27 Communication Associate of Arts Programs

TCC's program provides an introduction to the concepts, theories, terminology, and current topics in the versatile and popular field of Communications. The Communication Studies (CMST) emphasis of the Associate of Arts (DTA) degree prepares students for the challenges of a world that are shaped by communication that is rich with intercultural exchange. Students specializing in Communication Studies examine and produce work in oral, written, media, and visual communication and practice critical skills in groups and one-on-one settings.

The Associate in Arts in Communication for Transfer Degree is designed to prepare students to complete the baccalaureate degree in communication upon transferring into the CSU system. Communication skills are essential to forming and maintaining personal relationships, acquiring and excelling in a job, and relating to the world around us. Through the study and practice of interpersonal, professional, and intercultural communication skills, students will learn how their perceptions and self-esteem affect their interactions with others.

The Associate in Arts in Communication Studies for Transfer (AA-T in Communication Studies) provides a clear pathway to a CSU institution for students who plan to transfer and complete a CSU major or baccalaureate degree in Communication Studies. Students gain self-awareness and the ability to build bridges with diverse audiences. The broad-based transfer curriculum includes interpersonal, intercultural, and group communication, public communication, argumentation and debate, and speech team activities.

Research has shown that strong communication skills provide the necessary foundation needed to be successful in business, social, and personal relationships. According to the National Communication Association, “At its foundation, communication focuses on how people use messages to generate meanings within and across various contexts, and is the discipline that studies all forms, modes, media, and consequences of communication through humanistic, social scientific, and aesthetic inquiry.”

The Communication Studies program prepares students to transfer to a four-year college or university to obtain a degree in Communication or a related Social Science field. The courses in the program also improve job attainment and performance skills, providing students with the training necessary for public speaking, customer service, conflict resolution, and interviewing. Students who complete the Associate in Arts in Communication Studies for Transfer will learn and practice cultural awareness, situation analyses, and goal-oriented solutions to practical problems, giving them valuable assets in their future relationships and workplaces. Lastly, this course of study improves students’ logic and reasoning skills, thus providing the foundation for understanding math and science, the world around them, and the skills and insights necessary to think through ethical issues and achieve their goals.

The Associate of Arts degree at LaSalle College Vancouver prepares graduates for further study in a Faculty of Arts bachelor’s degree program at one of British Columbia’s universities. The program provides students a comprehensive liberal arts education in a supportive and nurturing learning environment and supports the development of strong critical thinking, communication, and research skills sought after by employers. Students can be expected to complete the program in 1 to 2 years.

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.

The Communication Associate in Arts degree is designed for students to transfer seamlessly to a baccalaureate institution and major in an area such as Mass Communication or Journalism.

The Communication Arts major at Delaware County Community College blends the theoretical with the practical by providing students with a foundation in the study of human communication that prepares them to continue academic study in the field. The Journalism option is designed for students who wish to continue academic study in journalism, public relations, and/or mass communication.

The Communication Studies Associate of Arts degree program prepares students to transfer into the junior year at four-year colleges in speech, communication, media production, and journalism. It also prepares students for entry-level jobs in some communication fields such as video production, journalism, and media communication.

The Media Communication concentration provides the foundation for further study in mass communication related to areas such as advertising, public relations, audio/video/internet production, journalism, and media effects research. Students in this area are prepared for careers in mass media industries such as radio, television, entertainment, and journalism.

Whatever their age, social position, or occupation, people communicate. Humans spend more time engaged in speaking and listening than virtually any other activity. Communication is as important as it is pervasive—success or failure often depends on how well we express ourselves and understand others. The Communication Department's curriculum focuses on communication in a variety of settings -- interpersonal, small group, on-the-job, speaker-to-audience, via mass media and between cultures and nations. In addition, instruction is available in argumentation and debate and communication theory. Surveys show that most employers rank effective communication at the top of desired skills.

The Associate of Arts Degree in Communication allows students to learn about the various critical approaches to media and technology in historical and cultural contexts. It also prepares students to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Communication or a related field. Students will explore and analyze the various dimensions of communication. Graduates will gain literacy in media and information technologies. Students will be able to explore various areas in Communication such as advertising, cultural industries, informational technology, history of media, digital media, political economy, and television.

Whatever their age, social position, or occupation, people communicate. Humans spend more time engaged in speaking and listening than virtually any other activity. Communication is as important as it is pervasive—success or failure often depends on how well we express ourselves and understand others. Recognizing this fact, the Communication Department offers a wide range of courses to help students become more skillful, aware communicators. The department’s curriculum focuses on communication in a variety of settings—interpersonal, small group, organizational, presentational, via mass media and between cultures and nations. Courses are also available in argumentation and debate, communication theory and research methods.

The Associate in Arts in Communication program is for students interested in increasing their communication skills overall. Many jobs need individuals with written and oral presentation skills tailored to a specific audience. This degree can also be used as a starting point from which to add on a bachelor’s degree in communication after completing the associate degree.