Data Journalism Certificate of Achievement

The Data Journalism certificate combines aspects of information gathering and news/feature writing techniques which include finding, collecting and analyzing data for storytelling and investigative reporting. Students will be well versed in the creation of news and feature stories for publication in various media outlets. Students may be able to obtain jobs as a data journalist, news reporter, and feature writer.

Completion time will vary based on student preparation and the number go units completed per semester. But, according to college data, since academic year 2013-2014 the department awarded one certificate per academic year. This was largely due to the high number of units expected to complete a certificate in the program. The average was 30 units. As of Fall 2020, the unit load for this certificate will be 18. So, we anticipate great interest in the new certificate and at least a tripling of certificates being awarded within a two-year period after the new certificate goes into effect.

Today’s journalists are becoming better equipped at finding the truth independently, thanks to data and technology. Data can help a reporter fill in the missing pieces and it also allows journalists to expose a universe beyond what sources are willing to share. So the goal of this program is explain the changing skill demands of data journalists in a modern society. It also calls on the student to think critically and deeply about the limitations of datasets and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of data, as well as assess how institutions may be collecting and using data and the implications of these processes for the public. Additionally, the course work will allow the student to demonstrate a solid grasp of data storytelling techniques in writing and editing news and feature stories for various media outlets that will help broad audiences understand data. Lastly, the student will be able to articulate career opportunities in data journalism.

Upon completion of this certificate, students will be able to:

·  Report, write and edit news and feature stories for various media outlets.

·  Explain the changing skill demands of data journalists ina modern society.

·  Articulate career opportunities in data journalism.

·  Create a professional portfolio of published journalistic works. 

Master Planning

The Data Journalism Certificate of Achievement serves to prepare students with the skills to meet the structural shift in how information is being produced and used in modern society. The certificate addresses the new skill demands of the industry. It also compliments the college's mission to prepare students for themodern day challenges anticipated in a profession. With that said, the challenge for journalists is to thoroughly and selectively grasp the power of technology, while upholding the profession’s core journalistic mission. Lastly, the certificate provides the core journalistic skills for internships and possible entry-level jobs in the field. It also serves those students who seek to make a career change into the journalistic writing profession  The reduced unit load from 33 units to 18 units makes the certificate more appealing because it can be achieved within two or three semesters.  As a core certificate in journalism, it also serves as a beacon for creating additional certificates in the areas of news photojournalism and multi-media news reporting. Plans for new certificates emerged at the request of students in our program and through assessment and program review.

Place of Program in Curriculum/Similar Programs

The Data Journalism Certificate of Achievement is unique in that it specifically serves the needs of the industry. Also, there are other departments that offer a few courses in statistical methodology, but without a journalistic emphasis. 

Similar Programs at Other Colleges in Service Area

Most community colleges with a 20-mile radius of City College do not offer certificates of achievement. They included two-year colleges such as College of San Mateo, Laney and Chabot. The exception is Skyline College that offers an AA degree, an AA-T and a reporting certificate. Santa Rosa Junior College is the nearest college that offers a Certificate of Achievement titled Digital Journalism. 

Course	Units
First Semester:
JOUR 19 - Contemporary News Media	3.00
JOUR 21 - News Reporting and Writing	3.00
Total:	6.00
Second Semester:
LI S 10 - Use of Information Resources	1.00
LALS 5 - Introduction to Statistical Methods in Latin American and Latino/a Studies	5.00
or
PSYC 5 - Statistics for Behavioral Sciences	5.00
or
ECON 5 - Introductory Statistics for Economics, Business and Social Sciences	5.00
Total:	6.00
Third Semester:
JOUR 35 - Internet Journalism	3.00
JOUR 36 - Investigative Reporting	3.00
Total:	6.00
Recommended additional coursework:
JOUR 22 - Feature Writing	3.00
JOUR 23 - Copy Editing	3.00
JOUR 24 - Newspaper Laboratory	4.00
JOUR 37 - Introduction to Photojournalism	3.00
CS 256 - Data Visualization	3.00
PHIL 40 - Introduction to Logic: CriticalThinking	3.00
Total:	0.00
Total:	18.00

Nothing at this time.

Today, I have been in touch with Nancy Kaplan-Beigel, journalism chair at Skyline regarding any impact concerns. When I spoke to her on 5/23/19 she was on her way out to New York City on a family matter, but would be back on 5/29 to look at my program and assess if there are any impact concerns. In the meantime, here is her contact information: Nancy Kaplan-Biegel, kaplann@smcced.edu, (650) 738-4297 or (415) 297-3194.