Journalism - Home

The Journalism program is designed to prepare students for transfer as majors in various areas of communication. Pierce's basic courses in journalistic writing and mass media provide a good background for those pursuing communication careers in print journalism, broadcast journalism, advertising, and public relations.

The student newspapers at both Pierce Fort Steilacoom and Pierce Puyallup give interested students the opportunity to gain practical experience in nearly all phases of producing a newspaper using desktop publishing techniques that include computer formatting and digital imaging.

Transfer Possibilities

Students working toward their transfer degree typically take a variety of courses designed to fulfill the general requirements of most four-year colleges and universities. Students intending to transfer to a four-year college for further training in the journalism field are encouraged to work closely with their advisor to ensure they meet the requirements of the college they wish to attend after Pierce.

Journalism/Communications majors

Communication and especially journalism majors should choose classes that provide a well-rounded exposure to the basic systems, issues, and concerns of American society; to the basic nature of people; and to the expanding global marketplace.

The following courses are recommended:

  • CMST& 102: Intro to mass media
  • CMST& 220: Public speaking
  • ECON& 201: Microeconomics
  • ENGL 103: Composition: Argumentation and research
  • HIST& 159: History of United States IV
  • HUM& 118: Humanities III
  • JOURN 102: Intro to newswriting
  • JOURN 103: Intro to feature writing
  • JOURN 110: Publications design
  • JOURN 111: College newspaper: Reporting and editing
  • JOURN 112: College newspaper: Photojournalism
  • JOURN 125: The Documentary: A social force
  • JOURN 210: Photojournalism
  • MNGT 275: Intro to visual promotion
  • PHIL& 101: Intro to philosophy
  • POLS& 202: American government
  • PSYC& 100: General psychology
  • SOC& 101: Intro to sociology

Michael Parks
Journalism Department Coordinator & Pioneer Advisor
253-964-6513
(FS)