Journalism AA
Do you have a knack for storytelling and a passion for uncovering the truth? These are two of the cornerstones of a career in journalism. Whether writing for print publications or reporting live on television news, journalists inform, inspire, and investigate for the singular purpose of serving the public interest. They hold leaders accountable and expose wrongdoing - all while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced work environment. From the sidelines of a big game as a sports reporter to the border of a war-torn country as a foreign correspondent, journalists are never far from the center of the action.
In an associate program in Journalism, you will study mass media, learn how to conduct interviews and write stories, and explore issues of truth and ethics. This degree is transferable to universities offering bachelor’s degrees in Mass Communications, Communication and Media, or Journalism.
The first year of a Journalism program will include math and English courses to meet general education requirements. The completion of introductory math and English courses in your first year is proven to greatly increase the likelihood of crossing the graduation stage, boosting your momentum along the degree pathway you select. Other general education courses on your pathway will cover topics in Arts and Humanities, History, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Natural and Physical Sciences.
Program-specific courses may begin as soon as your first semester. These courses will become more advanced as you move along your degree pathway. Through this sequence of courses, your knowledge of writing, editing, and reporting will grow and deepen. Coursework will include Introduction to Mass Media, Media News and Reporting, and New Media. After completing a 60-credit associate degree, your degree pathway can continue with guaranteed transfer to a college that offers bachelor’s degrees.
| Required Courses that Fulfill General Education Requirements (31 Credit Hours) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours | Course Number and Title | |
| (Written) Communication | 6 | ENG 121/1021 English Composition I and ENG 122/1022 English Composition II OR ENG 122/1022 English Composition II and a GT Pathways approved CO3 course |
| Mathematics | 3 | One GT Pathways Mathematics course (GT-MA1), prefer MAT 120/1240 Mathematics for the Liberal Arts |
| Arts & Humanities | 6 | Two GT Pathways Arts & Humanities courses (GT-AH1, GT- AH2, GT-AH3, GT-AH4). |
| History | 3 | One GT Pathways History course (GT-HI1) |
| Social & Behavioral Sciences | 6 | Two GT Pathways Social & Behavioral Sciences courses (GT-SS1, GT-SS2, GT-SS3) |
| Natural & Physical Sciences | 7 | Two GT Pathways Natural & Physical Science course, one must be with a laboratory (GT-SC1) |
| Additional Required Courses & Electives (29 credits) | ||||||||||||||||
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***See section on limitations regarding any additional courses taken in the major.
Electives CANNOT be additional JOU courses. Students should consider using their free
electives to consider exploring additional area of focus.
Otero College is a part of a Statewide Transfer Articulation Agreement between Colorado community colleges and universities. These agreements allow you to graduate from a community college with a 60-credit Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degree with designation; enroll with junior status at a university; and complete your bachelor’s degree. If you attend full-time and follow the structured schedule, you can complete your bachelor’s degree in 4 years.
The following Colorado public four-year institutions will accept your completed Journalism AA degree from Otero College.
Adams State University
[B.A. Communication and Media]
Colorado Mesa University
[B.A. Mass Communication]
Colorado State University-Ft Collins
[B.A. Journalism and Media Communication]
Colorado State University-Pueblo
[B.A. or B.S. Mass Communication]
Metropolitan State University of Denver
[B.A. Journalism]
University of Colorado Boulder
[B.A. Journalism]
University of Northern Colorado
[B.A. Journalism]
Western Colorado University
[B.A. History]