Department Chair: Michael Echols
Department Secretary: Shailly Mahajan
Room: A-336
Phone: (201) 447-7167
Our Mission
In the interest of developing responsible communities and individuals, the department of communication at Bergen Community College, strives to teach a diverse population of students the theories, principles, and practices of effective and ethical communication in a range of personal, public, visual and mediated contexts. The Department also seeks to prepare interested students for advanced undergraduate and graduate studies in communication. The option in communication is appropriate for students focusing on many areas of study as well as professional careers. Students interested in careers in education, business, marketing, public relations, law, social work, criminal justice, and political science choose a concentration in communication. This option provides a solid foundation to a liberal arts education.
- Write clear, concise, accurate and interesting news stories, as well as crisp, accurate and compelling advertising and public relations copy.
- Demonstrate basic skills and techniques in news-gathering and news-writing.
- Demonstrate an understanding of major legal and ethical issues in journalism.
- Develop appropriate style through writing, revision and editing.
- Design and lay-out print news publications.
Available Programs
The professional studies Associate of Science degree (A.S.) –Journalism option includes courses in introductory journalism, media writing, copy editing and print journalism production, the last of which helps produce The Torch, the student newspaper of Bergen Community College. In addition to teaching students the skills needed to report, write and edit news for print media, broadcast and the Web, it links the students and the wider campus community through the student newspaper. The program learning outcomes are:
Career Paths
The professional studies Associate of Science degree (A.S.) –Journalism option is designed to provide students with the coursework needed to transfer to a four-year institution and pursue a bachelor’s degree in communication or journalism. The curriculum provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a pathway to careers in communication or journalism, such as editor, writer, reporter, news correspondent, news analyst, and radio or television announcer. Students can take coursework and concentrated options in journalism. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with Bergen Community College faculty and Career Services as they begin to explore career options.
Transfer Opportunities
Students pursuing the Associates of Science degree (A.S) can transfer into majors, such as communication and journalism. Many four-year colleges require coursework in communication. Students are encouraged to work closely with Bergen Community College faculty and Advising Transfer Services. Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution in NJ can explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer https://njtransfer.org.