Samford University’s Journalism and Mass Communication Department was again named the number one journalism program in the state of Alabama by College Factual. Overall, the Samford JMC department ranks 48th in the United States.

Additionally, JMC was named the following:

• A top 25 “most focused” program. “The journalism students at these colleges represent the largest percent of the student body,” the College Factual website explains. “Why should you care? Schools that focus their resources on a specific field may provide you with a better education in this area than those that do not.”

• A top 35 “best value” program. “Do you have to pay top dollar to get a great degree in journalism?” the College Factual website asks. “Not if you are armed with this list. These rankings identify schools that offer a quality education in this major for a price that won’t break the bank.”

• A top five program among southern universities, outperforming nearly all state universities.

“I believe Samford JMC is the best program at a private Christian university in the country,” said Dr. Bernie Ankney, chair of the JMC department. “We offer award-winning programs in print journalism, broadcast journalism, public relations and advertising. We also have minors in film production and sports media. I’d match our program and our students with anyone.”

The department started the fall 2016 semester with 180 enrolled majors, including 38 freshmen. It is one of the fastest growing majors at Samford.

“Samford JMC is a growing major and nationally ranked because our students receive a first-rate education at a reasonable cost,” Ankney said. “Our students also graduate in four years and get good jobs. It is the ideal program for students who want individual attention and smaller class sizes.”