Journalism and Mass Communication

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).

Upon successful completion of the Public Relations Certificate of Achievement, the student will demonstrate skills, knowledge, and training necessary for entry-level employment or career advancement with understanding of strategic public relations, including management of relationships between organizations and their stakeholders. Coursework in effective communication will guide theory-based lessons and experiential practice related to the field. Ethical considerations and planning for crisis communication will be explored. Students will work in a manner mirroring industry standards, with emphasis on building understanding of strategic planning processes, including message development and distribution.

Upon successful completion of the Social Media Certificate of Achievement, the student will demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and training necessary for entry-level employment or career advancement with an understanding of basic business and marketing concepts, including the selection of target audience and choice of platform, concepts of spread and share, engagement, meaningful participation, the use of visuals to define content and attract users, reasons for the spread of viral media, and an understanding of how to build and implement a social media plan for an organization or business utilizing best practices. Ethical considerations and crisis communication will also be explored. Students will work in a manner mirroring industry standards, with focus on immediate professional application.

Upon successful completion of the noncredit Digital Media Content Entrepreneurship Certificate of Completion, the student will demonstrate introductory level skills, knowledge, and training in content development related to digital media content development and delivery. Students will learn the basics of creating audio and video content to engage in dynamic storytelling, with emphasis on narrative. Strategy will be considered in how to present content for best positioning in a media-saturated marketplace, through content creation and media performance. Ethical considerations and crisis communication will be explored. Students will work in a manner mirroring industry standard, with focus on immediate professional application and portfolio building through experiential practice.