, and Eastern's Student Publications and Radio-TV center get students started early with experience that sets them on the path toward careers in journalism and public relations.

Careers in Journalism
Journalism graduates pursue careers in a variety of fields, including:

Newspapers and Magazines: Journalism alumni are reporters, editors, designers and photographers at a variety of publications. Professional development at student publications prepares them for the working world.

Radio and Television: Introduced to broadcasting through hands-on experience at WEIU-TV and WEIU FM 88.9, graduates choose careers as reporters, editors, producers and directors with radio and television stations.

Public Relations: Some alumni have combined interests in business and government with journalism for careers as public relations writers, editors and counselors. Students gain professional experience at The Agency, the student-run public relations firm.

Advertising: Graduates who sell and design advertising for newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations and advertising agencies often developed their expertise in the sales departments at The Daily Eastern News and other publications.

New and Emerging Media Technologies: Eastern journalism students in all concentrations work with up-to-date, computer-based technology and develop related skills. Many students pursue careers in journalism areas related to production, design and online media.