Journalism Option, Communication, A.S.*

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

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.

Learning Outcomes

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

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.
Identify, report and write feature stories.
Report and write for television news programming.
Operate under the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics and understand the ethics involved in making journalistic and editorial choices.
Choose appropriate sources, conduct interviews and use quotation and attribution correctly.
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.

Journalism Option Requirements

ECN* 101: Principles of Macroeconomics 3 Credits or
ECN* 102: Principles of Microeconomics 3 Credits
ENG* 101: Composition 3 Credits (Gen Ed - English )
PSY* 111: General Psychology I 3 Credits (Gen Ed - Social Sciences )
COM* 173: Public Speaking 3 Credits
Choose one course from Gen Ed - Humanities 3 Credits
Subtotal: 15
COM* 100: Introduction to Communication 3 Credits
COM* 108: Contemporary Issues in Media 3 Credits
ENG* 110: Introduction to Literature 3 Credits (Gen Ed - Humanities )
HIS* 102: Western Civilization II 3 Credits or
HIS* 202: United States History II 3 Credits or
HIS* 213: The U.S. Since World War II 3 Credits
POL* 111: American Government 3 Credits or
POL* 112: State and Local Government 3 Credits
Subtotal: 15
ENG* 200: Advanced Composition 3 Credits
COM* 121: Journalism I 3 Credits
COM* 201: Introduction to Public Relations 3 Credits
Choose one course from Gen Ed - Mathematics 3 Credits
COM* 295: Internship I 3 Credits
Subtotal: 15
COM* 229: Creative Writing, Non Fiction. 3 Credits
COM* 101: Introduction to Mass Communication 3 Credits
SOC* 101: Principles of Sociology 3 Credits
Choose one course from Gen Ed - The Arts 3 Credits
Choose one course from Gen Ed - Physical and Natural Sciences 3-4 Credits
Subtotal: 15-16

Total Minimum Credits Required: 60

Notes:

*Becoming Connecticut State Community College

A merger of Connecticut’s 12 community colleges is underway. As a part of this merger, modifications will be made to academic programs. Students who do not complete their programs by the end of the Spring 2023 term will be matched with the Connecticut State Community College (CT State) program that most closely aligns with the student’s Spring 2023 program and is offered at the current Manchester Community College location. The College is committed to students completing their education with a minimum of disruption. Further details can be found and will be updated on the Frequently Asked Questions page: www.ct.edu/ctstate/academics.