In the
United States, many university
journalism departments—particularly at Midwestern, Western and Southern state universities—evolved into schools or colleges of
mass communication or "journalism and mass communication". In addition to studying practical skills of journalism,
public relations or
advertising, students also may major in "mass communication" or "mass communication research". The latter is often the title given to
doctoral degrees from such schools, whether the focus of the student's research is journalism practice,
media economics, history, law or
media influence. Departmental structures within such colleges may separate research and instruction in professional or technical aspects of newspaper and magazine
publishing, radio, television, and film. Mass communication research topics include
media institutions and processes, such as diffusion of information, and media effects, such as persuasion or manipulation of public opinion. Outside of media history and communication law, research methods in mass communication fields have leaned toward
empirical research, experimental studies and
quantitative methods, such as public
opinion polling and
content analysis of
news media. However,
qualitative research, including
ethnographic case studies,
interviewing, and
focus groups, has growing support in some specialties. Critical-
cultural theory is less popular than in other "
communication studies" programs. Such programs are accredited by the ACEJMC Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications. The
International Communication Association (ICA) and
National Communication Association (formerly the Speech Communication Association) include divisions and publications that overlap with those of AEJMC, but AEJMC historically has stronger ties to the mass communication professions in the United States. == Publications ==