Associate of Arts - Program Map - 2024-2025
Arts, Humanities, Communication & Design

Program Description

The two-year Associate of Arts Degree in Communication-Journalism & Mass Communication teaches students how to write and cover breaking news events. Students learn how to collect accurate facts, information, and images to write informative, concise, and engaging news stories. In addition, students will learn how to present their information and news stories honestly and effectively to the public. This program builds a solid foundation in journalistic skills, terms, and processes that will benefit students who choose to further their education at universities. COMM 2389: Students must secure an internship before the first day of class. Please contact EPCC Career and Transfer Services to discuss Mass Communication related internships at 915-831-2636 or in room S16 of the Student Services Center at the Valle Verde Campus. Because internship opportunities change each semester, students are encouraged to speak to the instructor assigned or contact Mass Communication advisor Lisa Elliott at lelliot5@epcc.edu.

Career Opportunities

Potential Careers: Copywriters • Media Relations Officers • Media Analysts • Corporate Communications Directors • Speechwriters • News Anchors • Marketing Specialists • Event Planners • Writers/Editors • Communications Coordinators • News Directors • Communication Professors • News Reporters • Medical Grants Writers • Technical Writers • Community Affairs Liaisons • Public Health Information Officers

Potential Salary: $34,000 to $75,000/year, depending on career, education, location, and experience.

For more information on possible careers, education requirements, and salaries, please visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics: www.bls.gov

Communication - Journalism & Mass Communication

Associate of Arts

First Semester

Credit Hours

COMM

1307

Introduction to Mass Communication (C)

3

EDUC

1300

Learning Framework (C)

3

ENGL

1301

Composition I (C)

3

HIST

1301

United States History I (C)

3

Mathematics1 (C)

3

15

Second Semester

Credit Hours

COMM

1316

News Photography I

3

ENGL

1302

Composition II (C)

3

HIST

1302

United States History II (C)

3

Creative Arts2 (C)

3

Communication Elective3

3

15

Third Semester (Summer)

Credit Hours

SPCH

1315

Public Speaking (C) or

SPCH

1321

Business & Professional Communication (C)

3

Elective Option4

1

4

Fourth Semester

Credit Hours

COMM

2311

Media Writing

3

GOVT

2305

Federal Government (Federal Constitution & Topics) (C)

3

Social and Behavioral Sciences5 (C)

3

Life and Physical Sciences6 (C)

3

Life and Physical Sciences Laboratory7

1

13

Fifth Semester

Credit Hours

COMM

2315

News Reporting or

COMM

2339

Writing for Radio, Television, & Film

3

GOVT

2306

Texas Government (Texas Constitution & Topics) (C)

3

Life and Physical Sciences6 (C)

3

Life and Physical Sciences Laboratory7

1

Communication Elective

3

13

Total Credit Hours

60

(C) Core Curriculum Course (F) Field of Study Course

Things To Know

  • COMM 1307 students must attend at least one (1) Mass Communication Colloquia Series Event.
  • COMM 1336, 1337, 2303, 2311, and 2339 instructors may require students complete volunteer media service hours through the EPCC Service Learning program.
  • Preferred courses - If a preferred course or elective in the COMM discipline is not available, the student can use any other COMM elective to fulfill their degree requirements.
  • COMM 2389 requires students to secure an internship prior to first day of class. Please contact EPCC Career and Transfer Services to review a list of possible Mass Communication internships.
  • Please visit your counselor/advisor at the end of each semester to discuss your next semester courses.
  • Please check with the transferring institution on the transferability and applicability of courses to specific Bachelor of Arts degrees.

Marketable Skills

By the completion of the Associate of Arts in Communication – Journalism & Mass Communication, students will have gained the following marketable skills:

  • Communication: Students are effective oral and written communicators and display the ability to listen to comprehend.
  • Critical Thinking: Students can interpret and understand complex ideas to solve problems and build connections.
  • Teamwork: Students are efficient team members and maintain respect for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Technology: Students are well-versed in the technological programs and applications used in their field.
  • Time Management: Students work well under pressure to meet deadlines and can maximize their efficiency under time constraints.

Preferred Course Superscripts

1MATH 1332

2COMM 2366

3COMM 1336

4Any one-hour credit course

5PSYC 2301 or SOCI 1301

6BIOL 1308 & 1309

7BIOL 1108 & 1109

Check the course catalog to view all applicable courses and information and/or visit your counselor/advisor to review your options.