Articulated through the University of Missouri - Columbia School of Journalism
The Career
According to the Pew Research Center’s Project for Excellence in Journalism, “The central purpose of journalism is to provide citizens with accurate and reliable information they need to function in a free society.” Journalists work in a myriad of fields, and this degree offers possibilities far beyond the traditional newsroom.
Today’s journalism students go on to work in online media, print, radio, television and public relations. In addition, this degree gives students a strong foundation for many career paths with its focus on research, writing, law, ethics, record-keeping and technology.
Employment Opportunities
Journalists are employed in many occupations including:
- Copywriter
- Radio, television or newspaper reporter
- Editor
- Producer
- Media planner
- Designer
- Photojournalist
- Sports reporter
- Art director
- Entrepreneur
- Public relations specialist
- Watchdog journalist
- Magazine writer
- Multimedia producer
Professional Traits
Those pursuing a career in journalism should:
- Demonstrate journalistic skill and objectivity
- Be socially and ethically responsible
- Possess strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
- Have the ability to work with a diverse group of people
- Be detail-oriented
The Program
The East Central College Associate of Arts in Journalism is a viable transfer program which prepares students to pursue their Bachelor of Arts in Journalism degree. Assuming appropriate placement scores, it is a two-year program, with flexibility to customize it toward the student’s chosen career.
ECC’s journalism degree consists of the 43-credit hour general education core required of all transfer programs plus foundational courses in journalistic basics, issues of diversity in the media and journalistic writing. This curriculum has been specifically articulated with the Missouri School of Journalism at the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Students also develop their skills in the hands-on applied journalism classes, which produce the school newspaper, the Cornerstone. For at least a semester, students in the program are expected to work on the school paper by interviewing, reporting, photographing and designing. During their tenure at ECC, journalism students also have the opportunity to travel to various professional conventions and participate in the ECC Film and Lecture Series.
Admission Requirements
Students must have completed:
- High school diploma or the equivalent (documentation sent to the registration office)
- Application for admission
- A placement test as specified by the college (please note: some coursework requires minimum placement results)
Transfer Options
Many of the credits, particularly the general education electives earned with this degree, are accepted as transfer credits by four-year colleges and/or universities. Please note that transferring credit is decided by the bachelor degree-granting institution, not ECC.
Students seeking to transfer are advised to contact the four-year institutions of their choice regarding the transferability of the credits and coursework offered through East Central College.
Accreditation
East Central College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 2400
Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504
800-621-7440
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