Program - Mass Communication Transfer Pathway Degree

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Mass Communication Transfer Pathway Degree

Program Information

The Mass Communication Transfer Pathway Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences (AA) degree program offers students a powerful option: the opportunity to complete an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences degree with course credits that directly transfer to designated Mass Communication bachelor’s degree programs at Minnesota State universities. The curriculum has been specifically designed so that students completing this pathway degree and transferring to one of the five Minnesota State universities enter the university with junior-year status. All courses in the Transfer Pathway associate degree will directly transfer and apply to the designated bachelor’s degree programs in a related field.

    • Bemidji State University: Mass Communication Bachelor of Science (BS) degree
    • Minnesota State University, Mankato: Mass Media Bachelor of Science (BS) degree
    • Minnesota State University, Moorhead: Advertising Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, Broadcast Journalism Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, English and Mass Communications Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, Integrated Advertising & Public Relations Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, Multimedia Journalism Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, Photojournalism Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, Public Relations Bachelor of Science (BS) degree
    • St. Cloud State University: Mass Communications Bachelor of Science (BS) degree
    • Winona State University: Mass Communications Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree (Advertising, Creative Digital Media, Journalism, Public Relations)
  • By completing this program, students will achieve the following learning goals:

    1. Critically evaluate mass media messages, applying theories of media analysis;
    2. Identify the goals, methods, and histories of various mass media;
    3. Identify the components of various mass communication processes;
    4. Apply analytical and critical thinking techniques to become more media literate;
    5. Demonstrate ability to write clearly and concisely;
    6. Identify, explain, and demonstrate what constitutes a professional media story;
    7. Identify, obtain, and evaluate credible and diverse sources of information;
    8. Demonstrate the ability to tell stories across various media platforms and audiences;
    9. Identify basic tools, functions, and goals of public relations;
    10. Identify strategies, tactics, techniques, and theories of public relations;
    11. Analyze and target messages for diverse audiences;
    12. Examine the history and evolution of the public relations field;
    13. Recognize and apply the basics of a public relations campaign; and
    14. Explore the legal and ethical implications of public relations campaign designs.
    • A minimum of 60 semester credits in courses numbered 1000 or above.
    • A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in courses numbered 1000 or above at ARCC.
    • Some students may need preparatory courses in the areas of English, mathematics or reading. Courses numbered below 1000 will not apply toward this degree.
    • Satisfy residency requirements. 
    • A minimum grade of C must be earned in all program requirements.
    • Completion of specific degree requirements.
    • Each state university has specific program requirements for completion. Please speak with your advisor about requirements at receiving institutions.
    • To complete your program, please submit the appropriate application found here.
    • The requirements of this program are subject to change without notice.

     

  • 17 CREDITS

    MCOM 1100/CMST 1100 Introduction to Mass Communication 3
    MCOM 1151 Principles of Public Relations 3
    MCOM 2121 Media Writing 3
    Choose eight credits from any academic discipline which will serve as General Elective credits. Suggested courses are listed below:
    MCOM 1109 Practical Experience in Journalism and Mass Communication 1
    ART 1150 Introduction to Graphic Design 3
    ART 1155 Introduction to Digital Photography 3
    ART 1165 Introduction to Black and White Film Photography 3
    ART 1166* Photography II 3
    ART 1172 New Media Design I 3
    ART 1173* New Media Design II 3
    ART 2165* Digital Photography II 3
    *Course has prerequisite. See course schedule or catalog description.
  • 40 credits

    Complete at least 40 credits in courses from the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC), including all courses listed. You must complete all ten goal areas and maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA for the entire MnTC. One course may satisfy more than one goal area, but the course credits may be counted only once.
    1. Communication 
      ENGL 1120* OR ENGL 1121* 4
      CMST 2215 3
    2. Critical Thinking
    3. Natural Science
    4. Mathematical/Logical Reasoning
    5. History/Social/Behavioral Sciences 
    6. Humanities/Fine Arts
    7. Human Diversity
    8. Global Perspective
    9. Ethical/Civic Responsibility
    10. People and the Environment
    *Course has prerequisite - see course schedule or catalog description.

    3 CREDITS

    Choose any HPER course(s) totaling at least three credits
  • The following two-year Pathway Plan is suggested for full-time students. Part-time students will need more time to complete this pathway. For assistance with pathway planning, students should schedule an appointment with an academic advisor. See also the college catalog Appendix for course offering information.

    FIRST YEAR

    Semester  One  Semester Two 
    CMST 2215 3 MCOM 1100/CMST 1100 3
    ENGL 1120* 
    OR ENGL 1121*
    4 General Ed/MnTC with lab (Goal 3) 4
    HPER course(s) 3 General Ed/MnTC (Goal 6) 3
    General Ed/MnTC (Goal 4)  3 General Ed/MnTC (Goal 7) 3
    General Ed/MnTC (Goal 5)  3 Elective 3
    TOTAL  16 TOTAL  16 

    SECOND YEAR

    Semester Three Semester Four
    MCOM 2121 3 MCOM 1151 3
    General Ed/MnTC (Goal 3) 3 General Ed/MnTC (Goal 6) 3
    General Ed/MnTC (Goal 8) 3 Electives 7
    General Ed/MnTC (Goal 10) 3    
    Elective 3    
    TOTAL  15 TOTAL  13
    *Course has prerequisite - see course schedule or catalog description.

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