Journalism, Associate in Arts for Transfer

The Associate in Arts in Journalism for Transfer is designed for students planning to transfer to a California State University (CSU) with a major in Journalism. Journalism is the study of writing, video, radio, multimedia and social media to disseminate news and relevant information to the masses. Courses in journalism provide students with higher-order cognitive skills, including decision-making and critical thinking, verbal skills through interviewing, written skills through use of newswriting techniques, use of tone, multitasking, deadline management and teamwork as members of a news staff. Jobs in the field include: journalist, multimedia producer, editor, writer, technical writer, page designer, copyeditor, social media specialist, content producer, news service writer, newsletter editor, public relations representative and photojournalist. The completion of this degree ensures preparation for upper-division coursework for students seeking to transfer and pursue a baccalaureate degree in Journalism from a California State University (CSU).

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to use judgment to determine best course of action in reporting, as well as newsworthiness to effectively purvey information to the masses.
2. Upon successful completion of this program, a student will understand the ethical and legal involved in producing multimedia news content.
3. Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to accurately report and write a variety of stories in journalistic style.
4. Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to act as multimedia journalists, producing content across mediums.

General Education

Complete one of the following general education patterns:

• California State University General Education (CSU-GE) pattern (40 units)
• Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum – CSU Version (IGETC-CSU) pattern (37 units)

Students are advised to double-count courses in the major or area of emphasis to also satisfy general education when possible. Course subject credit will be awarded in satisfaction of both major/area of emphasis and lower division general education requirements, but the units will only be counted once in computing the total number of units for the degree.

Major Requirements – Core

Complete 9 units

MCOM 1	Intro to Mass Communication	3
MCOM 11	Newswriting	3
MCOM 12A	Newspaper Production I	3

Major Requirements – Restricted Electives

Area A – Complete 3 units selected from:

MCOM 10	Intro to Multimedia	3
MCOM 7	Photojournalism	3
MCOM 12B	Newspaper Production II	3

Area B – Complete 6 units selected from:

PHOTO 1A	Intro to Photography	3
ENGL 1D	Advance Composition and Critical Thinking	3
PHILO 3	Introductory Logic	3
COMM ST 5	Argumentation and Debate	3

Minimum Major Units Required: 18
Complete all courses with a grade of “C” or better.

Minimum Degree Units Required: 60