Northeast Iowa Community College introduces new Digital Media and Journalism degree programs

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Students in the NICC programs complete their general education requirements in science, communication, math, humanities and social sciences, in addition to specialized digital media and mass communication subject areas.

NORTHEAST IOWA–Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) is excited to introduce two new Associate of Arts transfer degrees, Digital Media and Journalism, designed for students to earn their degree and/or transfer to a four-year university education or to advance their professional careers.

The new programs, established in partnership with several four-year universities, allow graduates to seamlessly transfer their credits into a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism. Graduates of the Journalism program at NICC may transfer to Drake University, Grand View University and the University of Northern Iowa. Digital Media graduates may transfer into the University of Northern Iowa’s program.

Students in the NICC programs complete their general education requirements in science, communication, math, humanities and social sciences, in addition to specialized digital media and mass communication subject areas. Students also complete up to 16 transferable credit hours of elective courses, including Introduction to Mass Media, Diversity and the Media, Newswriting and Reporting, and The College Experience. 

NICC faculty Ken Brown says students enrolled in these programs will develop their technical skills and complete the first two years of general education requirements for a successful transfer to a four-year program and employment in a constantly changing media industry. The first two years of the NICC programs are the same general education requirements no matter where students are enrolled, and students receive hands-on experience early. 

“In an era where everyone is a media expert – via social media – there is a shortage of qualified, trained communications professionals in the workforce. While there is no shortage of job-seekers, area media companies have seen a lack of qualified applicants. The Journalism and Digital Media transfer major programs at NICC will provide learners with the necessary foundation to move on to a four-year school and obtain a degree in these fields. The skills you will learn in these programs will help you stand out among other job candidates,” Brown said.

Jeff Murphy, NICC Executive Dean of Communication, Humanities, Math, and Social Science, said,
“The Digital Media and Journalism degree programs are designed to address workforce needs and
also provide a solid transfer pathway to four-year universities in Iowa. The skills students develop in these programs will enhance their employability and career prospects in the field.” 

The programs are flexible and can be completed on campus or 100 percent online to fit into your life and schedule, especially for working adults.

For more information about the programs and transfer opportunities, contact Murphy at murphyj@nicc.edu. Additional information about the programs is available at nicc.edu/digitalmediatransfer and nicc.edu/journalism.

Northeast Iowa Community College offers more than 20 transfer majors in agriculture, science, education, human and family services, social work and more. View all Liberal Arts and Transfer programs at nicc.edu/liberalarts.