Current Program

The Journalism program is designed for students who would like to enter the workforce after graduation with practical, solid writing skills, for students who are taking courses in preparation to transfer to a four-year institution, and for students from vocational majors who would like to develop their writing skills as a complement to another trade or discipline with a career goal of writing for trade journals, technical writing, or writing training manuals. In Fall 2001, the program did not offer any classes, but it has since recovered and is in the process of returning to full function. Several factors contributed to this situation, including the college's budget conditions, changes in technology and facility needs.

Degrees and Certificates - An Associate in Arts degree and a Certificate of Completion are offered.

Personnel - In Fall 2001 no classes were offered.

Teaching Methodologies - Self-paced teaching methods are used most often in the department, with lecture, lecture/demonstration and some computer-based learning evident as well.

Technology - At this time no online or distance education classes are offered.

Equipment -There is an immediate need for a zip drive and zip disks.

Facilities - The current lab with 40 computers is not always available to students.

Future Program

In the coming years the Journalism program may attract many students interested in media studies, including the design of web sites, and additional curricula may need to be developed to satisfy that demand. Other conditions, such as the movement toward electronic classrooms, will require the Journalism program to evolve or change. In the mid term (five years) it is expected that enrollment in the program will increase at a faster rate than the overall college enrollment, as the program is essentially starting from a new beginning and students will be attracted to a redefined and renewed program. In the long term (ten years) enrollment will likely increase at the same rate as the overall college enrollment. See Program Projections.

Degrees and Certificates - No additional degrees or certificates are planned.

Personnel - See Projected Faculty and Staff Needs.

Teaching Methodologies - More computer and Internet-based instruction is expected to be used in the future.

Technology - Alternative delivery systems, particularly online courses, will very likely become a significant part of the curriculum as topics such web design and content, which are ideal candidates for online learning courses, are offered.

Equipment - In the next five years, students in Journalism courses will need ongoing access to the equipment available in a state-of-the-art computer lab, two digital cameras and supplies such as cassettes.

Facilities - Two classrooms (at least one of which is electronic) are needed. A state-of-the-art computer lab, accessible at all times to Journalism students, is needed to offer courses in online web design and other media studies classes. Offices for faculty and for student publications staff are needed.

Staff Development - Support for faculty to attend regional conferences and support for program development is needed.