Journalism
Associate in Arts (Transfer)
Journalism has expanded beyond traditional newspapers, magazines, television, and radio. Modern journalism includes social media, blogs, podcasts, and e-news sources. The ICC journalism area of study emphasizes the development of professional-level writing and reporting skills.
700
Scholarships available – and one might have your name on it
The program provides students with a broadly based program of liberal arts courses necessary for a career in journalism, radio-television news, or public relations. Students get hands-on experience creating content for the student-run Harbinger Student Media.
Admissions Office
Internships are available either at off-campus media outlets or on-campus working on the staff of Harbinger Student Media.
Network with your peers with Harbinger Student Media and strengthen leaderships skills with Student Government Association.
Newspaper Reporter, Radio Reporter, Television Reporter, Sports Journalist, Multimedia Journalist, News Anchor, Social Media Manager, Digital News Manager, Writer, Producer
COMPLETION TIME
24 Months
if Full Time
4 Semesters60 Total Credit Hours
What if I attend part-time?
Our Student Success Advisors help with an academic plan that works for you.
ESTIMATED COST
$9,600
+ supplies & fees
Based on 2024-25
What financial assistance can I receive?
Find the plan right for you by connecting with our Financial Aid office.
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
15 Students
average per class
Small class sizes mean more individual attention and a higher rate of success.
View the College Catalog to see a complete list of classes for this program.
Meet Our Students and Alumni
Community college students who transfer to four-year schools perform as well as – or even better than – their peers who come directly from high school.
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
How Do I Get Into the Journalism Program?
Formalize your interest and talent in storytelling to a career in journalism. Talk to an Admissions representative to learn how to get started.
- Complete our quick admissions application. It’s free and easy!
- Apply for financial aid (FAFSA).
- Apply for ICC Scholarships. Just 1 application for over 700 scholarships.
- High school courses in English, creative writing, multimedia production, and speech are helpful.
- Involvement with high school newspaper, yearbook, podcasts, speech team, or video production is also beneficial.
What Can I Expect As a Journalism Student?
- Foundational courses in reporting and news editing
- Develop an understanding of mass media and the role it plays in our society and culture
- Up to 14 credit hours in electives from a variety of areas of study to strengthen your journalism degree (See the ICC Catalog for more information.)
- 60 hours of Transfer Credit courses including the General Education requirements
How Am I Going to Manage This?
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What if I am working while going to school?
We have you covered. Many of our students are working adults who balance life and school. We have great resources on campus to help keep you going!
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What are my options for funding my education?
Do this first: fill out and file your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Even if you don’t want federal aid, this document is used by many scholarship and grant programs to evaluate aid packages.
Look for scholarships and grants first because usually they don’t have to be paid back. The ICC Foundation sponsors some scholarships, and grants may be available from Illinois or federal programs. Other organizations also offer scholarships, and we can help you research those opportunities.
Federally guaranteed student loans can be a smart way to fund college. Think about your transfer plans and what your career looks like. Some sources recommend that you cap your borrowing at the level of what you (realistically!) can expect to earn at your first job after college. So, research careers and pay, too.
Of course, savings, jobs, and work-study are key parts of your budget. Your employer may offer tuition reimbursement. Find the tools to make a complete plan for paying for school.