Communication Studies, AA

Program Code: Communication Studies-AA

This program can be completed 100% online. 

Program Description

The Associate of Arts, Communication Studies is designed for students seeking careers in the communication field and for those who hope to enhance their employment potential.  The degree requirements include general education courses that help students gain a breadth of knowledge in a wide array of disciplines.  Students will also focus upon theoretical, methodological, and practical application of communication in the public and private sectors.  The course of study is designed as a university transfer degree or for students wishing to enter the workforce in entry-level positions.  The Associate of Arts degree is fully accepted at any four-year institution in the NSHE system and is fully transferable to most four-year schools in the nation.

Communication Career Map

Recommended Course Schedule

Plan of Study Grid
1st semesterUnits
COM 113 Fundamentals of Speech Communications 3
ENG 101 Composition I 3
Foreign Language 6 4
Humanities 4 3
Mathematics 4 3
 Semester Total16
2nd semester
COM 101 Oral Communication 3
ENG 102 Composition II 3
Foreign Language 6 4
Science 3
U.S. and Nevada Constitutions 4 3
 Semester Total16
3rd semester
COM 217
Argumentation and Debate
or Introduction to Group Communication
3
Elective 5 6
Foreign Language 6 3
Science 4 3
 Semester Total15
4th semester
COM 212 Introduction to Communication Research 3
Electives 5 1
Fine Arts 4 3
Foreign Language 6 3
Social Science 5 3
 Semester Total13
 Total Units60
 

Program Requirements

AA/AS degrees are designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university.  

To earn an AA/AS degree, students must:

  1. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (see requirements for graduation.)
  2. Complete a minimum of 15 units within the college.
  3. Satisfy General Education requirements for the AA/AS.
  4. Have no financial or library obligation to the college.
General Education Requirements
English3-6
Must include ENG 102 or ENG 114 1
Fine Arts3
Recommended:
Introduction to Acting I
Humanities3
Recommended:
World Religions (also satisfies Diversity)
Mathematics3
MATH 120 or Higher
Science6
Social Science3
Recommended:
General Psychology
Additional College Requirements
Diversity[3]
Foreign Language0-14
U.S. and Nevada Constitutions3
Degree Requirements
COM 113Fundamentals of Speech Communications 23
COM 212Introduction to Communication Research 23
COM 217Argumentation and Debate 23
or COM 215 Introduction to Group Communication
COM 101Oral Communication 23
Elective Requirements 37-21
Total Units60
1

If you place into ENG 102 or ENG 114 the additional 3 required units will become elective units.

2

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (C) or better and must earn a “C” or better in each Communication course.

3

For a list of transferable electives, please consult with Academic Advisement.

Program Outcomes

Students completing the degree will:

PSLO1: Understand the theories and methods used by communication experts.

PSLO2: Integrate fundamental principles of the communication studies discipline, including: the contextualization and application of communication theory, the utilization of critical thinking, the demonstration of interpersonal communication strategies, the participation in effective groups, the integration of information literacy, the construction of well-developed communication messages, the demonstration of strong listening skills, and the interpretation of nonverbal communication.

PSLO3: Conduct research, analyze data, and develop written reports on specific topics within the communication studies discipline.

Transfer Agreements

AA/AS degrees are designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university. General information about general transfer agreements can be found on the Academic Advisement website. Students who intend to transfer to another college or university should speak with a TMCC Academic Advisor and consult with that institution. The transfer institution determines how TMCC courses will transfer. TMCC has agreements with the following institutions towards a bachelor's degree in the same or similar discipline.