Harper College

Mass Communication Journalism

Sample transfer plan

This sample transfer planning guide meets the requirements of the Associate in Arts degree and follows the Illinois Articulation Initiative mass communication baccalaureate major recommendations. Students choosing to follow this sample plan need to choose the major of Associate in Arts if needing financial aid. Transfer institution requirements may vary - students should check individual college/university requirements before completing the sample plan as outlined. Baccalaureate admission may be competitive. Completion of these courses does not guarantee admission.

FIRST SEMESTER:

Number Course Title Credits
ENG 101 3

Description:  Emphasizes the writing of expository prose. Introduction to the critical reading of nonfiction prose. IAI C1 900

Prerequisite: ENG 096 with a grade of P or other placement options: english-placement-grid.php ESL students need one of the following options: ESL 073 and ESL 074 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 086 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 099 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 with required writing placement test score; or ESL 074 with required reading placement test score.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024

Mathematics1 3
MCM 120 3

Description:  Examines the history, technical development and cultural impact of the media, including books, newspapers, magazines, radio, sound recording, movies, television, and the Internet; as well as the related areas of public relations and advertising. Focuses on media convergence, trends and issues. Analyzes the impact and effects of the media on our consumer culture and democratic system. Encourages critical evaluation of the media. IAI MC 911

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024

Social and Behavioral Science2 3
SPE 101 3

Description:  Theory and practice of oral communications. Development of poise, confidence and skill in speech organization and delivery. Emphasis on frequent speaking, development of standards of criticism and selection and organization of material. IAI C2 900

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024

SECOND SEMESTER:

Number Course Title Credits
ENG 102 3

Description:  Continues ENG 101. Reading literature and writing of various types of prose. Introduces methods used in writing investigative papers. IAI C1 901R

Prerequisite: ENG 101 with a grade of C or better, or consent of instructor or department chair.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024

Humanities and Fine Arts3 3
MCM 130 3

Description:  Introduces students to the principles and techniques of news writing for use in a variety of platforms, including print and online publications, TV and radio. Students will use the news writing techniques they learn to write basic stories under real time constraints. The course will provide a foundation for further studies in print, broadcast or online journalism. IAI MC 919

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024

Physical and Life Science4 4
Social and Behavioral Science2 3

THIRD SEMESTER:

Number Course Title Credits
Humanities and Fine Arts5 3
MCM 205 3

Description:  Introduces students to the principles and techniques of photojournalism for use in a variety of platforms including print, broadcast, web and social media. Students will use still photography and mobile video production techniques to create products for web journalism, public relations and marketing. IAI MC921

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024

MCM 212 3

Description:  Introduces students to the application of fundamental multi-camera production techniques. Includes terminology, conceptualization, basic script writing, audio board operations, editing, shooting and lighting in multi-camera settings including live events, social media streaming and video conferencing. IAI MC 916-A

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024

Physical and Life Science4 3
Social and Behavioral Science2 3

FOURTH SEMESTER:

Number Course Title Credits
Humanities and Fine Arts5 3
Major Discipline and Transfer Electives6 12

1 - Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for approved courses in this category. Students should check the curriculum of the transfer school they are considering.

2 - One course from Humanities and Fine Arts or from Social and Behavioral Sciences must meet the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement for the Associate in Arts degree.

3 - MCM 200 is recommended

4 - Select one Physical and one Life Science course. At least one must include a lab. Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for approved courses in this category.

5 - Select at least one course from Humanities and one from Fine Arts. Interdisciplinary courses may count in either category. Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for approved courses in this category. One course from Humanities and Fine Arts or from Social and Behavioral Sciences must meet the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement for the Associate in Arts degree.

6 - Additional recommended courses: MCM 150, MCM 156, MCM 180, MCM 218, MCM 233

Next steps

For more information about the Mass Communication Journalism program, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.

Last Updated: 8/21/24