Associate of Arts - Communication Studies - Transfer Degree

Students completing the program will be able to... • Recognize the cultural, ethical, political, psychological and practical aspects of communication systems and models. • Develop and present effective public presentations. • Demonstrate an understanding of the role critical thinking plays in the effective analysis and development of messages. • Demonstrate an understanding of interpersonal communication theory and practice the skills necessary for effective interpersonal interactions. • Improve delivery skills when making public presentations.

The communication studies area views communicative behavior as central to human activity: to individual development, to interpersonal relationships, and to the functioning of political, economic, cultural, and social institutions. In addition, as effective verbal and nonverbal communication is a requirement for most jobs, the program prepares students for a wide variety of professions. Further, the program prepares students for careers in the fields of public relations, communication education, the performing arts, marketing, public relations, sales training and management. Additional careers in fields related to communication studies include salesperson, broadcaster, lawyer, tour guide, political campaign worker, teacher, customer service worker, public and international relations specialist, and negotiator/arbitrator.

The associate in arts in communication studies for transfer is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. Students completing this degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major.

In order to earn the degree, students must: • Complete 60 CSU-transferable units. • Complete the California State University-General • Education pattern (CSU GE); or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern, including the Area 1C requirement for Oral Communication. • Complete a minimum of 18 units in the major. • Attain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. • Earn a grade of “C“ or higher in all courses required for the major

Students transferring to a CSU campus that accepts the degree will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree. This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system, or those students who do not intend to transfer. Some courses in the major satisfy both major and CSUGE/IGETC general education requirements; however, the units are only counted once toward the 60 unit requirement for an associate degree. Some variations in requirements may exist at certain four-year institutions; therefore, students who intend to transfer are advised to refer to the catalog of the prospective transfer institution and consult a counselor.