The E. W. Scripps School of Journalism is dedicated to the needs of its students; to excellence in teaching, advising, service, and research; and to leadership in journalism education. The school provides a liberal arts foundation combined with a professional education and practical experience for its students. The goals are to search for truth; to develop critical analysis, thinking, writing, and speaking abilities; to enhance free, responsible, and effective expression of ideas. To that end, the E. W. Scripps School of Journalism:

Journalism is a profession that incorporates knowledge from various disciplines, as well as critical thinking and practical application skills. At the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, the curriculum is blended with a strong liberal arts foundation with professional skills courses.

A basic philosophy of the program is that students need media experience while working toward their degrees. Experience is available on a laboratory magazine, Southeast Ohio; on a community Web site, ATHENSi.com; and on a daily laboratory news broadcast, Athens MidDay.

Many students add to their experience by writing for and editing The Post, the independent daily campus newspaper; the Athena, the University yearbook; The Ohio Journalist, the school’s alumni publication; or for WOUB News, broadcasting on the university's public broadcast stations (AM, FM, television and cable). Students also work on the staffs of local newspapers and University publications. [read more about hands-on opportunities on campus.

New technology is an important element within any journalism career. The E. W. Scripps School of Journalism is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and provides courses and practical experience to aid students in developing the skills required to adapt to the new age of journalism.