What You Will Learn
Prepare for a Dynamic Career in Journalism and Media at CCM
Studying journalism at CCM equips you with the skills to thrive in specialized reporting areas such as crime, education, entertainment, government, politics, and sports. Beyond journalism, the program builds a highly transferable skill set that opens doors to careers in advertising, broadcasting, public relations, publishing, and social media management.
You’ll sharpen your written communication while mastering modern storytelling techniques across digital platforms. Through hands-on training with industry-standard software and tools, you’ll be ready to succeed in the fast-paced digital media landscape.
As media continues to shape how we understand the world, CCM’s journalism program emphasizes critical media literacy—giving you the tools to analyze, interpret, and create meaningful content in an ever-changing environment.
Develop a broad range of media production skills through creative and technical experiences in television, digital content creation, and postproduction.
Whether you aim to become a filmmaker, journalist, or content creator, CCM provides the foundation to turn your passion into purpose. Engage, inform, and entertain audiences while earning your Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree in Broadcasting Arts & Technology.
Curriculum
The Journalism program features a 15-credit core of communication for you to become proficient in editing, journalism, mass media and publication design.
Careers in the Field
As a journalism major you are well prepared for a wide range of jobs in media. An associate degree is a perfect starting point for a creative career such as:
- Content Manager
- Copywriter
- Corporate Communications Specialist
- Data Research Analyst
- Editor
- Fact Checker
- Grant Writer
- Journalist
- Photojournalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Reporter
- Social Media Planner
- Technical Writer
Transfer Opportunities
CCM graduates from the journalism program have successfully transferred to state universities in New Jersey as well as to other public and private universities. Specific transfer agreements to encourage a seamless process include:
- Centenary University
- Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Rider University
- Rutgers Newark
- Saint Elizabeth University
- West Virginia University
- William Paterson University
Why Study Journalism at CCM?
Students work in a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose journalism classroom with access to the full Adobe suite. Professor John Soltes teaches all core courses and is a graduate of the prestigious Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. He is also the author of a wide variety of publications, including work published in the New York Times and The Guardian.
In addition, CCM publishes The Youngtown Edition, which began printing in 1968 and is one of the oldest community college newspapers in the nation and has recently earned numerous awards. Scholarship opportunities are available for those who work on the campus newspaper.
Paying for Your Journalism Education
Earning an associate degree is a powerful investment that will pay off over the course of your life, in both increased earnings and job satisfaction. But what is the upfront cost, and how do you afford it?
There’s good news: Money is available to help you pay for school! Our Financial Aid staff can provide lots of information about the process of finding funds to help pay for your education.
Scholarship opportunities are also available for those who work on The Youngtown Edition, the award-winning, student-run campus newspaper at CCM.
Featured Courses
Introduction to Mass Media
Introduction to Mass Media is a survey course focusing on the history and consequences of mass media for the individual, society and culture. Specific areas of emphasis include the historical development of media forms, theories concerning the effects of media, and the evolving future of media. Special attention will also be paid to current events in the media and their social consequences.
Introduction to Journalism
Instruction and practice in reporting and writing news stories across multimedia platforms. Topics include new media, writing, reporting, interviewing, researching, news judgment, Associated Press style, media ethics and media law. Students utilize computers in the classroom to research topics and complete assignments on deadline. The culmination of the course is an e-portfolio that utilizes a basic content management system and combines written articles with original photography. A one-time commitment of three hours of newspaper production is required.
Editing and Publication Design
Instruction and practice in copy editing, layout, design, headline writing, photo editing, news evaluation, media ethics and media law. Students utilize computers, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign to complete assignments, and they help produce the student newspaper.
Resources
Your Journalism Faculty Advisor
Assistant Department Chairperson, Associate Professor
