Get started on an exciting career in Journalism and Communication!

Fortify Your Career Story with a Journalism and Communication Associate Degree from NECC

A student in the Liberal Arts program at our NECC Campus

Why pursue a degree in Liberal Arts: Journalism and Communication?

If you like to write or speak, have a curious nature, and want to work in a fast-paced field, NECC’s Journalism and Communication program is tailor-made for you. Through a variety of courses and practical experiences, our program will prepare you to embark on an exciting career in print or broadcast journalism, public relations, or corporate communications.

Learn to Think Outside the Box

At NECC, our Associate Degree in Liberal Arts: Journalism/Communication program empowers students to gain real-world experience and learn what it takes to succeed as a print journalist, broadcast journalist, or communications specialist. Upon completion, you’ll have the option of transferring credits earned towards a bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communication, or a related discipline at a four-year school, saving thousands of dollars off the cost of your education!

What you’ll get from our Journalism and Communication Degree program

Develop Marketable Professional Skills

As a Journalism/Communication major, NECC’s program will provide you with an opportunity to choose from journalism and communication concentrations. Additionally, you’ll learn how to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to work in a wide variety of settings and industries.

Do Cool Stuff, Not Just Homework

Forget about endless lectures. We’re talking about interactive classes and workshops where you practice what you’ve learned in real-life scenarios, as well as projects that connect you with your community.

Gear Up for a Great Career in Journalism or Communication

At NECC, we’re here to help you build a skill set that’s in high demand. Whether you see yourself as a reporter, an editor, public relations specialist, or something else, we’ve got you covered. While guiding you every step of the way, our experienced instructors will show you how to:

Gain a solid foundation in writing and speaking for various purposes and audiences
Acquire real-world experience through internships
Write for NECC’s bi-weekly newspaper, the Observer, or Parnussus, the campus literary arts magazine
Participate in career workshops
Develop professional skills through networking and mentoring opportunities with NECC alumni and other industry experts

Your Schedule, Your Rules

Juggling life, work, and study? No sweat. With a mix of online and on-campus options, NECC makes it easy for you to fit study into your life, not the other way around.

Northern Essex allowed me to get on track academically. It prepared me well for transfer to a four-year university.”

Carlos Rivera, Liberal Arts

Where this journey can take you

illustration: support for every student Imagine yourself serving in one of these roles:

Keeping others informed as a Reporter
Increasing audience understanding as a News Analyst
Orchestrating the presentation of information as an Editor
Improving media programming as a Program Director
Managing various film or television projects as a Producer
Shaping public opinion as a Public Relations (PR) Specialist

Why choose NECC for your Journalism and Communication Associate Degree?

We Get It

At NECC, inspiring our students to succeed is our top priority. Modern, relevant, and engaging, our Journalism and Communication courses are designed with you in mind.

NECC’s dedicated faculty and staff help students develop the skills they need to advance in the workforce or transfer to a four-year college or university. Our small class sizes ensure personalized attention and support, empowering students to thrive academically. We also offer a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising.

With over 60 credit programs, two convenient campuses, robust student support services, and a vibrant student life, NECC is committed to providing an affordable, accessible, and high-quality education for all.

Learn from the Pros

Our instructors aren’t just teachers. They’re experienced professionals who live and breathe Journalism and Communication principles.

Experience Beyond the Classroom

At NECC, it’s not just about earning a degree. It’s about building a network, finding your tribe, and acquiring the tools necessary to chase your dreams. Our Haverhill and Lawrence campuses are home to a diverse range of clubs and organizations and activities that help students connect with peers who share similar interests.

Whether you choose to gain leadership experience, stay healthy and fit, join a club, or participate in varsity sports, and student activities, we’ll guarantee you’ll have fond memories of your time at NECC.

We Got Your Back

From the day you start until the day you land your first big gig, our team is here to support, guide, and cheer you on. At NECC, our goal is to empower our students by equipping them with the skills and tools necessary to thrive, wherever they choose to work.

Career Services

Career Services is here to assist you at every stage in your career development.

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What Can I Do With This Major?

Map your NECC major to hundreds of career paths and opportunities.

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Got Prior Learning or Work Experience?

With NECC’s Credit for Prior Learning, you can move through the program at a faster pace, and graduate sooner! The best part is these credits are covered free-of-charge for eligible Massachusetts learners.

Support for Every Student

NECC offers a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising, to help students thrive academically. Want to transfer to NECC? Our advisors are happy to assist you.

Accommodations at NECC

As an ADA-compliant institution, NECC is committed to serving the needs of students, faculty, staff, and visitors with disabilities, including those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. We partner with multiple entities are dedicated to ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all members of the NECC community.

Do you have a documented disability? Are you Deaf or Hard of Hearing? If so, the Center for Accessibility Resources & Services (CARS) can connect you to the services you need to thrive at NECC.

Career Outlook for Journalism and Communication Professionals North of Boston

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities in media and communication professions are projected to increase 3% over the next eight years. Despite declining employment, roughly 4,500 openings for broadcast news analysts, reporters, and journalists are projected each year during that period.

At NECC, our Liberal Arts Associate Degree: Journalism/Communication program graduates have an exceptional rate of employment while working in a wide variety of settings and industries.

How Much Can I Expect to Make While Working in the Journalism or Communication Fields?

The earning potential for those employed in journalism and communication occupations varies based on several factors, including education, location, experience, role, and setting. Please note that most entry-level jobs require you to have a bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communication, or a related discipline.

With an Associate Degree in Journalism/Communication from NECC, you’ll be qualified to pursue or advance your career in these roles:

Reporter

These journalists gather information about events and stories and present it to the public through a variety of mediums. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $62,842 as of July, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $56,772 and $72,643.¹

News Analyst

Also known as newscasters or broadcast news analysts, these professionals analyze and interpret news from various sources for the purpose of increasing audience understanding. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $80,239 as of July, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $70,915 and $89,482.¹

Editor

Editors plan, coordinate, and revise material for publication or presentation through a variety of media, including television, radio, newspapers, websites, and online blogs. The median annual wage in Boston, MA, for this role was $87,552 as of July, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $77,040 and $99,802. ¹

Program Director

Commonly referred to as program managers, these executives oversee the planning, promotion, implementation, and evaluation of programs within an organization. The median annual wage in Boston, MA, for this role was $168,777 as of July, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $147,739 and $193,719. ¹

Producer

In the communication and journalism fields, these individuals manage and coordinate all aspects of film, radio, and television projects, from creative to financial.The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $70,194 as of July, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $61,321 and $81,013. ¹

Public Relations Specialist

Also known as PR officers, these professionals help clients create and maintain a positive image through strategic branding, communication, and crisis management. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $66,151 as of July, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $59,715 and $78,296.¹

How to Get Started as a Communication Specialist or Journalist in the Merrimack Valley

Feeling pumped? We thought so! Learn more about how to apply for the Liberal Arts: Journalism/Communication Associate Degree program. Still unsure that it’s the right fit for you? Contact us to chat more about why this could be the best decision you’ll ever make!

Program Costs

For the 2024-2025 academic year, non-health for-credit courses have a cost of $263/credit for in-state students.

See all estimated costs and fees

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Faculty

Program Coordinator

Mary Jo Shafer

mshafer@necc.mass.edu

Info Sessions & Tours

Come to an upcoming information session on either the Lawrence or the Haverhill campus and get all of your questions answered.

Stop by one of our Lawrence or Haverhill campus Career Planning and Advising Centers and meet with an enrollment counselor.

FAQs

How much does an associate degree cost?

Community college is now free for eligible Massachusetts residents!

For learners living in other New England states, we offer a reduced out-of-state rate. All others, including international students, pay the full out-of-state rate, before any financial aid awards are made.

Tuition and Financial Aid at NECC

What types of financial aid are available?

There are three basic types of financial aid you can receive while attending NECC: grants and scholarships, loans, and work-study. Grants and scholarships are a gift and carry no work or repayment requirements. Loans, regardless of the lending source, are funds that must be repaid. Loan repayment terms vary, while the actual loan gives you an opportunity to borrow against future earnings.

Available in on-campus and off-campus formats, all work-study jobs are part-time and filled on an as-needed basis.

Tuition and Financial Aid at NECC

How do I apply for financial aid?

At NECC, we understand that financial aid can make earning your college degree a reality. Many types of aid are available; funds that can be used to help pay for tuition and fees, books, and other personal costs. To qualify, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and complete the application process.

While you can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at any time after October 1 to receive funds for the following academic year, we recommend you apply as early as possible since some grant funds are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. The priority deadline for the state of Massachusetts is May 1. Although applications are accepted throughout the year, some state funds are awarded only to those who meet this deadline.

Please note: You must complete a FAFSA each academic year to be eligible for financial aid.

Tuition and Financial Aid at NECC

How do I transfer credits to NECC from another school?

Tried another college but had trouble making it work? At NECC, we make it easy for students to transfer from another school to ours. Roughly one-third of all NECC students have previously been enrolled at other colleges and then found success here. We welcome you to join them so you can get your education back on track!

Transfer to NECC

How do I transfer my NECC credits to a four-year school?

At NECC, our transfer agreements help ensure you are taking the right courses and electives so you can seamlessly transfer to the four-year college or university of your choice. We offer over 100 transfer agreements with public and private institutions.

Contact the Transfer and Advising Center to learn more.

Does the school assist with job placement?

At NECC, we want you to get a career you love. Our Career Services department is here to assist you at every stage in your career development. From career exploration and internships to landing that first job or navigating career changes, we can help you get on the right path to a career you will love! Whether you are a currently enrolled student or a recent grad, contact us and we can help you.

Our job placement specialists are here to learn about your academic interests and discuss related careers. NECC welcomes you to participate in our various career events and workshops and use our free resources to help you identify the right career for you.

How does NECC support diversity and inclusion?

NECC offers a positive and supportive learning environment of cultural inclusion; one which challenges prejudice, celebrates differences, embraces all identities, and inspires all students, staff, and faculty to succeed. As a Hispanic Serving Institution, we are passionate about closing racial equity gaps and ensuring the success of Hispanic members of our college and community.

What learning options are available if I work full-time?

At NECC, our staff and faculty understand that many of our students work or have other responsibilities outside the classroom. That’s why we offer flexible traditional and nontraditional learning options, including on-campus, online, and hybrid programs. Our online programs offer the same high-quality education and support as our on-campus programs, ensuring all students have an equal opportunity to thrive academically.

Online: Whether you want to complete one online class or your entire degree or certificate online, NECC’s online associate degree and certificate programs make it easy for you to enhance your knowledge and achieve your goals. On-campus: Northern Essex Community College is easily accessible from throughout the Merrimack Valley region to either of our campus locations in Haverhill and Lawrence, MA.

What is the average class size?

At NECC, inspiring our students and graduates to succeed is our top priority. That said, we understand that smaller class sizes help ensure that each student receives the personalized attention they deserve. Presently, our average class size is 16.3 students.

Does NECC have a study abroad program?

Are you interested in other cultures? Would you like to earn a degree while studying abroad? NECC understands that increasing your global awareness can help you gain an edge in the job market when you graduate. For students interested in other cultures or who want to travel and see new places, we offer an International Studies program.

Once accepted into the program, you can take advantage of short course opportunities to visit another country, study abroad for a semester, or increase your global awareness right here on campus by participating in One Geographic Region events or becoming a Global Scholar.

International Studies at NECC

Sources and Citations: ¹Salary information provided on this page is sourced from Salary.com. The data reflects estimates based on employer surveys and job listings. Actual salaries may vary based on location, experience, and other factors.

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Journalism and Communication Liberal Arts Degree

Fortify Your Career Story with a Journalism and Communication Associate Degree from NECC