The Linfield University Department of Journalism and Media Studies (formerly the Department of Mass Communication) prepares its students for a career in the dynamic field of media by cultivating keen research skills and media literacy. Students get hands-on experience working with both traditional and contemporary media, including newspapers, television, and radio, as well as digital and social media. Courses provide students with a theoretical and historical foundation for experiential learning in the field. As part of major requirements, students have the opportunity to work on campus media staffs, such as the Linfield Review, KSLC, and Wildcat Productions. A major in Journalism and Media Studies leads to a Bachelor of Arts, which is a stepping stone to careers in journalism, public relations, publishing, and broadcasting. Many alumni have used their degrees to pursue Master's and Doctorate degrees.

Historical Note

The Journalism and Media Studies Department has gone through a number of name changes over the years. From fall 1970 through spring 1997, the department was known as the Communications Department. In fall 1997, the name changed slightly to the Communication Department, remaining as such through spring 2003. At the start of the 2003-2004 academic year, the name changed to the Mass Communication Department; this name was retired in favor of Journalism and Media Studies after the spring 2018 semester.