Step into the fast-paced world of journalism, news and multimedia production. Our
journalism program offers technical training in reporting and nonfiction storytelling
across multiple platforms: print, photography, video, audio, social media, and digital
media production. Learn how to develop storytelling techniques and think critically
in real-world settings including running our award-winning campus newspaper, The Corsair.
You will start with courses in journalism history, media law and ethics, which lay
the foundation for more advanced studies in news writing and reporting. Faculty, including
industry professionals, train you on how to develop story ideas, source leads, report
and produce stories in the appropriate format. We provide many opportunities for you
to practice news writing, interviewing, reporting, editing, and even photojournalism.
Our program prepares you for roles including reporter, correspondent, editor, copywriter
and broadcast technician.
Transfer Preparation
Many colleges and universities offer baccalaureate degrees in this field. Students
planning to transfer to a four-year college or university need to know which courses
completed at Santa Monica College will be accepted at the specific college/university.
Please consult a Counselor. SMC has transfer articulation agreements with the many UC and CSU campuses, as well as many private and out-of-state institutions.
Degrees and Certificates
Associate in Arts for Transfer - Journalism
18 units + General Education Requirements
This AA-T degree is geared toward students who want to transfer into an upper-division
baccalaureate program at a California State University (CSU). This program teaches
students the methods and techniques for gathering, processing and delivering news,
and prepares students to be professional print and multimedia journalists. Included
is instruction in news writing and editing, reporting and multimedia story production,
professional standards and ethics, and journalism history and research. Careers in
this field include book editor, copywriter, film critic, foreign correspondent, freelance
writing, online editor, multimedia story producer, journalist, magazine editor, news
anchor, newspaper editor, publicist, sportswriter, and technical writer.
Associate in Arts Degree - Journalism - Multimedia Storytelling
19 units + General Education Requirements
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to produce essential nonfiction
storytelling techniques in print and multimedia formats, demonstrate the ability to
work as a team member to collaborate on media production across several formats and
demonstrate an understanding of the ethical and legal issues affecting journalists.
Promotes recognition and advancement of Hispanics in the news industry. It offers
internships, networking, scholarships and other opportunities for journalism students.
Supports Asian American and Pacific Islander journalists and provides encouragement,
information, advice and scholarship assistance to Asian American and Pacific Islander
students who aspire to professional journalism careers.
Committed to fostering fair and accurate coverage of LGBT issues. The LA chapter focuses
on professional and student development. It offers mixers, panel discussions, and
other events.
Committed to providing a community for online journalists, and to promoting fairness
in online journalism. Offers networking events, training, and internships.