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New Rochelle, NY, May 29, 2003 - The Iona College Department of Mass Communication today announced its national accreditation by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) for its undergraduate and graduate degree programs. There are 107 ACEJMC-accredited colleges and universities in the United States and abroad, only four of which are located in the New York metropolitan area.

"We are thrilled to be among the most prestigious journalism and communication schools nationwide and we look forward to showcasing our programs to prospective students as a fully accredited department," said Orly Shachar, PhD, chair of the department.

The ACEJMC evaluates programs based on the following 12 standards: administration, budget, curriculum, student records, instruction, faculty, internships, facilities, faculty scholarship, public service, relationships with alumni, and diversity. Iona submitted a self-study report and underwent a site visit by a team chosen by the ACEJMC Executive Director Susanne Shaw as part of the accrediting process. The team met with Iona's faculty and students and visited classrooms to assess the department.

Iona's Department of Mass Communication offers a bachelor of arts degree with a specialization in advertising, journalism, public relations, or television and video. The department also offers a master of arts degree, with a concentration in corporate communications or public relations, and a master of science degree in journalism. A post-master's certificate in corporate communications or public relations is available for students who have already attained a master's degree and want to expand their professional skills. Iona's graduate public relations concentration is the only degree available between the New York City area and Boston.

The Department of Mass Communication is the third degree program at Iona to hold national accreditation. The Hagan School of Business received AACSB accreditation in 1999 by the The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited Iona's Social Work Department last fall.

Celebrating 200 years of Christian Brothers Education, Iona College is a private, co-educational institution of learning in the tradition of American Catholic higher education. Iona offers undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science, and business administration, as well as master of arts, master of science and master of business administration degrees and numerous post-graduate certificate programs.

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For questions or more information please contact:
Meghan Finn
Public Relations Office
Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, N.Y. 10801
tel: 914 633-2005 fax: 914 637-2711

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