Journalism, Associate in Arts Degree
Banner Code: 1_AA_JOUR
Control Number: 14411
Financial Aid Eligible
Students graduating with an Associate of Arts degree in Journalism will be prepared to enter the workforce in an entry level capacity without transfer to a four-year university. Students will gain skills in newswriting, feature writing, editing, design, photography, multimedia producing and editorial design making.
Program Outcomes
- The student will be able to write a balanced news article on deadline in traditional journalistic style incorporating interviewing skills, analyzing information and presenting a complete, balanced story.
- Students will demonstrate an ability to write, edit and produce all aspects of the bi-weekly campus newspaper Coast Report, including an understanding of design, photography use and editing peer’s articles.
- Students will be able to evaluate online media and distinguish between mainstream, traditional media and news promoting a philosophy or one-sided agenda. They will also be able to evaluate blogs and social media.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to use visual journalism to tell a story.
Review Graduation Requirements and General Education.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| Core Courses | ||
| CMST A240 | Media Literacy | 3 |
| JOUR A110 | News Writing and Reporting | 3 |
| JOUR A115 | Student Newspaper I | 4 |
| Restricted Electives | ||
| Select at least eight units of the following: | 8 | |
| Introduction to Mass Communications | ||
| Television Production 1 | ||
| Multi-Media Reporting and Producing | ||
| Feature Writing | ||
| Student Newspaper II | ||
| Photojournalism | ||
| Coast Report Editorial Board Level 1 | ||
| American Government | ||
| Minimum Program Major Units | 18 | |
| AA General Education Option 1, 2, or 3 | Varies | |
| Transferable electives as needed to satisfy unit requirement | Varies | |
| Total Units | 60 | |
Program Sequence
These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Units | |
| CMST A240 | Media Literacy | 3 |
| HIST A170 |
History of the United States to 1876 or History of the United States to 1876 Honors or History of the United States Since 1876 or History of the United States Since 1876 Honors |
3 |
| OCC AA GE AREA A1 - CHOOSE ONE | 3 | |
| Select one of the following or satisfy Math competency (completion of High School Algebra 2 with a "C" or better): | 3-4 | |
| Intermediate Algebra 1 or Combined Elementary and Intermediate Algebra |
||
| Units | 12-13 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| JOUR A110 | News Writing and Reporting | 3 |
| PSCI A180 or PSCI A180H |
American Government or American Government Honors |
3 |
| OCC AA GE AREA B with lab - CHOOSE ONE 2 | 4 | |
| OCC AA GE AREA C1 - CHOOSE ONE 3 | 2-4 | |
| OCC AA GE AREA D3 - CHOOSE ONE | 3 | |
| Units | 15-17 | |
| Summer | ||
| OCC AA GE AREA D2 - CHOOSE ONE | 3 | |
| Units | 3 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Semester 1 | ||
| JOUR A115 | Student Newspaper I | 4 |
| RESTRICTED ELECTIVES (See Requirements) 4 | 3 | |
| OCC AA GE AREA C2 - CHOOSE ONE 3 | 0.5-4 | |
| OCC AA GE AREA E1 - CHOOSE ONE 5 | 0.5-4 | |
| OCC AA GE AREA E2 - CHOOSE ONE 5 | 1 | |
| ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) | 3 | |
| Units | 12-19 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| RESTRICTED ELECTIVES - CHOOSE ONE (See Requirements) 4 | 2 | |
| AA Global/Multicultural Requirement - CHOOSE ONE 6 | 3 | |
| ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 7 | 13 | |
| Units | 18 | |
| Total Units | 60-70 | |
- 1
Math A030 or higher OR take 3-4 degree applicable elective units if math competency was met through completion of High School Algebra 2 with a "C" or better; *100-level Math courses satisfy AA Math Requirement and OCC AA GE AREA A2
- 2
OCC AA GE AREA B - 4 units required if taken with lab; 6 units required if lecture only courses
- 3
OCC AA Area C requires a minimum of 3 units to include one course from C1 and one course from C2
- 4
Major Restricted Electives - at least a total of eight (8) units are required.
- 5
OCC AA GE AREA E requires a minimum of 3 units to include one course from E1 and one course from E2
- 6
OCC AA Global/ Multicultural required if not already taken in other GE areas, refer to AA Graduation Requirement webpage
- 7
VARIES TO REACH MINIMUM 60 DEGREE APPLICABLE UNITS