Associate Degree in Journalism
Oakland, USA
Associate Degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2026
TUITION FEES
USD 7,120 / per semester *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* this is for a standard 15 credit semester including fees / price may vary depending on how many credits are taken
Key Summary
The Journalism Department offers practical news experience and academic preparation for students entering the workforce or seeking transfer to four-year institutions. We offer both AA and AA-T degrees that provide foundational training in journalism. Our journalism students embrace multimedia as an essential part of storytelling.
Taking journalism courses or majoring in journalism can help you sharpen your skills in critical thinking, analysis, research, public speaking, marketing, and of course — writing.
As the journalism industry continues to evolve, Laney College can help prepare you for a fulfilling academic or work trajectory that isn’t limited to a newsroom!
Journalism courses aren’t just about writing news articles. In our department, you’ll have an opportunity to explore important life skills such as analytical thinking, research and interviewing skills, concise writing, design, and social media marketing. The journalism industry is evolving and it can take you beyond the newsroom into tech, public relations, marketing, brand management, copywriting, or advertising. We can help you learn how to advocate for yourself, your community, and others. Come explore all of the possibilities with us!
Journalism 18A / News Production I
Basics of reporting: news-gathering, interviewing, accuracy, note-taking and transcribing notes, writing the news story; the lede, the body, conclusion for bi-weekly newspaper. Includes practical experience in design/layout, visual, online, multimedia journalism and emerging technologies.
Recommended preparation: Journalism 21
Acceptable for credit: CSU
Note: Students who enroll in Journalism 18 must take 18A first in the 18ABCD sequence. Students can take News Production up to four semesters.
Journalism 18B / News Production II
Intermediate level reporting, photography, and production skills required for work on the campus newspaper: Computer applications for writing stories, desktop publishing, and photographic images. Includes practical experience in design/layout, visual, online, multimedia journalism, emerging technologies and leadership/management.
Journalism 18C / News Production III
Journalism 18D / News Production IV
4 Units
Journalism 20 / Photojournalism
This course covers skills that are essential for visual communication in all fields including journalism, business, marketing, non-profit organizations, medicine and science. Required for Photography major and included in Journalism AA for transfer degree. Acceptable for credit, CSU.
3 Units
Journalism 21 / Newswriting
Introduction to evaluating, gathering and writing news in accepted journalistic style: Feature and opinion writing emphasizing expository writing, logic, critical thinking, and points of view; role of the reporter, and legal and ethical issues related to newspaper writing.
Acceptable for credit: CSU, UC
3 Units
Journalism 33 / Smartphone Reporting
Introduction to smartphone reporting: Use of video, photos, audio, and text to convey interactive news and feature stories using an iPhone or Android smartphone; creating content for social media.
3 Units
Journalism 49 / Independent Study in Journalism
In-depth exploration of an area or problem of the student’s choice not covered by regular catalog offerings in Journalism. Student must obtain approval from an appropriate faculty member. For more details, see the section on independent study in the college catalog.
Journalism 62 / Survey of Mass Media
Survey of traditional and non-traditional mass media in America: Impact of mass media trends and technology into the 21st century; critical analysis of media messages and examination of mass media from historical, political, social, and cultural perspectives. (Not open for credit to students who have completed or are currently enrolled in COMM 19.)
AA/AS area 2, 4d; CSU area D; IGETC area 4 (C-ID: JOUR 100)
Acceptable for credit: CSU, UC
3 Units
Journalism 69 / Multimedia Reporting for Journalists
Introduction to multimedia storytelling in Journalism: Use of video, photos, audio, and text to convey interactive news and feature stories through the Internet and other electronic media; techniques in digital research, critical thinking, and synthesis.
3 Units