Graduation Data and Placement Rates

With approximately 200 majors and 125 minors, JPR&NM ranks as the eighth most popular major in the College of Arts & Sciences, led by Undergraduate Program Director Dr. Elizabeth Bates. In 2024, our program graduated 72 students, including those with majors and secondary majors (three in summer 2024, 11 in fall 2024, and 58 in spring 2025).

Our students consistently earn top honors in national competitions. They secure prestigious internships and positions at renowned organizations, including the Dallas Cowboys, NASA, major television networks, newspapers, magazines, law firms, universities, and school districts. These achievements showcase the diverse talents of our students and the high quality of education we provide.

Baylor Career Services representatives meet with students throughout the semester to help them develop their career readiness. They discuss strategies for successful job searches and careers with students in capstone courses. Most students complete two to three internships and a capstone portfolio, both reviewed by industry professionals. These efforts help us achieve an impressive job placement rate of over 90%, along with a first-year retention rate that also exceeds 90%.

Since Spring 2021, JOU placement rates have steadily increased, reaching as high as 100% in several terms, including Spring 2022, Summer 2022, and Fall 2022. The placement rate for Spring 2023 was reported at 92.86% at 180 days after graduation, with subsequent reports indicating that all job seekers secured employment, resulting in an effective 100% placement rate.

This progress demonstrates how departmental strategies prepare students for careers and help them secure internships and job opportunities. To maintain this momentum, the department must continue to strengthen partnerships with employers and internship sites, expand career readiness programs, and collaborate closely with Baylor Career Services. Monitoring long-term career outcomes beyond initial placements can offer valuable insights into graduate success and guide ongoing program enhancements, initiatives that were started by now-retired Dr. Cassy Burleson and continued by Professor Kim Patterson.