JOURNALISM, MEDIA &
PROFESSIONAL WRITING
The Internet and online publishing are among the top-growing industries¹
and are the future of journalism education. News savvy is important in our
world today, perhaps more than ever given the immediacy of social
media reporting events as they happen. Many young people also
have a digital mindset as a result of being raised in a digital
environment, which can help bridge the cultural divide
between print and digital news.
It was with these facts in mind that Northampton
Community College introduces new courses and a
new program narrative for Journalism, Media &
Professional Writing. With two concentrations
– one on journalism and one on business –
students can choose between covering
issues and trends in and around the
NCC community, or an approach
that places additional emphasis
on skills specific to business
communication in a
multicultural society.
WHY IS THIS PROGRAM FOR YOU?
»» The program emphasizes practical skills in reporting and writing for print and the Web for students with no experience,
and provides those with some experience an opportunity to enhance their skills.
»» The program at NCC focuses on newspaper, magazine, television, radio, and the Web, as well as photography, multimedia
production and business communications. These are the skills that editors and executives want for the 21st century.
»» Students of the program become critically aware of the diverse functions of the media – entertainment, information,
propaganda, ideology – and how they affect culture and society.
¹Information cited from 2016 labor data from the Bureau of Labor & Statistics at bls.gov.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
»» New courses like Media Publication will allow students to demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of desktop
publishing software applications for design and production, as well as a grasp of print-on-demand (POD), self-publishing,
e-book creation, and emerging publishing technologies.
»» The Journalism Practicum (in the Journalism concentration only) is offered during the second, third and fourth semesters;
students will work on the print and Web versions of the student newspaper, acting in various capacities that may include
reporting, editing, blogging, designing layouts, and supervising staff.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
This major prepares students to transfer into a four-year degree program. Graduates with reporting and writing skills and a
baccalaureate degree can expect to begin their careers at regional newspapers, Web publications or other news outlets, as well as:
»» Public relations firms
»» Corporate communications offices
»» Other employers who rely on communications specialists
READY TO FIND OUT MORE?
The Humanities & Social Sciences Department is ready to answer your questions! Call 610.332.5312.
Ready to enroll, or have admissions and enrollment-related questions? Call 610.861.5500.
Information about this and other programs is available online at www.northampton.edu/programs.
RELATED PROGRAMS
»» Radio/TV
»» Communication Studies
»» Business Adminisration
MAY2016