Communication Studies, Associate in Arts for Transfer

The Associate in Arts in Communication Studies for Transfer is designed as a seamless pathway for students planning to transfer to a California State University (CSU) with a major in Communication Studies.

Communication is fundamental in everyday life. Because effective communication is the basis for successful human interaction, the ability to develop good communication skills is a desirable and obtainable goal. Effective communication skills are empowering. Competent communicators tend to be more successful in social and business realms. Their communication skills can help to strengthen relationships, contribute to their communities, and gain greater self-confidence. Additionally, employers report that they consistently rank communication competence above technical knowledge when hiring and promoting employees. According to business leaders from every industry, successful employees possess the ability to express their ideas to others with confidence and clarity.

In addition to relational and business benefits, effective communication skills are linked to critical thinking and ethical speech. Communication Studies courses help students develop communication skills that they will use throughout their lives in a wide range of settings and for a variety of purposes. All of the values, related to successful communication, are reflected in the college mission statement.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Students are able to work cooperatively in small groups.
  2. Students are able to apply communication concepts.
  3. Students are able to speak proficiently in a variety of contexts.
  4. Students are able to write proficiently at college level.
  5. Students are able to apply research methods.
  6. Students are able to employ critical thinking skills.

General Education

Complete one of the following general education patterns:

  • California State University General Education (CSU-GE) pattern (40 units)
  • Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum - CSU Version (IGETC-CSU) pattern (37 units)

Students are advised to double-count courses in the major or area of emphasis to also satisfy general education when possible. Course subject credit will be awarded in satisfaction of both major/area of emphasis and lower division general education requirements, but the units will only be counted once in computing the total number of units for the degree.

Major Requirements - Core

Complete 3 units

COM ST 001A

Public Speaking

3

Major Requirements - Restricted Electives

Area A - Complete 6 units selected from:

COM ST 003

Interpersonal Communication

3

COM ST 005

Argumentation and Debate

3

COM ST 008

Small Group Communication

3

Area B - Complete 6 units selected from any course not already used from Area A or:

COM ST 002

Oral Interpretation of Literature

3

COM ST 007

Intercultural Communication

3

COM ST 009

Introduction to Communication Theory

3

COM ST 012

Introduction to Persuasion

3

COM ST 052

Speech Activities and Advocacy

1-3

Area C - Complete 3 units selected from any course not already used from Area A or Area B or:

COM ST 001B

Advanced Public Speaking

3

COM ST 004

Introduction to Human Communication

3

COM ST 006/ BUS 006

Business and Professional Communication

3

COM ST 010

Storytelling: Interpreting Children's Literature

3

COM ST 011

Dialogues in U.S. American Culture

3

Minimum Major Units Required: 18

Complete all courses with a grade of "C" or better.

Minimum Degree Units Required: 60

One Level Up

Arts and Communication Division Degree Programs