Nov 21, 2024  
2024-2025 Academic Catalog 
  
2024-2025 Academic Catalog

Mass Communication Transfer Pathway, AA


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Total Credits: 60

Major Code: 9950

Program Description

The Mass Communication Transfer Pathway Associate of Arts (AA) degree program offers students a powerful option: the opportunity to complete an Associate of Arts degree with course credits that directly transfer to des­ignated Mass Communication bachelor’s degree programs at Minnesota State universities. The curriculum has been specifically designed so that students completing this pathway degree and transferring to one of the five Minnesota State universities enter the university with junior-year status. All courses in the Transfer Pathway associate degree will directly transfer and apply to the designated bachelor’s degree programs in a related field.

Program Requirements: 9 Credits


General Education/MnTC Requirements: 40 Credits


Complete at least 40 credits in courses from the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC), including all courses listed. You must complete all ten goal areas and maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA for the entire MnTC. One course may satisfy more than one goal area, but the course credits may be counted only once.

Goal 01: Communication


B. Oral (one course required)


Goal 02: Critical Thinking


Three courses required.

Completed with ENGL 1120 /ENGL 1121 CMST 2215 , and MCOM 1100 /CMST 1100  if taken at ARCC.  

Goal 03: Natural Sciences


Two courses required: one from each of two departments. One must include a lab.

Goal 04: Mathematical/Logical Reasoning


One course required.

Goal 05: History/Social/Behavioral Sciences


Two courses required: one from each of two categories. MnTC Goal 05 Course List  

A. Economics/Geography

B. Anthropology/Psychology/Sociology

C. History/Poliitical Science

Goal 06: Humanities/Fine Arts


Two courses required: one from each of two categories. MnTC Goal 06 Course List  

A. Literature

B. Humanities/Philosophy

C. Art/Music/Theatre

Goal 07: Human Diversity


One course required.

Goal 08: Global Perspective


One course required. 

Goal 09: Ethical/Civic Responsibility


One course required.

Completed with MCOM 1100 /CMST 1100  if taken at ARCC. 

Goal 10: People and the Environment


One course required.

Wellness Requirement: 3 Credits


  • Choose any HPER course(s) totaling at least three credits Credits: 3

Elective Courses: 8 Credits


Choose eight credits from any academic discipline which will serve as general elective credits. Suggested courses are listed below:

Program Information


Program Goals


By completing this program, students will achieve the following learning goals:

  1. Critically evaluate mass media messages, applying theories of media analysis;
  2. Identify the goals, methods, and histories of various mass media;
  3. Identify the components of various mass communication processes;
  4. Apply analytical and critical thinking techniques to become more media literate;
  5. Demonstrate ability to write clearly and concisely;
  6. Identify, explain, and demonstrate what constitutes a professional media story;
  7. Identify, obtain, and evaluate credible and diverse sources of information;
  8. Demonstrate the ability to tell stories across various media platforms and audiences;
  9. Identify basic tools, functions, and goals of public relations;
  10. Identify strategies, tactics, techniques, and theories of public relations;
  11. Analyze and target messages for diverse audiences;
  12. Examine the history and evolution of the public relations field;
  13. Recognize and apply the basics of a public relations campaign; and
  14. Explore the legal and ethical implications of public relations campaign designs.

Degree Specifics


  • A minimum of 60 semester credits in courses numbered 1000 or above.
  • A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in courses numbered 1000 or above at ARCC.
  • Some students may need preparatory courses in the areas of English, mathematics or reading. Courses numbered below 1000 will not apply toward this degree.
  • Satisfy residency requirements.
  • A minimum grade of C must be earned in all program requirements.
  • Completion of specific degree requirements.
  • Each state university has specific program requirements for completion. Please speak with your advisor about requirements at receiving institutions.
  • To complete your program, please submit the appropriate application found here.
  • The requirements of this program are subject to change without notice.

Minnesota State Universities - Designated Degrees


If you complete a Transfer Pathways program at a Minnesota State community college and are admitted to a connected program at a Minnesota State university (connected programs for this specific transfer pathway degree are listed below), you will be guaranteed junior status and all 60 associate degree credits will count toward the related bachelor’s degree. Students must meet special admission requirements for the major and are not guaranteed admission into the major itself.

  • Bemidji State University: Mass Communications BS
  • Minnesota State University, Mankato: Mass Media BS
  • Minnesota State University, Moorhead: Advertising BS, Broadcast Journalism BS, English and Mass Communications BA, Integrated Advertising & Public Relations BS, Multimedia Journalism BS, Photojournalism BS, Public Relations BS
  • St. Cloud State University: Mass Communications BS
  • Winona State University: Mass Communications BA (Advertising, Creative Digital Media, Journalism, Public Relations)

Pathway Plan


The following two-year Pathway Plan is suggested for full-time students. Part-time students will need more time to complete this pathway. For assistance with pathway planning, students should schedule an appointment with an academic advisor.

Semester One


Total: 16 Credits


Semester Two


  • MCOM 1100 /CMST 1100  - Introduction to Mass Communication Credits: 3
  • GenEd/MnTC (Goal 03 with lab) Credits: 4
  • GenEd/MnTC (Goal 06) Credits: 3
  • GenEd/MnTC (Goal 07) Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3 

Total: 16 Credits


Semester Three


  • Credits: 3
  • GenEd/MnTC (Goal 03) Credits: 3
  • GenEd/MnTC (Goal 08) Credits: 3
  • GenEd/MnTC (Goal 10) Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3

Total: 15 Credits


Semester Four


Total: 13 Credits


Note


This information is subject to change. Changes and updates are posted on anokaramsey.edu.

You are encouraged to contact an academic advisor at 763-433-1230 for course planning assistance, information about transfer credit evaluation, and transfer options.

Anoka-Ramsey Community College is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and educator and a member of Minnesota State. Disclaimer, Non-Discrimination Statement, and Student Consumer Information, such as graduation rates and median debt, can be found here: AnokaRamsey.edu/disclosures.

This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling the Minnesota Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-627-3529.

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