OCC to offer sign language, digital mass media degrees

Ocean County College will offer three new associate degree programs with four options in digital mass media, interpreter training, and technical studies beginning with the fall 2006-07 semester.

The New Jersey Presidents' Council approved the following new programs: Associate in Arts (AA) degree in digital mass media with a print broadcast option, Associate in Arts (AA) degree in digital mass media with a journalism option, Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in interpreter training, Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in technical studies with an industrial technical option, and Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in technical studies with a computer technology option.

The AA degree in digital mass media, with either a broadcast production option or a journalism option, offers students the first two years of courses and fieldwork leading to transfer into a baccalaureate degree program.

Students will be prepared for a variety of production positions at newspapers and magazines, radio and television stations, cable systems, video production companies and other production facilities. The curriculum gives students hands-on writing, production, and programming experience at OCC's radio station, television station, video editing/post production lab and the college newspaper.

The AAS degree in interpreting is designed to prepare students with American sign language skills, an understanding of deaf culture, knowledge of the interpreter's role and responsibility, theoretical skills in interpreting, and practical experience in interactive settings.

Various settings in which the interpreter works are examined in addition to ethical decision making in relation to the role of the interpreter. Students enrolling in this program learn how to interpret English into American sign language as well as American sign language into English.

The AAS degree in technical studies, with either a computer technology option or an industrial/technical option, is designed to give college credit for work experience while individuals prepare for career advancement.

In this individualized and flexible program, up to 20 credits may be awarded for work experience, including military experience, trade/proprietary school preparation, apprenticeship programs, and on-the-job-training.

Call Ocean County College at 732-255-0400 or log onto www.ocean.edu for more information.