The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.
The courses have been intentionally placed and should be prioritized in
the order
in which they appear. If you are unable to take all the courses in
a semester, you
should prioritize enrolling in the courses in the order below.
Some courses have
been noted as “Appropriate for Intersession” 
. Should you need (or want) to take
classes
in the summer and/or winter intersessions,
the program recommends these courses as appropriate for the condensed
schedule of
the intersessions.
Some pathways combine a “Certificate of Achievement” and an “Associate
Degree”. If
you are pursuing only the Certificate of Achievement, you are only
required to take
the courses marked “Program Requirement” 
.
All pathways include at least one “Gateway Course” 
which introduces you to the program and/or field of study and helps you
decide if you want to continue with this Academic and Career Path.
Most Associate degrees (though not Associate Degrees for Transfer)
require satisfying the SMC Global Citizenship requirement. If the Program
Requirements do not include a “Global Citizenship course” 
, be sure to select a General Education course that also satisfies Global Citizenship.
Our Media Production courses provide hands-on training in the areas of Television, Radio and Internet Broadcasting, including broadcast news, sports, promotional videos, podcasting, short form and emerging media (360/virtual and augmented reality). Students completing the Broadcasting degrees and/or certificates are prepared for both employment opportunities in the broadcasting industry and transfer into four year degree programs. The Promo Pathways program provides intensive training and internships for students pursuing promo advertising careers opportunities in the broadcasting industry and transfer into four year degree programs.
This program is intended to prepare students for transfer into the field of Broadcast Programming and Production at a CSU.
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Upon completion of the program, students will be able to analyze and articulate the theories and critical models of the broadcasting industry, demonstrating an understanding of the principles of radio and television production and announcing, including professional terminology and procedures. Students will also be able to demonstrate the basic oral and written communication tools needed to function professionally in a radio and television production environment, including the ability to research, structure, and write dramatic and non-dramatic scripts for radio and television.
- Lower division major preparation and GE for transfer to a CSU.
Icon Key
-
Gateway Course
-
Program Requirement
-
General Education -
Appropriate for
Intersession
-
Available Online -
Global Citizenship
Semester 1
15 Units
This course introduces aspects of communications and the impact of mass media on the individual and society. The survey includes newspapers, magazines, radio, television, cable, motion pictures, online media, advertising, public relations, theories of communication, and mass communication modes, processes and effects.
- 4G: Interdisciplinary, Social & Behavioral Sciences
- D7 - Interdisciplinary Social and Behavioral Science
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
Radio, television and related electronic media are introduced in this course with emphasis on history, programming, FCC regulations, operations, economics, and social impact. The course also includes an examination of the newer technologies such as the Internet, cable, direct broadcast satellites, computers, wireless phones, and the communications technology revolution.
Principles of radio and television programming and management, including program sources, programming theories, station organization, community involvement, market demographics, and fulfillment of FCC requirements are covered in this course.
This course provides an exploration of intellectual, psychological, social and physical factors that impact lifelong learning, well-being and success. Topics include motivation and self-efficacy; critical thinking, academic integrity and active study strategies; health issues and lifestyle choices; relating to others as a global citizen; written and oral communication; time management; career exploration; and educational planning.
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
CSU GE Area A2 Course 3 units
Semester 2
15-17 Units
This course offers training and practical experience in announcing for radio and television and for radio control room operation, combining voice, recordings, editing, and other elements in broadcasting performance and production.
This course familiarizes the students with the expectations of journalism by the public and teaches the student the basic news writing guidelines used in broadcast journalism. Through news writing assignments and exercises, the student will become adept in basic broadcast news writing.
ACCTG 45 / BUS 45 recommended
See the full list: CSU GE Area B4 Course
ENGL 2 recommended
See the full list: CSU GE Area A3 Course
CSU GE Area A1 Course 3 units
Semester 3
15 Units
CSU GE Area C1 Course 3 units
US History recommended
See the full list: CSU GE Area C2 Course
Semester 4
15 Units
POL SC 1 recommended
See the full list: CSU GE Area D Course
CSU GE Area B3 Course 4 units
CSU GE Area F Course 3 units
Transferable Elective Course 2 units
Restricted Electives
36 Units
This course examines advertising as an economic support for commercial broadcast, cable, and related telecommunications media. Audience surveys, rate structures, client, ad rep firm, and advertising agency relationships are discussed and explored.
- Prerequisite: Broadcast 8 is the same course as Business 33. Students may earn credit for one, but not both.
This course prepares students for a media-saturated world, by equipping them with the tools they need to critically evaluate media content in print, electronic and digital form, such as magazines, television, film, podcasts, advertising and video games. Students will delve into the intricacies of media messages, the techniques behind them, and their societal implications; exploring the powerful narratives that shape our culture and the profound influence media messages have on public opinion. Students will also cultivate an ethical approach to media consumption and gain insights into the importance of accurate representation and the challenges of media bias.
This course builds upon Media 14/Journalism 4A and offers students an opportunity to further develop their news writing and newscasting skills The student will write broadcast copy for a variety of news situations in radio and television. More complex assignments such as covering political campaigns and breaking news stories will be covered. Issues in media ethics and career opportunities will also be discussed. Media 15 is the same course as Journalism 4B. Students may earn credit for one, but not both.
- Skills Advisory: MEDIA 14
Sports reporting for the broadcast media, including a study of sources of information, statistic and personal background on athletes, as well as techniques of interviewing, color reporting, and play-by-play announcing are covered in this course. Special emphasis will be given to the particular demands and playing environments of fall sports such as football. Field work in coverage of football and other fall sports involves interview shows with coaches, players, and sports figures.
Sports reporting for the broadcast and internet media, including a study of sources of information, statistic and personal background on teams and athletes, as well as techniques in TV and Radio anchoring, interviewing, sideline reporting, play-by-play announcing and color analyst/commenting along with ESports are covered in this course. Special emphasis will be given to the particular demands and playing environments of spring sports such as basketball and track and field. Field work in coverage of spring sports involves interview shows with coaches, players, and sports figures and more.
This course examines advertising as an economic support for commercial broadcast, cable, and related telecommunications media. Audience surveys, rate structures, client, ad rep firm, and advertising agency relationships are discussed and explored.
- Prerequisite: Broadcast 8 is the same course as Business 33. Students may earn credit for one, but not both.
This course offers further training and practical experience in producing and announcing for radio. Students use digital audio workstations to produce commercials, newscasts, promos and various other audio projects. Lecture topics include an overview of current industry trends, plus instruction on voice overs, digital editing and mixing, podcasting, Internet streaming and satellite radio.
- Skills Advisory: MEDIA 13 or
- Skills Advisory: MEDIA 14
Basic introductory course in writing for all forms of screen and new media. Emphasis on preparing scripts in proper formats, including fundamental technical, conceptual and stylistic issues related to writing scripts for sports, informational and entertainment purposes. This course also offers basic training and practical experience in writing, producing, shooting, music selection, and directing voice-over talent for short-form media projects. These project forms include on-air promos, commercials, public service announcements, web series, and special marketing campaigns. The course will take a hands-on approach to enable the development of basic copywriting and production skills, and will provide students with an introductory understanding of television, radio, and alternative media branding and marketing strategies. Includes a writing evaluation component as a significant part of the course requirement. Storytelling, scriptwriting, and coordinating essential production elements will be emphasized.
This course offers advanced instruction and focused practical experience in concept development, writing and producing for short form visual media projects. These project forms include on-air promos, commercials, public service announcements(PSAs), webisodes, and special visual marketing campaigns. The major course objective is to enable professional visual writing and production skills through immersion in short-form producing and writing assignments applicable to television, radio, internet, mobile device, and other digital media formats. Story and script development, and short form project conception and production will be emphasized.
- Skills Advisory: MEDIA 20
This course provides basic training in the use of television equipment and facilities; camera operations; audio and video control; lighting; graphics; editing; portable video, and audio production techniques.
Production of a variety of electronic media projects primarily for airing on public cable access and public television station channels. Projects will also be developed for pod-casting, inclusion in video/film festivals, and distribution to other media entities. The emphasis in this course is on the development of creative video camera techniques, writing, producing, and editing skills for the production of digital media. Students will also have the opportunity to produce video segments for the Corsair newspaper online edition.
Students become acquainted with the career fields related to the discipline of the internship by working in a professional setting. Students spend a minimum of 60 hours during the term under the supervision of a professional in the field. Learning objectives and exit internship evaluation are required. Limited availability.
- Prerequisite: Students must complete a minimum of 6 units in the previous fall or spring semester at SMC and should receive a le
Students become acquainted with the career fields of radio, television or other media by working in a professional broadcasting or media company. Students spend a minimum of 60 hours during the term under the supervision of a media professional. Learning objectives and exit internship evaluation are required. Limited availability. Broadcast 90B requires 120 hours (8 hours/week for 16-week semester).
- Prerequisite: BRDCST 1 or
- Prerequisite: BRDCST 3A or
- Prerequisite: BRDCST 4A