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

The Department offers an undergraduate major leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree, a specialization within the Master of Communication and Information Studies program, and participates in the school's doctoral program with a specialization in Media Studies.