Journalism Degree

The journalism program at Paradise Valley Community College prepares students for careers as a print journalist, local reporter, news editor, public relations assistant, advertising coordinate, news manager, or communication consultant. The program focuses on theory and the practice of gathering, processing, and delivering news. Program courses include: news writing and editing, reporting, photojournalism, layout and graphic design, journalism law and policy, professional standards and ethics, research methods, and journalism history and criticism. Get more details below including other Arizona colleges that offer journalism degrees.

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Paradise Valley Community College

2625 W Baseline Rd, Tempe, AZ

About
Paradise Valley Community College, located in Phoenix, Arizona, was founded in 1985 as a satellite campus for Scottsdale Community College. The school originally lacked a permanent location and was housed in a high school as the campus was being built. In 1986 construction began for the school's facilities and the residents of the service area gave it its current name.

PVCC became an independent member of the Maricopa County Community College District in 1990. Today the school serves over 15,000 students yearly, approximately 9000 of which are full time credit students.  Paradise Valley CC has added and constructed new facilities to accommodate student needs and activities, including a performing arts center, a new life sciences facility and the addition of the George L. Campbell LIbrary, which was once part of Maricopa County Library District.

Academics
Paradise Valley Community College offers a large number of programs, ensuring that students will be able to choose one that best suits their academic or career goals. The school offers certificate and associate degrees to graduates, with programs taking between one and two years to complete.

Academic transfer programs are designed to offer student the opportunity to complete the first two years of a four year education, at a much lower cost, then transfer to a college or university to pursue their bachelor's degree. Students may apply for transfer to any college or university, though the requirements will vary from one to another, and thus it is suggested students form a curriculum with the help of an advisor or counselor that will provide the best chances for admission to their school or schools of choice.

Career training programs provide individuals with the training and skills necessary to enter the workforce as a professional in their field of study.  Students will take general education courses during the pursuit of an associate's degree.  During the associate's degree program, students will take classes that include both hands-on and classroom-based settings.  These programs result in a diploma or certificate, demonstrating competency and allowing for the procurement of work at the entry level.

Programs offered include:

• Nursing
• Elementary Education
• Creative Writing
• Accounting
• Organizational Management

Admissions and Financial Aid
As an open enrollment institution, Paradise Valley Community College will admit any student who meets the minimum requirements for admission. Students wishing to enroll must complete the application for admission, submit their transcripts and supply standardized test scores if taken. Students may be required to take a placement exam to determine which general education courses they will begin with.

It is advised that new students participate in orientation and meet with a counselor to discuss goals, program enrollment and curriculum. Registration takes place shortly prior to the start of each semester.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs. Students in need of financial assistance must obtain a federal PIN and submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the resulting information from which will be used to determine financial need, program eligibility, and monetary awards. Students may be asked to provide additional information to the financial aid office prior to the disbursement of funds to ensure the FAFSA is true and accurate. Financial aid must be applied for prior to the start of each academic year.

Athletics
The Paradise Valley Community College Pumas participate in a number of intercollegiate athletics through the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). The school encourages participation in intercollegiate athletics as it broadens one's horizons, promotes teamwork, requires self-discipline and requires good health habits.

Additionally, students will share their successes and failures with their teammates, developing a camaraderie that is unique among individuals working together to achieve a goal.

Athletic programs offered:

• Baseball (Men Only)
• Basketball
• Golf
• Soccer
• Softball (Women Only)
• Tennis
• Track and Field

Career Options for Graduates

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Broadcast News Analysts

Description

Analyze, interpret, and broadcast news received from various sources.

Reporters and Correspondents

Description

Collect and analyze facts about newsworthy events by interview, investigation, or observation. Report and write stories for newspaper, news magazine, radio, or television.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, reporters and correspondents employment is expected to shrink at a rate of -8.5% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ
  • Total Employment: 510
  • Average Hourly Rate: $23.07
  • Average Annual Salary: $47980

Editors

Description

Plan, coordinate, or edit content of material for publication. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication. Includes technical editors.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, editors employment is expected to shrink at a rate of -5.3% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ
  • Total Employment: 820
  • Average Hourly Rate: $24.52
  • Average Annual Salary: $51010

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).