Speech Communication – Associate in Arts Degree

Top Code:

1506.00

A degree in Speech Communication prepares students for upper division (advanced level) coursework and several entry level positions within the field. This area of emphasis is primarily intended to prepare students to transfer and earn a bachelors degree in Speech Communication or Communication Studies. Students develop verbal, nonverbal and interpersonal communication skills, apply critical thinking skills, and learn about human communication in multiple contexts. The Speech Communication major helps students to improve their relationship skills in both personal and professional life as well as prepares them for advancements in their careers.

For students intending to transfer, courses identified for the area of emphasis fulfill major preparation requirements as demonstrated through ASSIST.org articulation. Select courses are based on ASSIST.org data for major preparation articulation with selected transfer institutions. Consult with an Academic Counselor for specific information regarding the intended major at the college the student is choosing. Courses used to complete a student's area of emphasis can double count for general education just as they may for any other major. Although the associate degree recognizes the completion of lower division general education requirements, it does not guarantee admission to a specific campus in the CSU or UC system, nor does it guarantee admission to a specific major or a specific community college program. Some majors and schools require a higher GPA than is necessary for the associate degree. Students should meet with an Academic Counselor to determine the lower division major preparation coursework in addition to which general education pattern is required for transfer or for community college programs.

All courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.

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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. 

Requirements for the Major

All courses must be completed with a grade of C or better. All courses must be numbered 001–099.

Required Courses
COMM C1000INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC SPEAKING3
or COMM C1000H INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC SPEAKING - HONORS
SPCH 006ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE3
SPCH 010INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION3
Additional courses
Students must complete at least 9 units9-10
SPCH 004
ORAL INTERPRETATION
SPCH 005
FORENSICS - SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM
SPCH 009
SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION
SPCH 013
INTRODUCTION TO SPEECH COMMUNICATION
Total Units18-19

SPCH 005 is repeatable, for a total of 4 enrollments.
If SPCH 005 is taken once or twice in this section, 10 units are completed
If SPCH 005 is taken three times, 9 units are completed

Visit the Program Mapper for a suggested sequence of courses.

General Education Requirements for the Associate in Arts Degree

  • General Information
  • PCC Local Gen Ed
  • Students who have previously been awarded a bachelor‛s degree or higher from a U.S. institutionally accredited institution shall be deemed to have fulfilled the general education and elective course requirements for the Associate in Arts degree.
  • Cal-GETC
  • Students with rights to the former general education patterns can complete IGETC or CSU GE in lieu of Cal-GETC. Students should consult with an Academic Counselor to determine which general education pattern to complete and may refer to an appropriate archived College Catalog or www.assist.org for more information.