Communication Studies

AA-T Degree A0325

Transfer Degree OptionBachelor’s Degree:Communication

Humanities and Social Sciences Division
Degree A0325
Communication Studies is a broad-based discipline with foundational coursework in oral communication theory and skills development, augmented with course options that add dimension and depth to the student’s understanding of the discipline – such as interpersonal, group, organizational and intercultural communication, argumentation, journalism, forensics, and communication research methods.

The degree program requires students to critically analyze information and arguments, select and research an appropriate topic and thesis, and logically organize the supporting material into a well-crafted presentation. Students will employ appropriate verbal and nonverbal delivery skills and visual aids to present a message to an audience in a conversational and confident manner; and formulate communication solutions to problems in a range of contexts. Students will create messages appropriate for diverse audiences and listeners and develop an improved understanding of themselves as communicators.

To earn an Associate in Arts in Communication Studies for Transfer a student must complete 60 semester Units that are eligible for transfer to the CSU that consist of: IGETC pattern or CSU GE breadth and a major of at least 18 Units. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework to receive an associate degree for transfer and all courses in the major must be completed with a C or better. Students earning an associate degree for transfer will not be required to complete any other local graduation requirements.

Required Courses

- What Do I Need To Know About This Major?
  
  Communication Studies is a broad-based discipline that teaches students to give a well-crafted presentation through critical analysis of information and arguments, selecting and researching an appropriate topic and thesis, and logically organizing the supporting material. This program will provide students with foundational coursework in oral communication theory and skills development, as well as course options to add dimension and depth to the student’s understanding of communication. This includes interpersonal, group,organizational and intercultural communication, argumentation, journalism, forensics and communication research methods.
- What Kind of Job Can I Get With This Major?
  The following websites will provide information on typical areas, type of employers that hire in this field, salary information and projected job trends
- How Do I Know This Major Is For Me?
  Communication Studies helps students develop and improve their understanding of human communication through both theoretical and practical exploration. National workplace surveys have shown that communications skills are ranked as the top attribute sought by potential employers, as communication competency is critical to achieving excellence. Even presidential candidates and CEOs routinely participate in training to improve their communication abilities.
  
  Using verbal and nonverbal delivery skills and visual aids, students will learn how to present a message to an audience in a conversational and confident manner. They will formulate communication solutions to problems in a range of contexts, create messages for diverse audiences and listeners, and develop an improved understanding of themselves as communicators.
  - Meet With a Counselor
    - Schedule a Zoom Appointment
    - Schedule a Phone or In-Person Appointment
  - Talk with a Professor
  - Take a Career & Life Planning Course (COUN 5)
- What Courses Should I Take For This Major?

Student Voices

Listen to our podcast featuring fascinating conversations between students, alumni and professors on real-world applications of this major..

I think communication is really one of the most important skill sets. I see it now, even in the legal profession. Your ability to communicate could cost you someone's life in a trial. It's so important to have the ability to connect with people and I'm so glad Mt. SAC fostered that for me.

- Jendi Samai, former Communication Studies student

I've had a lot of people ask me, ‘What do you do with a communication degree?’ And it's kind of like, ‘What can't you do?’ You can go into law, you can go into politics, you can go into so many different avenues. Communication is a good start because you're getting that groundwork and base-level skills you need to advocate for yourself and your community.

- Professor Alix Lopez

Visit Our WebpageCommunication Studies

Educational Preparation Resources

On/Off-Campus Resources