Masters of Professional Journalism Examination, 1929-1931 | University of Illinois Archives

The University began instruction in journalism in 1902 with a course in business writing offered under the English Department's program in rhetoric and oratory.¹ In 1915, the Trustees provided funds for a Department of Journalism and in 1927 it became a separate administrative unit, the School of Journalism.² In 1950, its name was changed to the School of Journalism and Communications, with divisions of journalism, radio, and advertising,³ and it became part of the Division of Communications.⁴ In 1954, it was restored to independent status.⁵ The School was given College status in 1957.⁶ In 1959, its three divisions were designated as departments.⁷ The Department of Journalism offers a two-year course in the fields of newspaper, magazine and technical writing and editing; community journalism and news broadcasting.⁸

1. Catalogs and Registers, 1902-03, p. 274.

2. Board of Trustees Transactions, 28th Report, September 27, 1915, p. 830; 34th Report, July 14, 1927, pp. 416-17.

3. Board of Trustees Transactions, 45th Report, February 16, 1950, p. 992.

4. Ibid., p. 988.

5. Board of Trustees Transactions, 47th Report, April 21, 1954, pp. 1322-23.

6. Board of Trustees Transactions, 49th Report, June 20, 1957, p. 435.

7. Board of Trustees Transactions, 50th Report, February 19, 1959, p. 301.

8. Undergraduate Study Catalog, 1960-61, p. 229.