Journalism Option, Communication, A.S. Degree

Program Design

The Journalism Option, Communication associate degree program is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in print journalism as correspondents, reporters or feature writers. Students will be expected to build strong writing and communication skills, as well as a broad understanding of history, government, economics, social science and ethics – all areas critical to the practicing journalist. Cooperative education/work experience is required.

Journalism Option Requirements 

Gen Ed ENG* 101: Composition 3
ECN* 101
ECN* 102 
Principles of Macroeconomics or
Principles of Microeconomics  
3
Gen Ed PSY* 111: General Psychology I 3
COM* 173 Public Speaking 3
Gen Ed Mode 3  3
      Subtotal: 15
COM* 108 Contemporary Issues in Media 3
COM* 222 Reporting and Writing News Stories 3
Gen Ed ENG* 110: Introduction to Literature 3
HIS* 102
HIS* 202
HIS* 213  
Western Civilization II or
U.S. History II or
The U.S. Since World War II
3
POL* 111
POL* 112
American Government or
State and Local Government  
3
      Subtotal: 15
ENG* 200 Advanced Composition 3
COM* 247 Television Writing 3
COM* 201 Introduction to Public Relations 3
Gen Ed Mode 4 3
COM* 295 Internship I  3
      Subtotal: 15
COM* 229 Creative Writing, Non-Fiction 3
COM* 101 Introduction to Mass Communication 3
SOC* 101 Principles of Sociology 3
Gen Ed Mode 1  3
Gen Ed Mode 5  3-4
      Subtotal: 15-16
       Total Credits Required: 60-61

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all Journalism Option, Communication degree program requirements, graduates will

  1. Report and write basic news stories including obituaries, accident/fire/disaster stories, news conferences and town meetings, using standard news style and applying the concepts of fairness and accuracy.
  2. Identify, report and write feature stories.
  3. Report and write for television news programming.
  4. Operate under the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics and understand the ethics involved in making journalistic and editorial choices.
  5. Choose appropriate sources, conduct interviews and use quotation and attribution correctly.
  6. Define and assess the role of the news media within the context of history, government and society.

In addition, the graduate will complete the comprehensive learning outcomes identified with the General Education Core.

Division of Liberal Arts: 860-512-2660

Source: 2011-2012 Course Catalog

Last Update: June 03 2011
For Additional Information, Contact: 860-512-2663