University Parallel, A.A. - Journalism

Degree: Associate of Arts
Major: University Parallel
Area of Emphasis: Journalism

For more information, contact the Humanities division at 615-230-3200 or at humanities@volstate.edu.

Communication is the study of human interaction in interpersonal, group and public settings. This pathway is for students planning to continue their education to earn a bachelor’s degree in journalism or related fields. 

Transfer Options:
The University Parallel Associate of Arts Degree is designed for transfer to universities offering a Baccalaureate degree.  Contact your advisor for additional information.

All students graduating with a degree from VSCC are required to take the E-Proficiency Profile (EPP) to meet graduation requirements. More information can be found at https://www.volstate.edu/graduation/exit-exams.

CIP Code: (16) 24.0101.01

General Education Requirements - Credits (41)


  • COMM 2025 - ^Fundamentals of Communication Credits: (3)
  • OR COMM 2045 - ^Public Speaking  Credits: (3)

  • ENGL 1010 - ^English Composition I Credits: (3)
  • ENGL 1020 - ^English Composition II Credits: (3)
  • Humanities and/or Fine Arts  (Must include at least one Literature Course) Credits: (9)
  • History  Credits: (6)
  • MATH 1010 - ^Math for General Studies Credits: (3) OR HIGHER
  • Natural Sciences  Credits: (8)
  • Social/Behavioral Sciences  Credits: (6)

Area of Emphasis Requirements - Credits (19)


  • COMM 242 - Digital Campus Coverage Credits: (1-3) Three (3) total credits must be completed for degree requirements. However, these credits should be spread over multiple semesters.
  • COMM 1010 - Intro to Mass Communication Credits: (3)
  • COMM 1020 - Media Writing Credits: (3)
  • COMM 1030 - Introduction to Electronic Media Credits: (3)
  • Foreign Language (One-Year Sequence in a Single Foreign Language) Credits: (6)
  • University Parallel Elective (Any Non-Asterisk Course) Credits: (1)

Total Degree Requirements - Credits (60)


Recommended Schedule


This is a recommended schedule.  Learning Support, pre-requisites and other academic factors may impact this schedule.  See your advisor to create a degree plan.

DegreeWorks, along with the correct catalog, should be utilized by students for all of their educational planning.  Students can monitor their progress toward a degree or certificate and view missing requirements with the DegreeWorks audit, which is accessible through My Volstate.

First Year - Fall Semester - Credits (15)


  • COMM 1020 - Media Writing Credits: (3)
  • ENGL 1010 - ^English Composition I Credits: (3)
  • COMM 2025 - ^Fundamentals of Communication Credits: (3)
  • OR COMM 2045 - ^Public Speaking  Credits: (3)

  • MATH 1010 - ^Math for General Studies Credits: (3) OR HIGHER
  • Humanities and/or Fine Arts  (See General Education Requirements in Catalog) Credits: (3)

First Year - Spring Semester - Credits (16)


  • COMM 1030 - Introduction to Electronic Media Credits: (3)
  • COMM 1010 - Intro to Mass Communication Credits: (3)
  • ENGL 1020 - ^English Composition II Credits: (3)
  • COMM 242 - Digital Campus Coverage Credits: (1-3) See note above.
  • Social/Behavioral Sciences  (See General Education Requirements in Catalog) Credits: (3)
  • Social/Behavioral Sciences  (See General Education Requirements in Catalog) Credits: (3)

Second Year - Fall Semester - Credits (14)


  • COMM 242 - Digital Campus Coverage Credits: (1-3) See note above.
  • Foreign Language (One-Year Sequence in a Single Foreign Language) Credits: (3) 
  • History  (See General Education Requirements in Catalog) Credits: (3)
  • Natural Sciences  (See General Education Requirements in Catalog) Credits: (4)
  • Humanities and/or Fine Arts  (Literature Course - See General Education Requirements in Catalog) Credits: (3)

Second Year - Spring Semester - Credits (15)


  • COMM 242 - Digital Campus Coverage Credits: (1-3) See note above.
  • Humanities and/or Fine Arts  (See General Education Requirements in Catalog) Credits: (3)
  • University Parallel Elective (Any Non-Asterisk Course) Credits: (1)
  • Foreign Language (One-Year Sequence in a Single Foreign Language) Credits: (3) 
  • History  (See General Education Requirements in Catalog) Credits: (3)
  • Natural Sciences  (See General Education Requirements in Catalog) Credits: (4)