Abstract: Through the analysis on the transformation history of the discipline of journalism in two prestigious journalism schools in America, the authors find out that their discipline institutions share some common features. First, external impetus (like the foundations) has significant effects on the division and configurations of the discipline of journalism. Second, programs of study in journalism discipline can be adjusted through increasing or decreasing curriculums. Third, small classes are taught in both schools, which focus on both academics and practices. Finally, the institutional framework based on joint-management constitutes the institutions of discipline construction in schools of journalism, which can provide inspiration and reference to the construction of top discipline of journalism and communication in China.

Key words: journalism and communication, first-class discipline, institutional research