Field of Interest
The Associate in Arts (AA), Emphasis in Journalism and New Media Studies provides the first two years of a four-year curriculum for students interested in broadcast, print, and new media journalism transfer and is also designed to provide students with general, practical and marketable skills that will enable them to seek entry-level employment in various media outlets, including: newspapers, magazines, community journals, online websites, radio and television. News judgment is integrated as a critical component of the coursework along with an awareness of global and cultural differences. Students will develop a portfolio of work that will exhibit students` abilities to write both news and feature stories.
Details
Important information you’ll need when applying for admission:
- Field of Interest
- Culture and Society
- Type
- Associate in Arts (AA)
- Academic Plan
- Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Journalism and New Media Studies (DEG)
- Academic Plan Code
- 8146
- Total Credits Required
- 61-67
- Catalog Year
- 2024-2025
- Effective Term
- Fall 2024
- Notes
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
What You’ll Learn
This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:
- Produce stories appropriate to their medium and venue, from conceptualization to publication, including research, confirmation of credible sources, writing, and editing.
- Analyze and adapt to a professional context within the journalism industry in order to work effectively.
- Describe the contemporary field of journalism, including media, markets and specializations.
- Demonstrate written and verbal skills to communicate effectively with diverse populations and individuals.
- Develop and maintain professional networks and relationships within the field of journalism.
- Apply media law and ethics to journalistic situations.
- Evaluate and employ the strengths of self and others to achieve common goals in group settings.
- Incorporate new and emerging digital technologies ethically and efficiently to meet current trends.
- Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field.
Career Opportunities
Successful completion of this degree may lead to
employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related
occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages* for
this degree. Education requirements vary for the
occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some
of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program
director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding
education level, wages, and employment information.
Analyze, interpret, and broadcast news received from various sources.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$24.60
Annual Median Wage
$51,178
Number of People Employed
550
4-Year Employment Growth
Decrease
by -20.9 %
Write advertising copy for use by publication or broadcast media to promote sale of goods and services.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$18.43
Annual Median Wage
$38,344
Number of People Employed
1,545
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 5.4 %
Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$28.54
Annual Median Wage
$59,379
Number of People Employed
1,229
4-Year Employment Growth
Decrease
by -1.1 %
Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$30.91
Annual Median Wage
$64,304
Number of People Employed
4,128
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase
by 9.6 %
Collect and analyze facts about newsworthy events by interview, investigation, or observation. Report and write stories for newspaper, news magazine, radio, or television.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$24.60
Annual Median Wage
$51,178
Number of People Employed
550
4-Year Employment Growth
Decrease
by -20.9 %
* Career and wage information provided by Lightcast using data,
reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Lightcast’s
proprietary analytical processes. Lightcast’s data covers multiple classes of workers
including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed. Disclaimer
Course Sequence by Term
The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:
- Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
- The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
- Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
- Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
Pathway Map Options
There are multiple options available for this pathway map.
These options vary depending on the locations, partners, and available tracks of the award.
These pathway map options may share some common coursework. To explore what additional coursework
may be required, select your desired option from the list below. Once selected, the list of
courses and any associated details will be automatically updated in the course sequence below.
The differences between individual pathway map options may only be a few courses.
The list of courses below has been updated
Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.
A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
| Awareness Areas |
- In addition to the requirements identified in the sequence below,
students must complete the following awareness areas if not otherwise
met by other program requirements:
- Cultural [C] and
- Global [G] or Historical [H]
-
Students are strongly encouraged to visit
with an academic advisor to ensure completion of all
graduation requirements.
|
Note: Because you are viewing this pathway map on a mobile device,
some columns below have been hidden. To view all columns, please rotate your device or view this
page on a device with a larger screen.
A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Term 2
Term 2
Term 2
| Course Number |
Course Name |
Requisites |
Notes |
Area |
Credits |
| JRN201 |
News Writing |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101 or ENG107. |
Critical course
|
L |
3 |
ENG102 or
ENG108 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL |
Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG101. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG107. |
|
FYC or FYC |
3 |
| CRE101 |
College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(ENG101 or ENG107) and (RDG095 or RDG100 or RDG100LL or RDG111 or RDG112 or RDG113)] or a grade of B or better in ALT100 or an appropriate district placement or permission of Instructor. Prerequisites or Corequisites: null Corequisites: null |
OR Equivalent as indicated by assessment
|
L |
0–3 |
| CS |
Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application |
|
|
CS |
3 |
| Transfer Option |
Transfer Option |
|
|
|
0–3 |
| Second Language |
Second Language Requirement, 102 Level |
|
|
|
0–5 |
GBS221 or
MAT206 or
PSY230 or
SWU225 |
Business Statistics or Elements of Statistics or Introduction to Statistics or Statistics for Social Research/Justice and Government |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in GBS220 or MAT217 or MAT218. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT14+, or MAT15+, or MAT187, or MAT188, or equivalent, or an appropriate District placement, or permission of Department/Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (PSY101 and eligibility for MAT14+ or higher as indicated by appropriate district mathematics placement) or permission of Instructor. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT092 or completion of higher level mathematics course. |
|
CS or CS or CS or CS |
3 |
Second Language or
Elective |
Second Language Requirement, 102 Level or Elective |
|
Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).
|
|
0–5 |
| MCO220 |
Cultural Diversity and the Media |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101 or ENG107. |
|
C, L |
3 |
| CS |
Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application |
|
|
CS |
3 |
| JRN208 |
Media Law |
|
|
|
3 |
| CS |
Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application |
|
|
CS |
3 |
Second Language or
Elective |
Second Language Requirement, 102 Level or Elective |
|
Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).
|
|
0–5 |
A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Term 3
Term 3
Term 3
| Course Number |
Course Name |
Requisites |
Notes |
Area |
Credits |
| SQ |
Natural Sciences Quantitative |
|
|
SQ |
4 |
| SB |
Social-Behavioral Sciences |
|
|
SB |
3 |
| Transfer Option |
Transfer Option - Communications Course |
|
|
|
3 |
| Transfer Option |
Transfer Option |
|
|
|
0–3 |
| Second Language |
Second Language Requirement, 201 Level |
|
|
|
0–5 |
COM100 or
COM110 or
COM225 or
COM230 |
Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication |
No requisites or No requisites or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent. or No requisites |
|
SB or SB or L or SB |
3 |
| POS110 |
American National Government |
|
|
SB |
3 |
Second Language or
Elective |
Second Language Requirement, 201 Level or Elective |
|
Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).
|
|
0–5 |
| COM225 |
Public Speaking |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent. |
|
L |
3 |
| JRN205 |
Copyediting |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101 or permission of Instructor. JRN201 recommended for Journalism students. |
|
|
3 |
| JRN210 |
News and Media Production |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in JRN201 or [(ENG101 or ENG107) and permission of Program Director or Instructor]. |
|
|
3 |
JRN212 or
JRN213 |
Writing for Broadcasts or Writing for Online |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101 and (JRN201 or permission of Instructor). or No requisites |
|
|
3 |
| JRN216 |
Current Topics in Media Practice |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in JRN201. JRN215 recommended but not required. |
|
|
1 |
COM100 or
COM110 or
COM225 or
COM230 |
Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication |
No requisites or No requisites or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent. or No requisites |
|
SB or SB or L or SB |
3 |
JRN125 or
JRN225 |
Photo Editing or Photojournalism |
|
|
|
3 |
| SB |
Social-Behavioral Sciences |
|
May be met by COM course selection COM100, COM110, or COM230
|
SB |
0–3 |
Second Language or
Elective |
Second Language Requirement, 201 Level or Elective |
|
Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).
|
|
0–5 |
A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Term 4
Term 4
Term 4
| Course Number |
Course Name |
Requisites |
Notes |
Area |
Credits |
SG or
SQ |
Natural Sciences General or Natural Sciences Quantitative |
|
|
SG or SQ |
4 |
| HU |
Humanities, Fine Arts & Design |
|
|
HU |
3 |
| SB |
Social-Behavioral Sciences |
|
|
SB |
3 |
| Transfer Option |
Transfer Option |
|
|
|
0–3 |
| Second Language |
Second Language Requirement, 202 Level |
|
|
|
0–5 |
| MCO120 |
Media and Society |
Prerequisites: Eligibility for ENG101 or ENG107 or permission of Instructor. |
|
SB |
3 |
PHI101 or
PHI103 or
PHI105 |
Introduction to Philosophy or Introduction to Logic or Introduction to Ethics |
No requisites or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent. or No requisites |
|
HU or HU, L or HU |
3 |
| Related Area |
Related Area Course |
|
Select a course for three (3) credits that transfers to ASU with one of the following prefixes: ASB, ASM, ACC, COM, ECN, ENG, FAS, FIN, GCU, GPH, HST, JUS, LES, MGT, MKT, REA, REL, POS, SOC, THE, THP, WST.
|
|
3 |
Second Language or
Elective |
Second Language Requirement, 202 Level or Elective |
|
Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).
|
|
0–5 |
| JRN226 |
Introduction to Multimedia Journalism |
|
|
|
3 |
| JRN232 |
Community Reporting |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in JRN201. |
|
|
3 |
JRN240AC or
JRN290 or
JRN298AA or
JRN298AB or
JRN298AC |
Journalism Internship or Publications Portfolio or Special Projects or Special Projects or Special Projects |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in JRN210. or No requisites or Prerequisites: Permission of Program Director or Instructor. or Prerequisites: Permission of Program Director or Instructor. or Prerequisites: Permission of Program Director or Instructor. |
|
|
1–3 |
| MCO120 |
Media and Society |
Prerequisites: Eligibility for ENG101 or ENG107 or permission of Instructor. |
|
SB |
3 |
| HU |
Humanities, Fine Arts & Design |
|
|
HU |
3 |
| JRN212 |
Writing for Broadcasts |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101 and (JRN201 or permission of Instructor). Prerequisites or Corequisites: null Corequisites: null |
Students interested in pursuing UA’s Broadcast Journalism Specialization may also elect to take JRN212
|
|
0–3 |
| MCO120 |
Media and Society |
Prerequisites: Eligibility for ENG101 or ENG107 or permission of Instructor. |
|
SB |
3 |
| HU |
Humanities, Fine Arts & Design |
|
|
HU |
3 |
Second Language or
Elective |
Second Language Requirement, 202 Level or Elective |
|
Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).
|
|
0–5 |
Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.
A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
| Awareness Areas |
- In addition to the requirements identified in the sequence below,
students must complete the following awareness areas if not otherwise
met by other program requirements:
- Cultural [C] and
- Global [G] or Historical [H]
-
Students are strongly encouraged to visit
with an academic advisor to ensure completion of all
graduation requirements.
|
Note: Because you are viewing this pathway map on a mobile device,
some columns below have been hidden. To view all columns, please rotate your device or view this
page on a device with a larger screen.
A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 5
Term 5
Term 5
Term 5
| Course Number |
Course Name |
Requisites |
Notes |
Area |
Credits |
| Second Language |
Second Language Requirement, 101 Level |
|
|
|
0–5 |
| Transfer Option |
Transfer Option |
|
|
|
0–3 |
| HU |
Humanities, Fine Arts & Design |
|
|
HU |
3 |
PHI101 or
PHI103 or
PHI105 |
Introduction to Philosophy or Introduction to Logic or Introduction to Ethics |
No requisites or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent. or No requisites |
|
HU or HU, L or HU |
3 |
| POS110 |
American National Government |
|
|
SB |
3 |
Second Language or
Elective |
Second Language Requirement, 101 Level or Elective |
|
Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).
|
|
0–5 |
| JRN210 |
News and Media Production |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in JRN201 or [(ENG101 or ENG107) and permission of Program Director or Instructor]. |
|
|
3 |
| HU |
Humanities, Fine Arts & Design |
|
|
HU |
3 |
| JRN208 |
Media Law |
|
|
|
3 |
| HU |
Humanities, Fine Arts & Design |
|
|
HU |
3 |
Second Language or
Elective |
Second Language Requirement, 101 Level or Elective |
|
Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).
|
|
0–5 |
A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 6
Term 6
Term 6
Term 6
| Course Number |
Course Name |
Requisites |
Notes |
Area |
Credits |
| SQ |
Natural Sciences Quantitative |
|
|
SQ |
4 |
| Second Language |
Second Language Requirement, 102 Level |
|
|
|
0–5 |
| Transfer Option |
Transfer Option |
|
|
|
0–3 |
| MCO120 |
Media and Society |
Prerequisites: Eligibility for ENG101 or ENG107 or permission of Instructor. |
|
SB |
3 |
Second Language or
Elective |
Second Language Requirement, 102 Level or Elective |
|
Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).
|
|
0–5 |
| COM225 |
Public Speaking |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent. |
|
L |
3 |
JRN212 or
JRN213 |
Writing for Broadcasts or Writing for Online |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101 and (JRN201 or permission of Instructor). or No requisites |
|
|
3 |
JRN125 or
JRN225 |
Photo Editing or Photojournalism |
|
|
|
3 |
Second Language or
Elective |
Second Language Requirement, 102 Level or Elective |
|
Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).
|
|
0–5 |
A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 7
Term 7
Term 7
Term 7
| Course Number |
Course Name |
Requisites |
Notes |
Area |
Credits |
| Second Language |
Second Language Requirement, 201 Level |
|
|
|
0–5 |
| SB |
Social-Behavioral Sciences |
|
|
SB |
3 |
| Transfer Option |
Transfer Option |
|
|
|
0–3 |
| Related Area |
Related Area Course |
|
Select a course for three (3) credits that transfers to ASU with one of the following prefixes: ASB, ASM, ACC, COM, ECN, ENG, FAS, FIN, GCU, GPH, HST, JUS, LES, MGT, MKT, REA, REL, POS, SOC, THE, THP, WST.
|
|
3 |
Second Language or
Elective |
Second Language Requirement, 201 Level or Elective |
|
Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).
|
|
0–5 |
| JRN205 |
Copyediting |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101 or permission of Instructor. JRN201 recommended for Journalism students. |
|
|
3 |
| JRN226 |
Introduction to Multimedia Journalism |
|
|
|
3 |
| MCO120 |
Media and Society |
Prerequisites: Eligibility for ENG101 or ENG107 or permission of Instructor. |
|
SB |
3 |
| MCO120 |
Media and Society |
Prerequisites: Eligibility for ENG101 or ENG107 or permission of Instructor. |
|
SB |
3 |
| JRN212 |
Writing for Broadcasts |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101 and (JRN201 or permission of Instructor). |
Students interested in pursuing UA’s Broadcast Journalism Specialization may also elect to take JRN212
|
|
3 |
Second Language or
Elective |
Second Language Requirement, 201 Level or Elective |
|
Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).
|
|
0–5 |
A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 8
Term 8
Term 8
Term 8
| Course Number |
Course Name |
Requisites |
Notes |
Area |
Credits |
SG or
SQ |
Natural Sciences General or Natural Sciences Quantitative |
|
|
SG or SQ |
4 |
| Second Language |
Second Language Requirement, 202 Level |
|
|
|
0–5 |
Second Language or
Elective |
Second Language Requirement, 202 Level or Elective |
|
Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).
|
|
0–5 |
| JRN232 |
Community Reporting |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in JRN201. |
|
|
3 |
JRN240AC or
JRN290 or
JRN298AA or
JRN298AB or
JRN298AC |
Journalism Internship or Publications Portfolio or Special Projects or Special Projects or Special Projects |
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in JRN210. or No requisites or Prerequisites: Permission of Program Director or Instructor. or Prerequisites: Permission of Program Director or Instructor. or Prerequisites: Permission of Program Director or Instructor. |
|
|
1–3 |
Second Language or
Elective |
Second Language Requirement, 202 Level or Elective |
|
Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).
|
|
0–5 |
Pathway Map Option Details
No pathway map option has been selected. Please select from the pathway
map options listed above.
Ready to get started?
Follow one of the options below to get started on your personal career pathway.
Click here for MCC’s easy-to-use Enrollment Steps.
Learn more about and find contact information for the Journalism program.
Ask general questions over the phone at 480-461-7400 or via online chat.
Course Area Key
Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.
- C = Cultural Diversity in the US
- CS = Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application
- FYC = First Year Composition
- HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design
- L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
- MA = Mathematics
- SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
- SG = Natural Sciences General
- SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative
Disclaimer
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, meet with an academic advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.
View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm10?id=190003).
Previous Catalog Years
The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.
Previous catalog years for Associate in Arts (AA) in Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Journalism and New Media Studies
