Journalism Program
The Corsair Newspaper
Reporter taking notes
Reporter Standing With Microphone
About the Journalism Program
Follow a Hot Lead on a Career in Journalism
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.
SMC Resources
Potential Career Options
| Job Title | Typical Education | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Program Directors | Bachelor Degree | $73,774 |
| Technical Writers | Bachelor Degree | $75,448 |
| Broadcast News Analysts | Bachelor Degree | $67,796 |
| Copy Writers | Bachelor Degree | $51,484 |
| Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers | Bachelor Degree | $51,484 |
| Radio and Television Announcers | Bachelor Degree | $46,331 |
| Reporters and Correspondents | Bachelor Degree | $42,887 |
| Editors | Associate Degree | $58,202 |
| Broadcast Technicians | Certificate | $49,823 |
Professional Resources
Public Relations Society of America LA Chapter
Offers networking events for public relations professionals and students.
National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ)
Promotes recognition and advancement of Hispanics in the news industry. It offers internships, networking, scholarships and other opportunities for journalism students.
Asian American Journalists Association LA Chapter
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.
National Association of Black Journalists
Provides networking, scholarships, internships, training, and other resources.
Association of Women in Sports Media
Promotes the advancement and growth of women – both student and professional – in sports media.
Press Photographers Association of Greater Los Angeles
Provides networking, critiques, and awards to professional and student photographers and photojournalists.
National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association-Los Angeles (NLGJA-LA)
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.
Society of Professional Journalists – Los Angeles
Hosts networking mixers, advocates for government openness, provides scholarships for journalism students.
Dedicated to the nourishment and recognition of talent, as well as working to preserve the right to a free press.
Online News Association – Los Angeles
Committed to providing a community for online journalists, and to promoting fairness in online journalism. Offers networking events, training, and internships.