The Department of Journalism and Media Studies is concerned with both the practice of journalism and mass media and the impact of media and new technology on society; public policy and understanding; and the planning and development of public information systems. The full-time faculty combine both practical and research experience in journalism and media studies. In addition, the department draws upon a number of media practitioners as part-time faculty.

The department offers an undergraduate major leading to the bachelor of arts degree and a specialization within the master of communication and media program in digital media, and it participates in the school's doctoral program with a specialization in media studies.

Faculty research examines a broad range of questions and problems in journalism, media, and society and draws upon a breadth of research traditions and approaches. Topics of study include the role of increasingly global media in democracy, the intersection of popular culture and the media, the impact of new and emerging technologies on media and society, historical perspectives on media, and ethical and professional issues framing and affecting journalism, media, and society.