Mass Media Certificate of Achievement Level 1

The Mass Media Certificate of Achievement Level 1 provides students with training and hands-on experience in mass media communications. This program promotes an understanding of the impact of mass media on society and individuals while preparing students for careers in various fields of journalism and radio broadcasting. In the core courses, students learn about both legacy and new media and develop greater media literacy in a digital culture. Students have the option to select a concentration in either journalism or radio broadcasting. In the journalism concentration, students acquire fundamental skills in news writing and reporting, media production, and gathering information. They will learn how to write and report stories for print, electronic, and social media. Our journalism courses emphasize hands-on experience through active engagement in the production and publication of The SJCC Times, a student-run campus newspaper. In the radio broadcasting concentration, students learn the basics of on-air broadcasting, podcasting, storytelling, and operating the mixing board. They will also gain experience in managing the College’s Internet and FM radio station, KJCC.

1. We anticipate 12 or more students starting Fall 2025 and graduating in one academic year.

San Jose City College is dedicated to providing a student-centered and culturally responsive curriculum. As of Fall 2024, we have experienced increased student enrollment in our Broadcasting and Journalism courses. This growth indicates a heightened interest in both fields, which share similar course outlines.

To support this interest, we propose offering a Mass Media Certificate of Achievement Level 1, designed to create a pathway for students to secure entry-level jobs while also pursuing their Associate's or Bachelor’s Degrees. This pathway includes the option to transfer to a University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU).

By fostering collaboration between our Broadcasting and Journalism courses, we aim to motivate students to pursue this certificate and seek entry-level employment in broadcast journalism within a few months. This strategy better prepares students for a competitive industry by equipping them with essential skills that will evolve as they develop their craft.

Students will be introduced to the emerging field of broadcast journalism, which focuses on developing podcasts and audio and video broadcasts. This area generates considerable interest, with many individuals eager to create content for a wide audience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics from the Department of Labor, employment in media, particularly in broadcast journalism, is projected to grow by 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, resulting in approximately 68,600 new jobs over the decade.

The Mass Media certificate program prepares students for radio broadcasting and journalism careers. Students in this program can transfer to upper-division Broadcast and Journalism programs at UC and CSU. The curriculum introduces essential topics such as the principles of broadcast and journalism, operation of broadcasting equipment, news story reporting, development of radio stations and shows, and content editing. Courses will cover the history and theories of broadcast and journalism, practical applications in radio broadcasting, knowledge of government regulations and industry standards, and creating on-air broadcast shows using multimedia platforms, including podcasts, videos, audio radio, and online content. This certificate program focuses on equipping students for entry-level careers in broadcast and journalism.

To earn the Mass Media Certificate of Achievement Level 1:

• The minimum number of units required is 13, and the maximum number of units is 15 to earn the Certificate of Achievement in Mass Media Level 1.
• All courses in the certificate must be taken at San Jose City College.
• A grade of "C" or better is required in each course.

San Jose City College would be the only community college in Santa Clara County offering a Mass Media Certificate of Achievement Level 1.

Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz County offers a similar certificate titled Journalism/Blogging Certificate of Achievement. San Jose City College will be the only California community college in Santa Clara County offering a Mass Media Certificate of Achievement Level 1.