William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications

School of Journalism's New Curriculum Reaches Full Stride

Today's news reporter is as likely to deliver the same story three different ways for print, television and online audiences. On the business communications side, advertising, public relations and marketing efforts often are implemented by the same person.

In the fall of 1997, faculty at the KU William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications began the long process of changing the School's curriculum to an innovative converged, cross-platform and cross-disciplinary program. Since 2001 students and faculty have benefited from the full effects of the change. Read More

Journalism School Exposes Students to the International Experience

Journalism Study Abroad students pose in Costa Rica

The University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications emphasizes international experience inside the classroom, through student organizations, as well as through a unique study abroad experience.

The university as a whole stresses the importance of the international experience and urges faculty and students to think beyond local and national borders.

"The Journalism School is a good example of KU's move toward internationalization," said Linda Davis, associate dean of the School of Journalism and a faculty member of KU's Center of Latin American Studies. Read More

The Digital Divide in Kansas City

A digital divide still exists in Kansas City when it comes to who goes online. María E. Len-Ríos, assistant professor at the University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications, recently examined this in a study of media use in Kansas City.

"My findings reflect that Kansas City is not very different from other parts of the country when it comes to the digital divide," Len-Ríos said. "The technological gap shows that education and age still play a major role in whether people are accessing the Internet."

James Gentry, dean of the School of Journalism, said newer forms of media, like the Internet, require new methods of communication and consideration of who is actually online.

"As news agencies and companies expand to the Web, businesses and policy makers need to know the demographics of who has access to the information," Gentry said. "Understanding who goes online is critical for effective communications." Read More

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