Humanities and Social Sciences Division
Communication Studies is a broad-based discipline with foundational coursework in oral communication theory and skills development, augmented with course options that add dimension and depth to the student’s understanding of the discipline – such as interpersonal, group, organizational and intercultural communication, argumentation, journalism, forensics, and communication research methods.
The degree program requires students to critically analyze information and arguments, select and research an appropriate topic and thesis, and logically organize the supporting material into a well-crafted presentation. Students will employ appropriate verbal and nonverbal delivery skills and visual aids to present a message to an audience in a conversational and confident manner; and formulate communication solutions to problems in a range of contexts. Students will create messages appropriate for diverse audiences and listeners and develop an improved understanding of themselves as communicators.
To earn an Associate in Arts in Communication Studies for Transfer a student must complete 60 semester Units that are eligible for transfer to the CSU that consist of: IGETC pattern or CSU GE breadth and a major of at least 18 Units. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework to receive an associate degree for transfer and all courses in the major must be completed with a C or better. Students earning an associate degree for transfer will not be required to complete any other local graduation requirements.
Required Courses
Course List
Course Prefix |
Course Name |
Units |
SPCH 1A | Public Speaking | 4 |
or SPCH 1AH | Public Speaking - Honors |
| 6 |
SPCH 6 | Group Communication | |
SPCH 20 | Argumentation and Debate | |
or SPCH 20H | Argumentation and Debate - Honors |
SPCH 26 | Interpersonal Communication | |
or SPCH 26H | Interpersonal Communication - Honors |
| 6-7 |
SPCH 2 | Survey of Communication Studies | |
SPCH 4 | Performance of Literature | |
SPCH 7 | Intercultural Communication | |
or SPCH 7H | Intercultural Communication - Honors |
JOUR 100 | Introduction to Mass Communications | |
SPCH 15 | Forensics: Fundamentals of Contest Speech and Debate | |
or SPCH 16 | Forensics: Individual Event Team |
or SPCH 17 | Forensics: Debate Team |
or SPCH 18 | Forensics: Reader's Theater Team |
| 3-4 |
ENGL 1C | Critical Thinking and Writing | |
or ENGL 1CH | Critical Thinking and Writing - Honors |
JOUR 101 | Beginning Writing and Reporting for the Mass Media | |
SPCH 3 | Voice and Diction | |
SPCH 8 | Professional and Organizational Speaking | |
SPCH 30 | Introduction to Communication Theory | |
Total Units | 60 |
Communication Website
Guided Pathways of Study Suggested Course Sequence