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Communication Studies Degree

Associate of Arts

 

graduates at commencement

The communication studies associate's degree will provide you with a strong liberal arts foundation that facilitates a seamless transfer to communication programs at four-year institutions.

The degree provides analytical and critical thinking skills that render recipients to be effective members of their communities, both professionally and personally.

A strength of the communication degree is that it allows students to target their studies toward areas of interest within the field.

Areas such as public relations, rhetoric, political communication, interpersonal communication, organizational communication, mass media, and others are popular at four-year colleges and universities. 

 

Z-Degree
This degree is available as a Z-Degree—no textbook purchases required. (Learn more about Z-degrees).

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:

  • Research, analyze, organize, and deliver oral and written presentations appropriate for diverse audiences, purposes and occasions.
  • Solve problems and work effectively in groups and teams.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of communication theory, research and application.
  • Use communication skills to be an effective group member or leader.
  • Analyze cultural similarities and differences as they affect, and are in turn affected by the process of communication.
  • Identify and articulate an ethical perspective within and across various contexts and cultures.

 

Program Advising

Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans and make sure you are on track to graduate and/or transfer. The program advising guide outlines the degree requirements and is meant to supplement the advising process. 

Transfer Opportunities

MC has a long history of successfully preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions. See all communication studies transfer agreements.

Careers

For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.

There are several career pathways one may explore. The following pathways have been adapted from Great Jobs for Communications Majors, Second Edition, by Blythe Camenson. 

Path 1, Corporate Communication, Possible Job Titles: community relations specialist, event coordinator, patient advocate, press secretary, public information officer, public relations manager, spokesperson

Path 2, Consumer Communication, Possible Job Titles: account specialist, advertising director, art director, broadcast production manager, creative director, media director, producer, publicist

Path 3, Media, Possible Job Titles: art director, editor, bureau chief, bureau reporter, publisher, writer, announcer, associate news director, correspondent, director, disc jockey, filmmaker, music director, news announcer, production manager, social media director

Path 4, Communication Disorders, Possible Job Titles: speech-language pathologist, hearing therapist

  • MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a College Central Network (CCN)new window account and other job search topics.
  • Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.

Curriculum

Suggested Course Sequence: Communication Studies

A suggested course sequence for students follows.


How To Apply and Register


Communication Studies Z-Degree

Communication Studies offers a z-degree, which is a commitment by MC to offer sections of courses needed to complete your degree without required textbook purchases. Students have found z-courses useful because the materials can be accessed conveniently, they are available immediately, and they fit seamlessly into the course. To identify specific sections that qualify as z-courses, search the Class Schedule using the attribute type “Z Courses.”

Related Programs and Courses

General Studies Degree

If you choose to pursue a general studies degree in the Humanities, Arts, Communication and Languages Core (HACL), you can explore the Humanities and Arts disciplines, complete your Associate’s degree, or pursue a degree path to continue your academic career at a four-year college or university.

Workforce Development and Continuing Education

MC offers a wide variety of noncredit courses designed to help you upgrade your skills, pursue career training, or learn something new.