What You Will Learn
Studying journalism at CCM prepares students for careers in particular beats such as crime, education, entertainment, government, politics and sports. Journalism offers a highly transferable skillset applicable to other professions in media including advertising, broadcasting, public relations, publishing and social media management.
You may develop written communication skills alongside modern storytelling techniques in digital media formats. By learning how to effectively use a variety of software programs and applications that are standard in the industry today you become well prepared for an exciting career in today’s digital age. As media continue to play a central role in society, pursuing the journalism program at CCM equips you with the critical media literacy skills needed to navigate and understand the constantly-evolving media landscape.
- Develop a wide-range of media skills through creative approaches and technical applications in the areas of television, digital media and postproduction!
Whether you aspire to be a filmmaker, journalist, or content creator, you can harness your creativity at CCM and learn how to engage, inform, and entertain audiences while earning an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree in Broadcasting Arts and Technology.
Curriculum
The Broadcasting Arts and Technology 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?
- Engage with faculty who are dedicated and highly accomplished, and also maintain professional practice, bringing real world experience with problems and solutions, to the curriculum.
- Your new home for learning at CCM is in a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose journalism classroom, with access to the full Adobe suite.
- The renovated Alex DeCroce Media Center features high-definition technology, a digital media editing classroom, a scenery work room, two studio control rooms, a “green room” for guests, and separate teaching and professional studio spaces, each equipped with green screen cycloramas to create a variety of background images for video.
- You will write for “The Youngtown Edition” – the award-winning, student-run campus newspaper at CCM. Printing began in 1968 and this publication is also one of the oldest community college newspapers in the nation.
Working on the campus newspaper, “The Youngtown Edition,” is a requirement for journalism majors. Each year, the publication is entered into the New Jersey Press Association competition for college newspapers. In the past 10 years, “Youngtown” has received numerous awards at the collegiate state level. The Columbia Scholastic Press Association also conducts a thorough yearly critique of the newspaper and has awarded it Gold and Silver Medalist rankings.
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
Associate Professor, Assistant Chair
