University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications

Degrees offered

The College offers bachelor's degrees, on campus and online, in advertising, journalism, media production, management, and technology, and public relations, enrolling approximately 2,500 undergraduates. It offers master's and doctoral degrees in mass communication to more than 700 graduate students, including an online graduate program launched in 2012 with specializations such as audience analytics, digital strategy, political communication, and public interest communication.

Programs and emphasis

Students gain hands-on experience through the Innovation News Center, a converged newsroom producing content across platforms; The Agency, an integrated strategic communication agency; the Atlas digital media analysis lab; and seven broadcast and digital media properties, including the region's NPR, PBS, and ESPN affiliates. The Center for Public Interest Communications, the first of its kind in the country, applies behavioral and social science to strategic communications for social good and publishes the Journal of Public Interest Communications.

History

The first journalism instruction at the University of Florida began in 1925 as the School of Business and Journalism, operating out of the basement of Language Hall (now Anderson Hall). Rae O. Weimer became director in 1949 and led 19 years of rapid growth; the department became the School of Journalism and Communications in 1953 and a full-fledged College in 1967, with Weimer as its first dean. Weimer Hall, the college's home since 1980, is named in his honor.

Key faculty and leadership

Hub Brown: Dean since July 1, 2021, the college's seventh dean, previously associate dean at Syracuse University's Newhouse School.
Rae O. Weimer: First dean (1949-1968), who transformed the unit from a three-person academic operation into one of the nation's largest journalism programs.
Diane McFarlin: Dean from 2013 to 2020, recipient of the 2019 Scripps Howard College Administrator of the Year Award.

Location and contact info

Address
2096 Weimer Hall
1885 Stadium Road
Gainesville, FL 32611
Phone
352-392-0466
Website
https://www.jou.ufl.edu