Momentum for Mentoring? How Journalism and Media Administrators Balance Resources for Undergraduate Research

While undergraduate research has been deeply rooted in other disciplines, far less attention has been given to its role in journalism and media studies. This study addresses that gap through 11 in-depth interviews with administrators guiding such efforts. Findings reveal a tension: Administrators are eager to expand undergraduate research, but face obstacles to building necessary support for faculty. Results highlight the perceived importance of undergraduate research to the field’s future amid an underdeveloped culture for its current success within journalism and media programs. The study showcases that effective allocation of resources is critical to the success of undergraduate research programming.