About the SOJC

two students discuss magazine layouts posted on the wall
About the SOJC

With a century-long history, the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication is one of the first professional journalism schools in the country, the only accredited comprehensive journalism program to include advertising and public relations in the Pacific Northwest, and one of only 112 accredited programs worldwide.

two students discuss magazine layouts posted on the wall

About the SOJC

With a century-long history, the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication is one of the first professional journalism schools in the country, the only accredited comprehensive journalism program to include advertising and public relations in the Pacific Northwest, and one of only 112 accredited programs worldwide.

Our Mission

The UO School of Journalism and Communication is a community dedicated to excellence in learning, research, and creative projects. We study issues that champion freedom of expression, diversity and equity, and democracy in service to current and future generations.

By integrating theory and practice, we advance scholarship and prepare students to become professional communicators, critical thinkers, and responsible citizens in a global society.

Read Our Full Mission, Vision, and Values

Historic shot of an SOJC professor teaching a class
a student uses the SOJC podcast studio
Lori Shontz teaches a class at the SOJC
107+
Years of excellence
21,000+
Alumni (and growing)
1,940+
Undergraduate students in 4 majors
135+
Graduate students in 7 programs
75+
Instructional faculty members
35+
Staff members
16
Pulitzer prizes won by faculty and alumni
25+
Student groups, agencies, and publications
an SOJC advisor works with a student
SOJC graduates
an SOJC student films with a video camera

Strategic Plan and Priorities

Much has changed in the world and in the media and communication professions over the past several years. To ensure we continue providing education and contributions to the field that are relevant and impactful, in March 2021 SOJC faculty and staff approved a new three-year strategic plan that will guide our actions through 2024.

Accreditation and Public Accountability

In 1948, the SOJC became one of the first schools of journalism and communication accredited by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC, formerly the American Association for Schools and Departments of Journalism). Every six years, the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Communications (ACEJMC) visits the SOJC and measures its performance against national standards. The ACEJMC most recently renewed the school’s accreditation in 2018.

In accordance with the ACEJMC’s public accountability guidelines, the SOJC publishes its annual undergraduate retention and graduation rates as well as its ongoing assessment plan.

Two Pacific Northwest University Locations

Overhead photo of the UO campus

At the heart of the UO’s tree-filled campus in Eugene, Allen Hall houses the SOJC’s four undergraduate programs, three of its master’s programs, and a doctoral program in communication and media studies. It’s also home base for the Center for Science Communication Research (SCR), where students and faculty work to improve the public’s understanding of science.

aerial view of Portland Oregon centered on the Willamette river

Located in the heart of Oregon's biggest media market, SOJC Portland is home to the industry-facing Agora Journalism Center, two professional master’s programs, and the state-of-the-art Oregon Reality (OR) Lab. All SOJC Portland programs will be moving to our new campus in the Concordia neighborhood of Northeast Portland by fall 2023.

Visit Us

Exterior view of Allen Hall with vibrant yellow and orange tulips in the foreground
Stay Connected with the SOJC

Keep up on what’s happening at the SOJC. Sign up for our monthly email newsletter, follow us on social media, and browse our annual yearbook.

Sign Up for the Inside SOJC Newsletter

Look Back Through the 2022 Yearbook

Exterior view of Allen Hall with vibrant yellow and orange tulips in the foreground
Stay Connected with the SOJC

Keep up on what’s happening at the SOJC. Sign up for our monthly email newsletter, follow us on social media, and browse our annual yearbook.

Sign Up for the Inside SOJC Newsletter

Look Back Through the 2022 Yearbook

News

SOJC Professor of Practice David Ewald got help from his ad students to design the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag, giving them experience with advocacy advertising.
A recent study by researchers from the UO Center for Science Communication found that warnings about wildfire smoke have generally been reactive. In response, they've created a list of best practices for government agencies in Oregon and Washington when communicating about wildfires.
Journalism Professor Seth Lewis talks about his research indicating a disconnect between how journalists see themselves and how people see journalists.

All News  »

History of the SOJC

Founded in 1916 by renowned newspaper journalist Eric W. Allen, the SOJC is built on a legacy of ethics, innovation, action, and excellence that’s over a century in the making. Browse the interactive timeline below commemorating our 100th anniversary to see the milestones that have shaped the school’s development and its contributions to students and the field.