Journalism
Associate of Arts (AA) Journalism · Santa Barbara City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Overview
Journalism study at Santa Barbara City College provides the theory, practical skills and experiences that inform students' personal lives, intellectual pursuits and professional endeavors in the mass media.
The Associate of Arts Degree, in particular, provides students with the foundational knowledge to successfully transition into a baccalaureate degree in journalism or into any liberal arts major.
Requirements
Associate Degree Graduation Requirements
Complete all of the following:
- All Major Requirements listed below with a “C” or better or “P” in each course (at least 20% of the major requirements must be completed through SBCC).
- One of the following General Education options:
- OPTION 1: SBCC General Education pattern OR
- OPTION 2: Cal-GETC pattern
- A minimum of 60 semester units of degree-applicable college credit (SBCC courses numbered 100 and higher and C1000 and higher).
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in degree-applicable coursework.
- A minimum of 12 units through SBCC.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| Required Core | ||
| COMM 171 | Mass Media and Society | 3 |
| JOUR 101 | Reporting/Writing I | 3 |
| JOUR 121 | The Channels: Reporting/Writing | 3 |
| List A - Complete 9-10 units of Controlled Electives from the following: | 9-10 | |
| JOUR 122A | The Channels: Newswriting and Editing | |
| orJOUR 123A | The Channels: Photojournalism | |
| orJOUR 123B | The Channels: Publication Design | |
| JOUR 135/MKT 135 | Public Relations | |
| JOUR 190/PHOT 190 | Photojournalism | |
| JOUR 271NF/ENG 271NF | Creative Writing: Non-fiction | |
| Total Units | 18.00-19.00 | |
Learning Outcomes
- Use news judgment to select, produce and publish journalistic content.
- Practice standard reporting and news gathering techniques.
- Identify the best medium by which to convey journalistic content.
- Develop journalistic content in multiple media forms.
- Identify and practice the role and principles of a free press in a participatory democracy: commitment to accuracy, sound ethics, fairness and context.
Recommended Sequence
Make an appointment with your SBCC academic counselor through Starfish to create a Student Education Plan that reflects a recommended course sequence for this program that is tailored to your individual needs.
How to schedule an Academic Counseling appointment.