Degree Overview: Associate of Congressional Reporting
Majors Overview July 4, 2013Schools don’t offer associate’s degree programs in congressional reporting; students who are interested in the specialization would benefit by pursuing an associate’s degree in court reporting. In this article, you will receive information on career options, requirements, and courses information to make an informed decision about your education.
Associate Degree Program in Court Reporting
Students enrolled in these programs learn how to transcribe court proceedings verbatim in real time. Shorthand techniques employed in court reporting are taught to students who may also become adept at using computer programs and machines employed in transcription work. Knowledge of medical and legal terminology is also imparted to students. Efficiency, accuracy and speed are emphasized by these programs and students are trained in developing facility in transcribing 225 words a minute while achieving 95% accuracy through computerized stenotype machines. Schools don’t insist on a general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma from applicants for admission.
Program Coursework
Curricula feature a series of courses that pertain to skills needed in court reporting. These courses might be supplemented by topics in humanities, mathematics, and composition. Some programs might require or offer internships. Students can take the following program course topics:
•Technology for court reporters
•Business law
•Jury charge
•Medical terminology
•Real-time reporting
•Machine shorthand
•Court reporting procedures
•Court reporting theory
•Court transcription
Career Options
Associate degree program graduates will be prepared to work for national, state, and local governments, in courts and legislatures. Graduates who are not interested in working in a court environment will find employment in transcribing events for individuals who are hard-of-hearing or deaf, or providing closed captioning for television programs. Individuals who have earned their associate’s degree may obtain the following job titles:
•Transcriptionist
•Court reporter
•Congressional reporter
Information on Continuing Education
Bachelor’s degree programs in legal studies may be beneficial to individuals interested in acquiring more knowledge about legal procedures and law. Individuals completing these degree programs can seek entry level jobs as legal secretaries, paralegals, and court clerks. These programs may also be used as a preparatory mode before enrollment in law school. Individuals interested in gaining knowledge about government dynamics and political theory may benefit from enrollment in a bachelor’s degree program in political science. Students enrolled in these programs can seek entry level jobs in the media, the legal field, international organizations and nonprofits.
