The Associate in Arts in Journalism for Transfer (AA-T) is intended for students who plan to transfer and complete a bachelor’s degree in Journalism, or a similar major such as Communications/Media Arts and Marketing at a CSU campus or for entry-level positions in the news/information industry. Students completing the AA-T degree in Journalism are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not necessarily to a particular CSU campus or major of their choice. Students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements as this AA-T in Journalism may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a college or university that is not part of the CSU system. Student journalists are encouraged to participate in campus media and internships as productivity is key to success in this rapidly evolving profession.
A.A.-Transfer Degree Level Student Learning Outcomes
Students completing the Journalism A.A.-Transfer Degree will:
- Understand and exercise journalistic rights and responsibilities.
- Understand the media, information, and their relation to society.
Students receiving this transfer degree must meet the following requirements:
- Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
- The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC).
- A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
- Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
- Meet the 12-unit residency requirement.
ADTs also require that students must earn a "C" (or "P") or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses: | ||
| COMM 100 | Mass Media and Society | 3 |
| COMM 101 | Reporting and Writing News | 3 |
| COMM 240A | Student Media: Beginning Staff | 3 |
| Select one (1) of the following courses: | ||
| Public Relations | 3 | |
| Visual Communications | 3 | |
| Student Media: Intermediate Staff | 3 | |
| Multimedia Reporting | 3 | |
| Select two (2) of the following courses: | ||
| Communication Theory | 3 | |
| Design for Media | 3 | |
| Digital Photography | 3 | |
| Photojournalism | 3 | |
| Total Units | 18 | |
2-Year Curriculum Map Example
This map represents one possible pathway through the program and is only for reference.
*It is highly recommended that you make an appointment to create a customized education plan that fits your needs.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Term 1 | Units | |
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing or Academic Reading and Writing or Academic Reading and Writing - Honors | 4-5 |
| Cal-GETC Area 2: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning | 3-5 | |
| COMM 101 | Reporting and Writing News | 3 |
| COMM 240A | Student Media: Beginning Staff | 3 |
| Cal-GETC Area 3A: Arts | 3 | |
| Units | 16-19 | |
| Spring Term 1 | ||
| COMM 100 | Mass Media and Society | 3 |
| COMM 240B | Student Media: Intermediate Staff | 3 |
| ENGL C1001 | Critical Thinking and Writing or Critical Thinking and Writing - Honors or Critical Thinking and Writing through Literature or Critical Thinking and Writing through Literature - Honors | 4 |
| POLS C1000 or POLS C1000H | American Government and Politics or American Government and Politics - Honors | 3 |
| Cal-GETC Area 5A: Physical Science | 3 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Term 2 | ||
| ANTH 212 | Introduction to Biological Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH 212L | Biological Anthropology Lab | 1 |
| COMM C1000 | Introduction to Public Speaking or Introduction to Public Speaking - Honors or Small Group Communication | 3 |
| COMM 104 | Public Relations | 3 |
| COMM 250 | Multimedia Reporting | 3 |
| Units | 13 | |
| Spring Term 2 | ||
| COMM 150 | Communication Theory (Cal-GETC Area 3B: Humanities) | 3 |
| COMM 230 | Design for Media | 3 |
| HIST C1001 | United States History to 1877 or United States History to 1877 - Honors or United States History since 1865 or United States History since 1865 - Honors or History of Women in the United States or History of Women in the United States - Honors | 3 |
| Cal-GETC Area 6: Ethnic Studies | 3 | |
| UC/CSU Elective | 3 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Total Units | 60-63 | |
Please make an appointment with a counselor to select elective courses and create a Student Educational Plan. Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADTs) are designed for transfer to the California State University (CSU) system. Additional coursework may be needed for students planning to transfer to the University of California (UC), independent or private institutions, or out-of-state colleges or universities.
Career Opportunities
There are a variety of careers you can do with this major.
To explore more about this major, schedule an appointment with a career counselor.