# Journalism and Media Studies (A.A. Degree)

Santa Ana College · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Journalism and Media Studies

Source: https://sac.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/34297/34898/36130/34925/35928

Program Code: SAC.JAMS.AA

Program Control Number: 04194

The Associate in Arts in Journalism and Media Studies introduces students to the theory and practice of media. The program provides critical and cultural analysis of media and communications while affording students comprehensive study in reporting, writing, visual reporting, photojournalism, design, and editing across media platforms. Students build media production skills while working at the college’s nationally acclaimed publications el Don and eldonnews.org, where they learn to work in a data-rich environment to find and tell important stories.

Completion of the degree prepares students to move into a four-year program leading to a baccalaureate degree and potential careers in digital media, multimedia and social media reporting, editing, photography, design, public relations, advertising, writing and production, teaching, and communication research. Please consult a SAC counselor for information about course requirements for particular four-year institutions.

**Learning Outcome(s):**

1.  Apply the basic principles of journalism such as accuracy, fairness, and public service.
2.  Demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications and media.
3.  Discuss the legal and ethical underpinnings of U.S. Mass Media.
4.  Research news and other media stories using a variety of sources and evaluate the accuracy of information sources.

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Major requirements for the associate in arts degree** | | 22 |
| JAMS 103 | Introduction to Visual Communications | 3 |
| JAMS 105 | Mass Media and Society | 3 |
| JAMS 111 | Media, Race and Gender | 3 |
| JAMS 121 | Reporting and Writing the News | 3 |
| JAMS 123A | Multimedia News Production | 4 |
| JAMS 222 | Writing Across Media | 3 |
| JAMS 102 | Multimedia Storytelling | 3 |
| or JAMS 160 | Introduction to Photojournalism | 3 |
| or PHOT 160 | Introduction to Photojournalism | 3 |
| **Total** | | **22** |