Mass Communications/Media Studies
Associate in Arts Degree Communication Studies · Orange Coast College · 2026-2027 Catalog
The Orange Coast College Associate in Arts in Mass Communication/Media Studies provides students with skills to understand the role of media institutions, analyze and create media texts, and evaluate the mass media landscape from a cultural, economic, and rhetorical perspective.
Program Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to access, analyze, evaluate and create media texts.
- Students will be able to understand the historical, economic, cultural, and aesthetic influences on media industries and media institutions.
Requirements
Review Graduation Requirements and General Education.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| Core Courses | ||
| CMST A180 | Introduction to Mass Communications | 3 |
| CMST A240 | Media Literacy | 3 |
| JOUR A110 | News Writing and Reporting | 3 |
| Restricted Electives | ||
| Select three of the following: | 9-10 | |
| BUS A185/CMST A185 | Public Relations | |
| ENGL A148/ENGL A148H | Film As Literature | |
| JOUR A115 | Student Newspaper I | |
| JOUR A116 | Multi-Media Reporting and Producing | |
| JOUR A185 | Photojournalism | |
| MKTG A130 | Principles of Advertising | |
| PHOT A120/PHOT A120H | Introduction to Photography | |
| PHOT A123 | Introduction to Digital Photography | |
| Program Major Units | 18 - 19 | |
| OCC AA General Education Breadth: 24 | 18.0 | |
| Electives to satisfy 60-unit AA Degree requirement | 24.0 - 23.0 | |
| Total Units | 60 | |
- Up to 6 major units may double count to meet GE requirements.
- Cal-GETC pattern (up to 34 units) may be substituted.
Program Sequence
Program Sequence
These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.
Year 1
| Semester 1 | Units |
|---|---|
| ENGL C1000 (ENGL A100) | Academic Reading and Writing |
| CMST A180 | Introduction to Mass Communications |
| OCC AA GE AREA 4 - CHOOSE ONE | 3 |
| OCC AA GE AREA 7E THEORY - CHOOSE ONE 1 | 2 |
| RESTRICTED ELECTIVE - CHOOSE ONE (See Requirements) 2 | 3-4 |
| Units |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| JOUR A110 |
| CMST A240 |
| OCC AA GE AREA 2 - CHOOSE ONE |
| OCC AA GE AREA 5 - CHOOSE ONE |
| AA Global/Multicultural Requirement - CHOOSE ONE 4 |
| Summer |
|---|
| ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 4 |
Year 2
| Semester 1 |
|---|
| RESTRICTED ELECTIVE - CHOOSE TWO (See Requirements) or ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 5 |
| OCC AA GE AREA 4 - CHOOSE ONE |
| ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 4 |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| OCC AA GE AREA 3 - CHOOSE ONE 5 |
| OCC AA GE AREA 6 - CHOOSE ONE |
| OCC AA GE AREA 7E ACTIVITY - CHOOSE ONE 1 |
| RESTRICTED ELECTIVE - CHOOSE TWO (See Requirements) or ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 5 |
| ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 4 |
- OCC AA GE AREA 7E requires a minimum of 3 units to include one course from 7E- Theory/non-activty and one course from 7E- Activity
- Major restricted electives - three (3) total courses required
- OCC AA Global/ Multicultural required if not already taken in other GE areas, refer to AA Graduation Requirement webpage
- VARIES TO REACH MINIMUM 60 DEGREE APPLICABLE UNITS
- Several Resticted Elective courses also satisify OCC AA GE Area 3. Major Restricted Electives - at least a total of nine (9) units are required.