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.
Recommended Course Schedule
| 1st semester | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| COM 113 | Fundamentals of Speech Communications | 3 |
| ENG 101 | Composition I | 3 |
| Foreign Language 6 | 4 | |
| Humanities 4 | 3 | |
| Mathematics 4 | 3 | |
| Semester Total | 16 | |
| 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 Total | 16 | |
| 3rd semester | ||
| COM 217 or COM 215 | Argumentation and Debate or Introduction to Group Communication | 3 |
| Elective 5 | 6 | |
| Foreign Language 6 | 3 | |
| Science 4 | 3 | |
| Semester Total | 15 | |
| 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 Total | 13 | |
| Total Units | 60 | |
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See program recommendations or requirements.
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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:
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (see requirements for graduation.)
- Complete a minimum of 15 units within the college.
- Satisfy General Education requirements for the AA/AS.
- Have no financial or library obligation to the college.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements | ||
| English | 3-6 | |
| Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Recommended: | ||
| Introduction to Acting I | ||
| Humanities | 3 | |
| Recommended: | ||
| World Religions (also satisfies Diversity) | ||
| Mathematics | 3 | |
MATH 120 or Higher | ||
| Science | 6 | |
| Social Science | 3 | |
Recommended: | ||
| General Psychology | ||
| Additional College Requirements | ||
| Diversity | [3] | |
| Foreign Language | 0-14 | |
| U.S. and Nevada Constitutions | 3 | |
| Degree Requirements | ||
| COM 113 | Fundamentals of Speech Communications 2 | 3 |
| COM 212 | Introduction to Communication Research 2 | 3 |
| COM 217 | Argumentation and Debate 2 | 3 |
| or COM 215 | Introduction to Group Communication | |
| COM 101 | Oral Communication 2 | 3 |
| Elective Requirements 3 | 7-21 | |
| Total Units | 60 | |
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If you place into ENG 102 or ENG 114 the additional 3 required units will become elective units.
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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.
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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.
