Journalism and Mass Communication
Tell stories that make a difference in your community.
The study of mass communication was once focused on three core mediums: newspapers, television and radio. Today's professionals are tasked with relaying messages across multimedia platforms on the internet and through social media, often with less oversight as speed becomes more essential to relay content.
In Delta College's Mass Communication/Journalism program, students learn fundamental skills while building communication portfolios to take to the next level, whether directly to the job market or with further study at a four-year college. The program focuses on building ethically sound media communication professionals, on the front line of news or behind the scenes.
The study of Mass Communication at Delta College also includes more specialized study, including courses and certificates, in public relations and social media.
In addition to a core class focusing on an introduction to the subject matter, students are offered practical application through work on the award-winning campus newspaper and newspaper website, The Collegian-SJDC Student Newspaper and through Fierce Mustang Media, the student-run content creation and media production firm.
- Multimedia Journalism
- News Reporting
- Media Ethics
- Marketing Principles
- Social Media Strategy
- Content Creation
- Campaign Execution
- Strategic Communication
Finding the right program starts with knowing what you enjoy—if these skills and interests sound like you, you might enjoy studying Journalism and Mass Communication
Journalism Public relations Social interaction Public speakingStudent Success Stories
I saved money at Delta, so I’m debt-free. The best professors I had were at Delta. And you find out what you like here.
Aranza Mora
Communication Alumni
Journalism, AA-T
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).
Public Relations Certificate of Achievement
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.
Social Media Certificate of Achievement
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.
Social Media Strategy Certificate of Completion
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.