Pre-Multimedia Journalism, A.A. (General Transfer)

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Academic Program Code: 402

This academic program lays the foundation for students to transfer to a 4-year institution to complete a bachelor’s degree in Journalism (also titled “Multimedia Journalism,” “Journalism and Technical Communication,” depending on the 4-year institution).

The JR courses combine classroom learning with the practical hands-on application of writing for The Collegiate, GRCC’s award-winning web-based student publication.

Students who graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism are prepared to find jobs in all fields that require strong writing and communication skills including jobs in all forms of media such as print, broadcast, or online. Additional opportunities for students who complete a bachelor’s degree in Journalism could include careers in related fields such as business, non-profit organizations, government, public relations, media affairs, community outreach and advocacy, and advertising and marketing.

By declaring this Pre-Major, students are on track to graduate with an Associate of Arts degree from GRCC and to transfer to a 4-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree.

General Education Courses

Select a minimum of 30 credit hours of course work from the General Education course list. Course work must be selected as directed in the areas below.

English Composition and Communications

EN 101 - English Composition I Credit Hours: 3
Select an EN or COM course from the list below (based on your transfer requirements).
EN 102 - English Composition II Credit Hours: 3
OR
COM 131 - Fundamentals of Public Speaking Credit Hours: 3
OR
COM 135 - Interpersonal Communication Credit Hours: 3

Humanities

Select two (2) Humanities General Education Electives from two (2) different subject areas.

Humanities General Education - Elective Credit Hours: varies by course

Humanities General Education - Elective Credit Hours: varies by course

Social Sciences

Select two (2) Social Sciences General Education Electives from two (2) different subject areas.

Social Sciences General Education - Elective Credit Hours: varies by course

Social Sciences General Education - Elective Credit Hours: varies by course

Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Natural Sciences

Select two (2) Natural Sciences General Education courses from two (2) different subject areas; one (1) must be a lab.

Nat Sci Lab/Non Lab General Education - Elective Credit Hours: varies by course
Nat Sci Lab General Education - Elective Credit Hours: varies by course

Mathematics

Select one (1) Mathematics General Education Elective.

Mathematics General Education - Elective (Must meet MTA requirements) Credit Hours: varies by course

General Education Total Credit Hours

30 (minimum)

Program Courses

JR 251 - News Writing and Reporting Credit Hours: 3

Program Elective Courses

Select a minimum of four (4) courses from the list below. Courses should be selected based on your identified program or major at the 4-year transfer institution that you plan to attend. For assistance, please see a GRCC advisor or faculty member, in addition to viewing the “Transfer Notes” section below.

JR 252 - Advanced News Writing and Reporting Credit Hours: 3
JR 253 - Journalism - Internship Credit Hours: 2
COM 254 - Mass Media Credit Hours: 3
COM 135 - Interpersonal Communication Credit Hours: 3
EN 249 - Technical Writing Credit Hours: 3
Open Elective - 3 Credit Credit Hours: 3
Open Elective - 3 Credit Credit Hours: 3
Open Elective - 3 Credit Credit Hours: 3

If transferring to Grand Valley State University, you should select JR 252 and COM 135 as part of your Program Elective Courses.

If transferring to Ferris State University, you should select EN 249, JR 252, JR 253, and COM 254.

If transferring to Eastern Michigan University, you should select EN 249 and JR 252 as part of your Program Elective Courses.

If transferring to Western Michigan University, you should select JR 252, JR 253, and COM 254 as part of your Program Elective Courses.

If transferring to Central Michigan University, you should select COM 254 as part of your Program Elective Courses.

Open Elective Courses

In addition to the above coursework, you will need to take other GRCC courses to complete your degree.

The GRCC course listed below may be helpful for students pursuing a Journalism major at a 4-year institution and is a recommended open elective. However, the course listed below may not satisfy specific program or major requirements at your 4-year institution. For maximum transferability, all courses should be selected based on your identified program or major at the 4-year transfer institution that you plan to attend.

COM 266 - Fundamentals of Public Relations Credit Hours: 3

The number of elective credit hours that you will need to complete this Pre-Major will depend on the number of credit hours that remain in order for you to reach the 60 credits needed to graduate. For assistance in developing an academic plan, please see a GRCC advisor or faculty member.

Total Credit Hours

Transfer Notes

Be aware that many 4-year institutions limit the number of credits that you can transfer from GRCC, and have final determination regarding the transferability and applicability of GRCC courses. Contact the 4-year institution to which you intend to transfer for assistance with course selections and verification of the transferability and applicability of courses/credits. It is recommended that you meet with an advisor to review the requirements for this program and have any questions about transfer answered prior to completing this degree program at GRCC.

Program Notes

It is recommended that students take JR 251 and JR 252 their first year at GRCC. This will allow students an opportunity to jump into real-world reporting experience working as a staff member at The Collegiate during their first year at the college.