Communication Studies

Communication Studies AA-T Degree 

The Associate in Art in Communication Studies for Transfer Degree is designed to provide students a seamless transfer to the California State University system. The degree is designed to prepare students for a baccalaureate degree in Communication Studies or similar major.

The AA-T in Communication Studies offers broad-based preparation in effective oral and written communication, presentation, and debate as well as a foundation in group dynamics and interpersonal relationships. The degree is designed to provide entry-level skills and knowledge for those students who simply want to improve their marketability with potential employers. The degree prepares students in the main skills employers look for in potential employees: the ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing and to effectively work in groups and/or teams.

Program student learning outcomes:

  1. Students will speak in an understandable and organized fashion to explain their ideas, concepts and express their feelings.
  2. Students will listen actively and respectfully to analyze the substance of others' comments and materials.
  3. Students will utilize different forms of research materials.
  4. Students will demonstrate effective argumentation by formulating written and/or oral arguments that are free of errors in reasoning.
  5. Students will perform a variety of verbal and nonverbal skills to bring literature to life and heighten the effectiveness of the performer’s message.

Students must meet the following requirements to qualify for an Associates for Transfer Degree (ADT):

  • Complete 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University (CSU), including both of the following:
    • The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education (CSU GE) Breadth Requirements
    • A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
  • Obtain a minimum grade point average of 2.0
  • Minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major, and
  • Completion of the IGETC and/or CSU GE-Breadth
Course # Title Units
Required Core Courses (15 Units)
COM 001 Elements of Speech 3
COM 002 Oral Interpretation of Literature 3
COM 003 Argumentation and Debate 3
COM 004 Small Group Dynamics and Presentation 3
COM 005 Interpersonal Communication 3
Plus 3 units from the courses listed below:
PSYCH 001 Introductory Psychology 3
SOC 001 Introduction to Sociology 3
Total Major Units 18
Units to be double-counted as General Education 6-12
CSU GE Breadth or IGETC units 39
Transferable Elective Units 9-15
Total 60