Based on analysis of 516 doctoral dissertations of journalism from 1988 to 2011, this article attempts to evaluate the state of journalism research in mainland China. It finds that most of these dissertations focus on fundamental research and local issues, and analytical abilities, pay little attention to quantitative research methods, and emphasize interdisciplinary research. This results in that subfields in journalism studies such as journalism theories, journalism history, journalism practice and management have been well developed. Besides, studies on Chinese journalism, journalistic reform, American journalism, and comparative studies between China and America have been seen fruitful achievements. All of these suggest that journalism study in mainland China has kept up with the times. However, it also contains the seeds of a future problem behind the increasing numbers of doctoral dissertations.