Associate Degree in Communication Studies for Transfer
Alameda, USA
Associate Degree
DURATION
4 semesters
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2026
TUITION FEES
USD 13,410
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
The College of Alameda Communication Department provides courses to help students enhance their personal and professional communication goals. Our classes focus on how people use messages to generate meaning in different contexts, cultures, channels, and media.
California Community Colleges are now offering associate degrees for transfer to the CSU. These may include Associate in Arts (AA-T) or Associate in Science (AS-T) degrees. These degrees are designed to provide a clear pathway to a CSU major and baccalaureate degree. California Community College students who are awarded an AA-T or AS-T degree are guaranteed admission with junior standing somewhere in the CSU system and given priority admission consideration to their local CSU campus or to a program that is deemed similar to their community college major.
What you will learn
You will learn why people interact way they do while improving your own verbal and written communication skills.
Scholarships provide students with opportunities to attend college, advance their knowledge and skills for career readiness and help them prepare for both academic opportunities and financial challenges after transfer. This website provides information and resources to assist students in how to begin their search for scholarship opportunities. Note that requirements and deadlines vary among every scholarship.
College of Alameda Promise
The College of Alameda (COA) Promise is a pathway for Alameda high school graduates to access a quality college education. Eligible students will receive a year of college without fees.
Peralta Foundation Scholarships
Each semester, the Peralta Colleges Foundation is committed to providing students with access to post-secondary education and persistence services so they can complete college prepared for a successful career. The Peralta Promise enables qualifying students to attend their first semester at one of the Peralta Colleges – Laney College, Merritt College, College of Alameda, or Berkeley City College – for free!
External Scholarships
Here is a list of general scholarships that are available for community college students. Not every scholarship has a citizenship requirement. Review the following scholarships for your eligibility.
| DEPT/NO. | Title | Units |
|---|
Required Core (3 units):
| COMM 45 | Public Speaking | 3 |
|---|
List A (select two): 6 units
| COMM 4 | Dynamics of Group Discussion (3) |
|---|---|
| COMM 20 | Interpersonal Communication Skills (3) |
| COMM 44 | Argumentation (3) |
List B (select two): 6 units:
| COMM 1A | Introduction to Speech (3) |
|---|---|
| COMM 2A | Fundamentals of Oral Interpretation of Literature (3) |
| COMM 5 | Persuasion and Critical Thinking (3) |
| COMM 6 | Intercultural Communication (3) |
| COMM 19 | Survey of Mass Media (3) |
List C (select one): 3 units:
| ANTHR 3 | Introduction to Social and CulturalAnthropology (3) |
|---|---|
| ENGL 1B | Composition and Reading (4) |
| ENGL 5 | Critical Thinking in Reading and Writing (3) |
| PSYCH 1A | Introduction to General Psychology (3) |
| SOC 1 | Introduction to Sociology (3) |
Total Required Units: 18-19
*For the Associate in Arts Degree in Communication for Transfer, students must complete the IGETC or CSU GE-Breadth Education pattern and elective courses for an additional 41-42 units.
Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:
- Build greater competence in interpersonal, small group, and public communication.
- Express ideas and viewpoints with greater clarity.
- Develop conflict management and leadership skills.
What can I do with a degree in Communication Studies (COMM)
Communication careers include but are not limited to: management, social media, customer service, law, sales, consulting, political organizing, broadcasting, marketing, advertising, public relations, human resources, training, education, and many others.