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Degree at a Glance

Degree Type

Associate of Applied Science

Location

Greeley Campus

Credits

60

Tuition*

In District
$5,620
In State
$8,500
WUE
$12,400
Out of State
$29,440

*Check Cashier's Office for current tuition rates

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Journalism

JournalismRequirements

Journalism Associate Degree Requirements

Aims offers two degree tracks for the journalism associate degree.

  1. The liberal arts degree with designation track is for students who plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a participating four-year public Colorado school.
  2. The associate of applied science degree track is for students who want to enter the workforce after completing their journalism degree.

Associate of Arts (A.A.) Liberal Arts Degree With Designation in Journalism

The coursework for this degree track will prepare you to successfully transfer to a participating four-year Colorado school to complete your bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Study a core journalism curriculum with subjects including:

  • Introduction to Mass Media
  • Media News and Reporting
  • Photojournalism
  • News Writing and Editing
  • Journalism Internship

This degree program track has a strong liberal arts emphasis, with course requirements in:

  • Communication
  • Mathematics
  • Arts and humanities
  • Literature and humanities
  • Ways of thinking
  • World languages
  • History
  • Behavioral and social sciences
  • Physical and life sciences
  • Public speaking or interpersonal communications

See requirements for the journalism liberal arts associate of arts degree with designation.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Journalism and Media Creation Degree Requirements

Explore the classes that will teach you how to write, edit, do research and conduct interviews to work in this fast-paced and vital profession.

The core journalism associate degree classes delve into mass media, news and reporting, writing for TV and radio, photojournalism, corporate scriptwriting, and legal issues in multimedia. Choose from general education requirements and electives including ethics, business and video editing. Apply your knowledge during an in-depth internship with expert guidance from your instructor. 

General Education Courses

  • Required Course: 

  • Combines the basic theories of communication with public speech performance skills. Emphasis is on speech preparation, organization, support, audience analysis, and delivery. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3

  • Choose one of the following: 

  • Emphasizes the planning, writing, and revising of compositions, including the development of critical and logical thinking skills. This course includes a wide variety of compositions that stress analytical, evaluative, and persuasive/argumentative writing. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO1 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Develops skills one can apply to a variety of technical documents. Focuses on principles for organizing, writing, and revising clear, readable documents for industry, business, and government. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO1 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3

  • Choose one of the following:

  • Covers material designed for career and technical students who need to study particular mathematical topics. Topics include measurement, algebra, geometry, statistics, and graphs. These are presented at an introductory level and the emphasis is on applications. Course readiness is determined by review of high school transcripts, assessment, and/or meeting with an Aims Academic Advisor. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Covers mathematical material designed for career and technical students. Topics include measurement, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and vectors. These are presented at an introductory level and the emphasis is on applications. Course readiness is determined by review of high school transcripts, assessment, and/or meeting with an Aims Academic Advisor. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    4
  • Focuses on a variety of functions and the exploration of their graphs. Topics include: equations and inequalities, operations on functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, linear and non-linear systems, and an introduction to conic sections. This course provides essential skills for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) pathways. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-MA1 category. Course readiness is determined by review of high school transcripts, assessment, and/or meeting with an Aims Academic Advisor. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    4

  • Choose one of the following: 

  • Focuses on the scientific study of behavior including motivation, emotion, physiological psychology, stress and coping, research methods, consciousness, sensation, perception, learning, and memory. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • This course examines the basic concepts, theories, and principles of sociology, including topics of culture, race, class, gender, sexuality, social groups, and deviance through a local and global lens. Analyzes and interprets socio-historic as well as contemporary issues by using critical thinking skills and linking individual experiences to social structures. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3

  • Choose one of the following: 

  • Introduces film terminology and narrative techniques to explore how film conveys meaning and to study the relationships among film form, content, and audience reception. This course emphasizes active viewing, discussion, and critical analysis of films from different cultures and eras. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-AH2 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Introduces fiction, poetry, and drama. This course emphasizes active and responsive reading. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-AH2 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Examines human life, experience, and thought to discover and develop the principles and values for pursuing a more fulfilled existence. This course examines ethical theories designed to both justify moral judgments, as well as apply these ethical theories to a selection of personal and social issues in the world today. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-AH3 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Focuses on interactions among people including their conflicts, cooperative efforts, and group relationships. This course examines why beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors cause relationship problems in our personal lives and in work-related situations. Additionally, this course emphasizes the analysis of human behavior, the application of prevention strategies, and resolution of the behavior. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
Total General Education Credits 15-16

Required Courses

  • Places the mass media in a technological, historical, and cultural perspective, considering the validity, integrity, and influence of the evolving media in a democracy. This course is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Introduces newswriting, reporting and interviewing with an emphasis on clarity, accuracy, timeliness and fairness. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Develops photojournalistic skills in capturing moments of real life from a unique personal viewpoint. Covers a broad overview of new media story-telling techniques. Students will focus on the way they observe the world around them and on the content and quality of their photographs. Recommended course to take in advance: Digital Photography I. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Presents how to gather information as an investigative reporter through research of local, state and federal government publications, how to cover police beat and city hall, how our courts and regulatory agencies function, and how to cover other challenges as the environment, religion, science, medical, public safety and business. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    JOU 1006 with a grade of "C" or better
    3
  • Explores techniques and approaches in the latest delivery methods for new media journalism, ethics, technological advances, and media literacy. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Provides students with the opportunity to supplement coursework with practical work experience related to their educational program. Students work under the immediate supervision of experienced personnel at the business location and with the direct guidance of the instructor. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please call or email the Communication Media department for more information. See the department web page at https://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/journalism for contact information. Course is repeatable with a maximum of 12 credit hours.
    Course Prerequisites
    Permission of instructor is required
    0 to 12
  • Educates the student about the unique business legal concerns that media producers face. These include media contracts, labor issues, libel, and privacy rights. We will pay special attention to the use and protection of copyrights and trademarks; both of other people and of the students` own works. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Explores writing techniques for television and radio emphasizing professional techniques, format and style. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Focuses on scriptwriting formats and techniques as they apply to creating corporate and institutional video productions and other broadcast and non-broadcast television productions. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
Total Required Credits 27

Electives

Select from the courses listed below (or alternative courses approved by your advisor).

Note: Courses utilized to fulfill the Degree Major requirements mentioned above cannot be considered as electives. However, all FVM, JOU, and RTV courses are eligible for elective credit within this degree program.

  • Presents the fundamentals of Fine Art digital photography, including camera equipment and software used for image capture, management and manipulation. Topics include camera settings and exposure control, composition, working with light and time, and creative image manipulation. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Expands upon the beginning digital photography class. Focuses on digital photography in terms of design and communication factors including color, visual design, lighting, graphics, and aesthetics. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    ART 1401 with a grade of "C" or better
    3
  • Introduces the application of fundamental business principles to local, national, and international forums. This course examines the relationship of economic systems, governance, regulations, and law upon business operations. It surveys the concepts of career development, business ownership, finance and accounting, economics, marketing, management, operations, human resources, regulations, and business ethics. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • This course introduces basic computer terminology, file management, and PC system components. Provides an overview of office application software including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation graphics. Includes the use of a web browser to access the Internet. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Explores integration of technology instruction into teaching practices used in preschool through postsecondary (P-21) educational settings for all curriculum areas of content. This course reviews a variety of technologies with an emphasis on increasing student learning and retention of knowledge. The course also explores combining technology with several instructional methodologies to promote professional teacher dispositions related to technology-rich teaching. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Provides faculty with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, develop, and deliver courses in a distance format. Focuses on assessment and evaluation methods and methods to incorporate interactive, collaborative and expanded learning activities. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Explores techniques and approaches in the latest delivery methods for new media journalism, ethics, technological advances, and media literacy. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Focuses on trade, consumer, and technical publications, manuscript development with emphasis on nonfiction, submission techniques, and trends affecting the marketing of manuscripts both in print and digital media. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    ENG 1021, ENG 1022, or ENG 1031 with a grade of "C" or better
    3
  • Introduces web site planning, design and creation utilizing HTML through industry-standard development tools [may list specific software]. Emphasis is placed on applying stylistic decisions using cascading style sheets. Web-based considerations regarding color, typography, aesthetics, user interface design, and process integration with visual-based design tools will be explored. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    CWB 1010 with a grade of "C' or better, may be taken concurrently
    3
  • Explores the creation of animation and dynamic media for web and multimedia applications, conforming to professional standards. Emphasizes the manipulation of time-based media using key-frames, tweens and other technologies related to the specific software being utilized. Also examines the use of scripts to trigger timeline events and create basic interactive behavior. Course is repeatable for credit under different titles.
    3
  • Educates the student about the unique business legal concerns that media producers face. These include media contracts, labor issues, libel, and privacy rights. We will pay special attention to the use and protection of copyrights and trademarks; both of other people and of the students` own works. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Introduces 3D Modeling software with an emphasis on modeling techniques for setting up scenes with texture maps and lighting. The course also covers how to import models from other programs. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Explores the use of sound in multimedia production and audio storytelling. Students examine the principles of recording. Classes focus on how sound can enhance interactive productions and improve computer presentations. Students learn how to use the computer as a full audio editing studio. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Introduces to digital non-linear video editing. Students will capture, compress, edit, and manipulate video images using a personal computer. Assembly techniques including media management, editing tools, titles, and motion control; transitions and filters, and special effects are explored. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Provides the fundamental techniques for creating digital motion graphics such as 2D animations, animated logos, video graphics, etc. Classes cover relevant tools and techniques as well as industry standards, delivery methods and output. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Offers advanced study of digital video imaging concepts using digital cameras. Heavy emphasis is placed upon media aesthetics and the creative integration of sight, sound, and motion in student projects. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    RTV 2010 with a grade of "C" or better
    3
  • Examines 3D modeling software programs with an emphasis on organic modeling techniques and animation for setting up scenes with advanced procedural textual maps and lighting. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    MGD 1055 with a grade of "C" or better
    3
  • Provides students with the opportunity to supplement coursework with practical work experience related to their educational program. Students work under the immediate supervision of experienced personnel at the business location and with the direct guidance of the instructor. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements. Please call or email the Graphic Design & Rich Media department for more information. See the department web page at  https://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/graphic-design-rich-media  for contact information. Course is repeatable with a maximum of 12 credit hours.
    Course Prerequisites
    MGD 2056 with a grade of "C" or better.
    0 to 12
  • Considers the language of MIDI, computer skills necessary to learn music software applications, and the process of design and set-up of a music technology workstation. This course covers the uses of computers in the music profession. Differential tuition rates apply . Course is not repeatable for credit.
    2
  • Explores and evaluates existing podcasts on content, delivery, and production values, culminating in the creation and distribution of the first episode of an original podcast. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Focuses on the basic tenets of starting and maintaining a live stream, as well as ways to create original and engaging content to build and keep an audience. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
Total Elective Credits 17-18
Total Credits for A.A.S. Degree 60