Journalism and mass communications are among the most vital forces in the maintenance of society and are fundamental to a democratic government and a free society.  These forces transmit and interpret culture and bind society together; they seek to protect the rights of citizens and to inform and enlighten them as they pursue their public and private interests; and they embody the values of free inquiry, dissent and expression.

Journalism and mass communications demand integrity, fairness, understanding and skill from both the professionals who practice journalism and mass communications and from the educators who teach the professionals of tomorrow.

To sustain its mission of fostering high standards for the educational preparation of journalism and mass communications professionals, the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications dedicates itself to provide leadership to:

1. Establish, preserve and advance standards of excellence in journalism and mass communications education.
2. Monitor and report on trends and developments in the fields served by accredited programs in journalism and mass communications.
3. Provide a forum for journalism and mass communications educators and professionals to assess the effects of these trends and developments on professional practice and business models to ensure that educational requirements and standards are rigorous and current.
4. Assist journalism and mass communications programs to understand professional and academic standards and to seek accreditation.
5. Convey to students, parents, educators, journalism and mass communications  professionals and the public the value and benefits of accreditation and its role to ensure accredited programs meet rigorous and current standards of quality in professional education in journalism and mass communications.

— Revised and approved by the Accrediting Council