Communication Studies – Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer to CSU

Top Code:

1506.00

This area of emphasis is intended to align with preparation for transfer into the CSU system in such majors as Art, Communication, English, Journalism, Television and Radio, Theatre Arts, and other similar fields of study. Communicating well and understanding the communication process are essential to professional success in many fields. People communicate to influence, to persuade, and to express. Learning to communicate effectively is one important reason for the study of Communication Arts. Studying the communication process helps one understand how the human mind works. Analyzing the messages in advertisements, television programs, and political speeches helps one to understand our society. Studying communication in everyday relationships, groups, and organizations shows us how these systems are created and maintained. Areas of study include face-to-face interaction, group process, organizational communication, rhetoric, advocacy, intercultural communication, political communication, and performance studies. Communication Arts students can expect to develop skills essential for leadership and career development, and for understanding and interpreting events.

The Associate in Arts in Communication Studies for Transfer degree will be awarded upon completion of coursework totaling 60 California State University (CSU) transferable units including the above major requirements and the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC-CSU) or California State University General Education (CSUGE) requirements with a minimum grade point average of 2.0. All courses in the major must be completed with a grade of “C” or better, or P if the course is graded on a P/NP basis. (Students completing this degree are not required to fulfill additional local graduation requirements.)

Program Outcomes

  • Articulate the role of communication in multiple contexts.
  • Demonstrate competencies for ethical communication.
  • Critically analyze various communication practices.
  • Demonstrate effective verbal, nonverbal and written communication in diverse forms and contexts.

Associate in Arts in Communication Studies for Transfer Degree

Required Core
SPCH 001FUNDAMENTALS OF SPEECH3
or SPCH 001H HONORS FUNDAMENTALS OF SPEECH
List A
Select two of the following:6
SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
ARGUMENTATION AND CRITICAL THINKING
ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE
List B
Select two courses from below or any List A course not used above:6
PERSUASION
VOICE AND DICTION
READERS' THEATER
ORAL INTERPRETATION
FORENSICS – SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM
INTRODUCTION TO SPEECH COMMUNICATION
SURVEY OF MASS COMMUNICATION
LANGUAGE AND CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION
LANGUAGE AND CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION
List C
Select one course from below or any List A or B course not used above:3-4
CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY
HONORS CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY
INTRODUCTORY PSYCHOLOGY
HONORS INTRODUCTORY PSYCHOLOGY
READING AND COMPOSITION
HONORS READING AND COMPOSITION
INTERMEDIATE COMPOSITION-CRITICAL THINKING AND ARGUMENT
HONORS INTERMEDIATE COMPOSITION-CRITICAL THINKING AND ARGUMENT
BEGINNING JOURNALISM
REPORTING AND NEWSWRITING
INTRODUCTORY SOCIOLOGY
Required Subtotal18-19
CSU General Education or IGETC CSU Pattern37-39
Transferable Electives (as needed to reach 60 transferable units)
Degree Total60

Visit the Program Mapper for a suggested sequence of courses.

General Education Requirements for the Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer