Journalism, an Option to the Associate in Arts in Digital Mass Media
Program Description
The A.A. degree in Digital Mass Media offers students the first two years of courses and fieldwork which allow students to transfer into a baccalaureate program or to seek immediate employment. The program prepares for a variety of production or writing positions at newspapers and magazines (print and online), radio and television stations (and their associated Web sites), cable systems, video production companies and other production facilities. The program also prepares students for careers as publicity writers for public relations firms, advertising agencies, businesses, and organizations. The curriculum gives students hands-on writing, production, and programming experience at the College radio station, television station, video editing/post production lab, literary magazine, and the print and online versions of the college newspaper. Students also gain experience in blogs, podcasts and other new media used by both professional and citizen journalists.
Transfer Information
Students pursuing the Journalism degree can transfer into majors such as journalism, communications, and English/creative writing. Students are encouraged to work closely with OCC faculty and Advising Transfer Services. Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution in NJ can explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer www.njtransfer.org.
Career Information
The Associate of Arts and the Associate of Science Degrees are designed to provide students with the coursework needed to transfer to a four-year institution and pursue a bachelor’s degree. The curriculum provides students the knowledge and skills needed to pursue various career pathways, while providing a credential beyond the high school degree. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with OCC faculty and Career Services as they begin to explore career options. Students can also utilize Career Coach, a resource provided by OCC, to explore degree programs and corresponding careers https://ocean.emsicc.com/
Students are encouraged to keep track of degree requirements by using the “My Progress” screen on Student Planning. Student Planning can be accessed via logging into Ocean Connect.
| First Semester | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| Mathematics Gen. Ed. Requirement 1 | 3 | |
| COMM 151 | Media Writing I | 3 |
| COMM 154 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| Any STSC - Student Success Seminar course 2 | 2 | |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| COMM 281 | Mass Communications | 3 |
| Humanities Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| History Gen. Ed. Requirement 3 | 3 | |
| Lab Science Gen. Ed. Requirement 1 | 4 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| COMM 172 | Communication Law | 3 |
| Diversity Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Humanities Gen. Ed. Requirement 3 | 3 | |
| Mathematics or Lab Science Gen. Ed. Requirement 1 | 3-4 | |
| Social Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15-16 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| COEM 284 | Broadcast News Production | 3 |
| History Gen. Ed. Requirement 3 | 3 | |
| Humanities Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Social Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Technology Gen. Ed. Requirement 1 | 3 | |
| Elective to meet 60 credits | 0-1 | |
| Credit Hours | 15-16 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60-62 | |
- 1
Students must select one math course, one lab science course, and one technology course and complete the 12 credit requirement with any additional math or science course from the list of Approved General Education Courses. Students may attempt to “test out” of the technology requirement. If they succeed, they must take an additional course in math or science from the List of Approved General Education Courses
- 2
A variety of STSC -Student Success Seminar courses are available. Please speak to your academic advisor for assistance when selecting.
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Selection should be based upon the requirements of the four-year transfer institution.
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