Journalism and Media Studies

A.A. Degree Journalism and Media Studies · Santa Ana College · 2026-2027 Catalog

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.
CourseTitleUnits
Major requirements for the associate in arts degree22
JAMS 103Introduction to Visual Communications3
JAMS 105Mass Media and Society3
JAMS 111Media, Race and Gender3
JAMS 121Reporting and Writing the News3
JAMS 123AMultimedia News Production4
JAMS 222Writing Across Media3
JAMS 102Multimedia Storytelling3
orJAMS 160Introduction to Photojournalism3
orPHOT 160Introduction to Photojournalism3
Total22

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