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At Columbia University, the Society of Professional Journalists is the main student organization in the journalism school. The officers are chosen in an all-class election and include students from all academic programs. Any student can join the organization by substantively contributing at three consecutive meetings.

SPJ members host documentary viewings, newsroom tours, meetings with professional journalists and happy hours. The group also serves as the student government, working with administration to create great experiences for all students.

Nationally, the Society of Professional Journalists was founded in 1909 and is the nation’s most broad-based journalism organization with nearly 10,000 members. The national mission statement reads:
The Society of Professional Journalists is dedicated to the perpetuation of a free press as the cornerstone of our nation and our liberty.

To ensure that the concept of self-government outlined by the U.S. Constitution remains a reality into future centuries, the American people must be well informed in order to make decisions regarding their lives, and their local and national communities.

It is the role of journalists to provide this information in an accurate, comprehensive, timely and understandable manner.

It is the mission of the Society of Professional Journalists:
— To promote this flow of information.
— To maintain constant vigilance in protection of the First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and of the press.
— To stimulate high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism.
— To foster excellence among journalists.
— To inspire successive generations of talented individuals to become dedicated journalists.
— To encourage diversity in journalism.
— To be the pre-eminent, broad-based membership organization for journalists.
— To encourage a climate in which journalism can be practiced freely.