Journalism
Associate of Arts Degree Journalism · San Diego Mesa College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Summary
The Journalism program encompasses theoretical and practical training in print and online news media, including newspapers and online media, as well as in the field of public relations. This program is designed to prepare students for employment in the fields of print and online media and public relations. Course offerings include: news writing, reporting, editing, and online journalism. An advanced course devoted to the publication of The Mesa Press (Journalism 210A), San Diego Mesa College’s campus newspaper, allows students to engage in all phases of newspaper production, including news writing, reporting, editing, photography, advertising, design and layout.
Award Note: The Associate Degree requires a minimum of 60 degree applicable semester units.
Learning Outcome(s): Students who complete the Journalism Program will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the mass media in society.
- Demonstrate understanding of legal issues of libel, privacy, copyright, free speech/press, as well as an understanding of ethical issues such as plagiarism, fabrication, and conflict of interest.
- Write, edit, and revise stories in accepted journalistic style utilizing multiple platforms.
Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE MAJOR: | 12 | |
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing | 3 |
| orENGL 105 | Composition and Literature | 3 |
| JOUR 200 | Introduction to Newswriting and Reporting | 3 |
| JOUR 210A | Newspaper Production 1 | 3 |
| JOUR 210B | Newspaper Production 2 | 3 |
| Choose 9 units from the following: | 9 | |
| JOUR 210C | Newspaper Production 3 | 3 |
| JOUR 210D | Newspaper Production 4 | 3 |
| JOUR 202 | Introduction to Mass Communication | 3 |
| JOUR 206 | Online Journalism | 3 |
| JOUR 220 | Principles of Public Relations | 3 |