Mass Communications

Effective: Fall 2024
Associate in Arts Program Map
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This program map from the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway to complete this program. Your pathway may vary depending on your transfer plans and also previous college credit, including AP Test scores, concurrent enrollment courses and high school articulated courses.

I'm ready to get started. What do I do next?

  1. Review this program map to get an overview of the required courses
  2. Meet with a counselor to develop your customized student education plan www.chabotcollege.edu/counseling
  3. Use DegreeWorks, an online student education planning tool, to track your progress toward graduation www.chabotcollege.edu / admissions / degreeworks
Program Description

In our rapidly changing society and economy, the skills associated with communications-based learning are recognized by many employers as mandatory for market success. More and more businesses and occupations prefer to hire employees who possess strong communication skills. While many media careers require at least a bachelor’s degree, an associate’s degree in Mass Communications opens the door to some entry-level careers.


What can I do with this major?
A Mass Communications major prepares students to go into a variety of fields, including careers in: advertising, broadcasting, camera operator, content developer, copy-editor, corporate communications, director, DJ, editor, journalist, media relations, news producer, online media, photographer, production design, production management, promoter, public relations, radio/TV professional, reporter, videographer and writer. If you want to finish your degree quickly and start working, an associate’s degree in Mass Communications can be a good way to begin your career. In some cases, you can use the credits you earn for your associate’s degree in Mass Communications to transfer to a four-year school and earn a bachelor’s degree, opening up more career options.

Learning and Career Pathway
  • Communication, Language & Media

Icon Key

= Critical Course = Prerequisite for Other Courses = Prerequisite Required = Required for Major GE = General Education

Semester 1

16 units

MCOM 20
Journalism: Newswriting and Information Gathering

3 units
Fundamentals of reporting and newswriting to develop ability to identify a compelling story, gather information, organize, write, rewrite and deliver in the chosen format, according to professional standards of traditional print journalism and online journalism, supported by multimedia. Analysis of exemplary journalistic models. Conceive, research, and write stories using traditional news values. Requires source interviews or original research. (May not receive credit if MCOM 1 has been completed.)
Terms Offered: Fall

MCOM 40
Introduction to Broadcasting

3 units
Introduces the history, theory, structure, function, economics, content and evolution of radio, television, film, the Internet, new media and their impact on culture and society. Includes, technological development, programming, ratings, legal aspects, and political and social control of broadcasting in America, and cross-cultural, international comparisons. Regulatory, ethical and occupational impact of the electronic media are also studied.
Course Details:

English 1- Critical Reading and Composition

4 units
GE

General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

3 units
GE

General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

3 units
GE

Semester 2

15-16 units

MCOM 50 or 60 (Choose one)

3 units

MCOM 50
Radio Studio Techniques

3 units
Introductory course in theory and application of audio production techniques for radio. Students will gain a basic understanding of audio equipment in both live and pre-recorded broadcasting. This includes recording equipment, mixers, digital audio production, radio program formats, broadcast writing and announcing skills.
Course Details:
  • Transfers to CSU
    • or

    MCOM 60
    Beginning TV Studio Production

    3 units
    This course introduces the theory, terminology, and operation of a multi-camera television studio and control room. Topics include studio signal flow, directing, theory and operation of camera and audio equipment, switcher operation, fundamentals of lighting, graphics, video control, video recording, and real-time video production.
    Course Details:
  • Transfers to CSU

    • MCOM 21
    Newspaper Production I

    3 units
    This course focuses on writing and producing student news publications using the school newspaper, the Spectator and its online version, thechabotspectator.com, as a practical laboratory that produces a journalistic product for distribution to a college-­wide audience. Students will work primarily in one of the following areas: researching, writing, and editing articles for the two publications; taking photographs and creating graphic illustrations; developing multimedia stories; or designing pages. Ethics and legal aspects of communication are also covered.

    MCOM 42
    Writing for Broadcasting1

    3 units
    Techniques of writing for radio, television, film and electronic media; script writing in proper formats, including fundamental technical, conceptual and stylistic issues related to writing fiction and non-fiction scripts for informational and entertainment purposes. Includes a writing evaluation component as a significant part of the course requirement.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: ENGL 1A
      2. or
    2. Strongly Recommended: ENGL 1
  • Transfers to CSU

    • General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

    3 units
    GE

    Math Course for General Education: see a counselor to choose the appropriate course.

    3-4 units
    GE
    • 1 - Offered once every two years.

    Semester 3

    15 units

    MCOM 50 or 60 (Choose one not already taken)

    3 units

    MCOM 50
    Radio Studio Techniques

    3 units
    Introductory course in theory and application of audio production techniques for radio. Students will gain a basic understanding of audio equipment in both live and pre-recorded broadcasting. This includes recording equipment, mixers, digital audio production, radio program formats, broadcast writing and announcing skills.
    Course Details:
  • Transfers to CSU
    • or

    MCOM 60
    Beginning TV Studio Production

    3 units
    This course introduces the theory, terminology, and operation of a multi-camera television studio and control room. Topics include studio signal flow, directing, theory and operation of camera and audio equipment, switcher operation, fundamentals of lighting, graphics, video control, video recording, and real-time video production.
    Course Details:
  • Transfers to CSU

    • MCOM 41
    Introduction to Mass Communications

    3 units
    Survey of the interrelationships of media with society including history, structure and trends in a digital age. Discussion of theories and effects, economics, technology, law and ethics, global media, media literacy, and social issues, including gender and cultural diversity.
    Course Details:
  • Transfers to CSU

    • MCOM 44
    Radio & Television Announcing1

    3 units
    Developing skills in projection of personality, vocal performance and pronunciation necessary for communication of ideas in radio and television broadcasting under studio circumstances. Activities will equip students in understanding and developing themselves as integrated physiological, social, and psychological media personalities.
    Course Details:

    General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

    3 units
    GE

    General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

    3 units
    GE
    • 1 - Offered once every 2 years

    Semester 4

    14-15 units

    MCOM 43
    Advertising Sales & Media Management

    3 units
    Introduction to media advertising sales, including research, sales presentation, and airing of the commercial campaign. Media managerial objectives and procedures, including leadership, motivation, dealing with personnel and operations problems; and managing departments within media organizations.
    Course Details:

    List A Course

    3-4 units
    Select one course from List A below
    See the full list: (Click here)

    General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

    3 units
    GE

    General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

    3 units
    GE

    General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

    2 units
    GE

    List A

    Choose one course from the list below:

    MCOM 22
    Newspaper Production II

    3 units
    This course focuses on intermediate writing and producing student news publications using the school newspaper, the Spectator and its online version, thechabotspectator.com, as a practical laboratory that produces a journalistic product for distribution to a college-­wide audience. Students will work primarily in two or three of the following areas: researching, writing, and editing articles for the two publications; taking photographs and creating graphic illustrations; developing multimedia stories; or designing pages. Ethics and legal aspects of communication and media leadership/management are also covered.

    MCOM 56
    Introduction to KCRH Radio Experience

    4 units
    Introduction to practical experience in KCRH radio station operations. Radio programming content, music automation systems, audio production techniques, promotions, news, live sports, and underwriting sales will be explored. Development of on-air, talent, DJ, host and web streaming will be emphasized.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: MCOM 50

    MCOM 61
    Television Studio Techniques II

    3 units
    Further experience in television studio operations, control room procedures, and program production. Designed to advance skills in operating television equipment, producing and directing television programs.
    Course Details:
    Total Units: 60-62 units
    This program map is not a guarantee of course availability or financial aid applicability.