Journalism Pre-Major

Program Overview

This Journalism Studies transfer degree program equips students with essential skills in writing, interviewing, and research, while fostering critical thinking and an understanding of journalistic ethics. Students explore the evolution of journalism in a digital and global landscape, and gain real-world experience through opportunities to work on campus media outlets. The program prepares graduates for careers in various media fields, including reporting, editing, videography, and public relations.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Objective: Prepare students for a major in Journalism Studies by fulfilling the requirements of a transfer degree.
• Description: Journalism involves gathering, preparing, and disseminating information through various media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, wire services, websites, radio, and television.
Students learn essential skills such as writing, interviewing, and research while gaining knowledge of how news media works and journalistic ethics. They also develop critical thinking skills and study the evolution of journalism in a digital and global communications landscape.

Outline:

Core Requirements:

• Introduction to Journalism
• News Reporting
• Feature Writing
• Copy Editing
• Media Law and Ethics

Select One Course from Each of the Following Areas:

• Social Science: Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology
• Natural Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
• Humanities: English, History, Philosophy

Additional Requirements:

• College Algebra
• Statistics

Schedule:

• The program can be completed in 90 credits over six quarters.
• Courses are offered on campus, online, and in blended formats.

Assessment:

• Student progress is assessed through a variety of methods, including:
• Exams
• Quizzes
• Papers
• Presentations

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: Lectures, discussions, workshops, and hands-on projects
• Faculty: Experienced journalism professionals who are committed to teaching and mentoring students
• Unique Approaches: The program includes opportunities for students to gain real-world experience working on the college newspaper, magazine, or radio station.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Reporter
• Editor
• Videographer
• Photo-journalist
• Documentary filmmaker
• Speech-writer
• Public-relations specialist
• Blogger
• Grant-writer
• Researcher
• Social-media manager
• Author of nonfiction books
• Private investigator
• Potential Employers:
• Newspapers
• Magazines
• TV networks and stations
• Radio stations
• News sites
• Search-engine news sites
• Online newsletters
• News agencies
• Public-relations firms
• Government agencies
• Colleges and universities
• Nonprofit organizations
• Private investigation firms
• Public advocacy groups