Journalism Degree

Journalism

Associate of Arts Degree

(STATE CODE 02822)

See also Photojournalism for a different AA degree option.

Associate Degree requirements must be completed with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (C) or better.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Journalism courses are taken by those planning careers in communi­cations, i.e. reporting, broadcast news and public relations. Because of its emphasis on concise, clear writing, journalism is also one the most popular majors for prelaw students.

Students will learn how to recognize news, conduct interviews and work on the college print and online publications. Special emphasis is placed on meeting deadlines, accuracy and fairness.

Jobs in the field of journalism almost always require a bachelor’s degree, though it does not necessarily have to be in journalism.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

Completing the Associate Degree does not necessarily meet the university-admission requirements for transfer. An Associate Degree is not a requirement for transfer to either the CSU or UC campuses. Private and out-of-state colleges and universities have unique transfer requirements. However, if you would like to transfer to a university and earn an associate degree, early educational planning can make this goal achievable. You should meet with a counselor early in your studies to develop an Educational Plan that fulfills both transfer requirements and associate degree requirements.

See page 48 of this catalog for more information on transfer requirements and resources..

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this program, students will:

  • Demonstrate the ability to conduct research, gather information, write clearly and correctly, and present relevant news or persuasive information at a professional level.
  • Think critically, creatively, and independently; evaluate their own work and the work of others for accuracy, fairness, clarity, style, and correctness.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the history of mass communi­cations (journalism, cinema, broadcasting), the diversity of groups in a global society in relationship to communications, and the role of mass communications in society.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical concepts, legal implications, considerations, and practices that guide the mass media professions.

 

MAJOR – REQUIRED COURSES

SUBJECT & NO. COURSE UNITS

BRDCSTG 1 Fundamentals of Television and Radio Broadcasting . . . . . . .3

JOURNAL 100 Social Values in Mass Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

JOURNAL 101 Collecting and Writing News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

JOURNAL 108 Article Writing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

OR

JOURNAL 220 Magazine Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

JOURNAL 202 Advanced Newswriting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

JOURNAL 218 Practical Editing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

JOURNAL 219 Techniques for Staff Editors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

OR

LIB SCI 102 Internet Research Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

PHOTO 101 Beginning Digital Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

PHOTO 20 Beginning Photojournalism. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

OR

MULTIMD 801/MEDIART 801 Multimedia Storytelling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

MAJOR – ELECTIVE COURSES

SUBJECT & NO. COURSE UNITS

Select a minimum of 3 semester units from the following:

CO SCI 501 Introduction to Computers and Their Uses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

ENGLISH 101 College Reading and Composition I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

ENGLISH 102 College Reading and Composition II. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

GEOG 2 Cultural Elements of Geography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

JOURNAL 217 Publication Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

PHOTO 21 News Photography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

POL SCI 1 The Government of the United States. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

POL SCI 7 Contemporary World Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

PUB REL 1 Principles of Public Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

MAJOR – TOTAL UNITS 31-34

GENERAL EDUCATION – REQUIRED COURSES

Students must complete one of the following General Education Plans:

LACCD GE LACCD General Education Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 units

CSU GE CSU GE Breadth Certification Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 units

IGETC Intersegmental GE Transfer Curriculum. . . . . . . .34-37 units