Transfer Degree-Emphasis

Journalism Emphasis, Associate in Arts Direct Transfer Agreement (AA-DTA)

Area of Study
Arts and Communication

Overview 

Explore your passion for creative storytelling, photography, design, and community outreach. Complete your Associate in Arts Degree, Direct Transfer Agreement (AA-DTA) with an emphasis in Journalism in preparation for transferring to a four-year university.

Sample Schedule  

This sample schedule is provided as a guide for a full-time student starting in fall quarter whose goal is to earn the AA-DTA. The courses are designed with the appropriate number of credits to meet degree requirements and are organized in a recommended sequence. Please consult an advisor to schedule courses and develop a personalized educational plan.  

      Your personal educational plan will vary based on many factors including:  

  • The quarter you begin
  • How many classes/credits you plan to take in each quarter
  • Your math and English placement
  • If you have credits you have already taken and plan to transfer them
  • The college you are interested in transferring to
  • If you start in our Transitional Studies program

Sample Career Options  

  • Advertising and promotions manager
  • Emergency management director
  • Marketing and public relations manager
  • Reporter
  • School teacher 

Transfer and Degree Requirements  

Students working toward their transfer degree typically take a variety of courses designed to fulfill the general requirements of most four-year colleges and universities. Students intending to transfer to a four-year college for further study are encouraged to work closely with their advisor and transfer institution to explore the requirements of the college they wish to attend after Peninsula. Most institutions have separate admission criteria, which may be based on grades, prerequisite coursework, test scores, and other considerations. Our sample schedule is designed to provide you with faculty recommended courses to complete your AA-DTA degree with an emphasis in journalism, but is not a major ready pathway for every institution.  

Transfer Institution Information 

Students must select credits from three distribution lists: Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities. A specific course may be credited toward no more than one distribution requirement. A minimum of fifteen credits in two separate subject areas must be selected from each list. For Natural Sciences, at least five credits must be a lab. For Humanities, no more than five credits can be a Humanities-Performance course and no more than five credits may be applied in world languages at the 100 level.

Program Outcomes

Program outcomes are listed on the Area of Study webpage.

First Quarter

Meet with your advisor to talk about your long-term schedule and create an educational plan to complete your degree.

Catalog #
Title
Credits
CMST& 102 or CMST103/GS 121  +
5
5

This course provides support, develops positive connections, and opens learning opportunities to help students identify and pursue their academic and career goals. Through a process of self-discovery, students cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves that highlights their unique strengths and identifies areas for growth. Students will also learn how to navigate college systems and understand its specialized vocabulary and procedures. Throughout, this course reassures students of all backgrounds and abilities that they belong. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Elective)

This class has a fee of $12.13.

Credits: 5

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5

Active reading, effective writing, and critical thinking, using subjective and objective approaches. Introduction to research techniques. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Communication Skills)

Credits: 5

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Sub-Total Credits
15

Second Quarter

You’re doing it! Check in with your advisor to stay on track.

Catalog #
Title
Credits
CMST& 102 or CMST103/GS 121  +
5
5

Reading and writing using analytical and critical approaches. One or more research papers. Builds on concepts introduced in ENGL& 101. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Communication Skills)

Credits: 5

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MATH& 107 or MATH& 146  +
5
Sub-Total Credits
15

Third Quarter

Now is the time to explore transfer options. Make a transfer appointment with your advisor or the Career and Transfer Center.

Catalog #
Title
Credits
5

Introduction to Photojournalism I Foundation class in use of cameras, lenses, light, composition, timing, and field techniques. Emphasis on news and feature photography with principles applicable to all visual communications, including video. Produce black and white photos for assignments, mass communications, including the students news service The Buccaneer. Provide own DSLR camera equipment or mobile device and USB drive for photo storage and field work. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Humanities, Elective)

Credits: 5

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5

Social media weaves a comforting security net for some and a withering web for others. An in-depth look at storytelling practices and civic engagement using emerging web tools. The tools of mobile technology in social media will be explored as they effect civic engagement, cultures, and communities around the world. Explore the phenomena of Twitter, Reddit, and the rise of information empires in the ascent of Facebook, our chosen family and fate. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Humanities, Elective)

Credits: 5

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Natural Sciences  +
5
Sub-Total Credits
15

Natural Sciences + Consider studying Environmental Science (ENVS) or Geology (GEOL&).

Fourth Quarter

Transfer applications are open. We are here to help with the transfer process.

Catalog #
Title
Credits
3

Intermediate/advanced class applying professional standards of journalistic photography to practical field experience and digital imagery. Produce color photos for assignments, mass communications, including the students news service The Buccaneer. Provide own DSLR camera equipment or mobile device and USB drive for photo storage and field work. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Elective)

Credits: 3

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1 - 5

Series of programs from the Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Vocations, and Global Issues. This class may be repeated up to six times for a total of thirty credits. Unless granted instructor permission, students taking this class for five credits will earn a decimal grade. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Elective)

Credits: 1 - 5

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Natural Sciences  +
5
Social Sciences  +
5
Sub-Total Credits
15

Natural Sciences + Take a second course in another subject area like Biology (BIOL&) or Geography (GEOG&).
Social Sciences + Consider World History III (HIST& 128), Sociology (SOC&), Global Issues (SOCSI 101) or Political Science (POLS&). 

Fifth Quarter

You’re knocking on the door! Check your Degree Progress Report to avoid any surprises and then apply for graduation.

Catalog #
Title
Credits
5

Interpersonal communication theory and practice is explored in this class in regards to both dyad and group settings. Communications process is explored through analysis of several areas, including: perception, listening, self disclosure, speech apprehension, ethics, nonverbal communication, conflict, power, and dysfunctional communication relationships. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Humanities, Elective)

Credits: 5

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Natural Sciences  +
5
Social Sciences  +
5
Sub-Total Credits
15

Social Sciences + Consider World History III (HIST& 128), Sociology (SOC&), Global Issues (SOCSI 101) or Political Science (POLS&).

Sixth Quarter

You're almost done! Time to order that cap and gown. Good luck on your final quarter!

Catalog #
Title
Credits
CMST Elective  +
5
Humanities  +
5
Social Sciences  +
5
Sub-Total Credits
15
Total Credits
90