Strong Communication Is Important to Career Success
Our Communication Studies program will teach you how to communicate effectively with individuals and groups using a variety of methods and approaches. You will learn written, oral and public speaking communication skills; study conflict resolution and dialogue promotion; investigate diverse cultures’ communication methods; develop project organization and completion techniques; and solve communication issues associated with various forms of media. During the program, you are encouraged to explore other areas of interest relevant to communication while also learning how other academic disciplines can provide insight into your communication studies.
The Communication Studies program leads to the Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree. The program gives students a concentration in the field of communication studies with a liberal arts foundation. The program is primarily intended for students seeking transfer to a four-year institution, although some graduates may plan on immediately entering the work force as communications professionals.
Careers
Find your path.
Editor – est. salary $62,911
Public Relations Specialist – est. salary $60,030*
Reporters and Correspondent – est. salary $55,077
**EMSI Data, 2019; Philadelphia County, PA; a percentage of people in these jobs may have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Transfer Opportunities
Videos & Multimedia
Courses and Completion Sequence
Semester 1
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL 101 - English Composition I | 3 credits | Communication Studies majors should complete ENGL 101, ENGL 102, college Mathematics, CIS 103, one Social Science course, ENGL 116, and ENGL 115 in the first 24 credits. | ENGL 101 |
| ENGL 116 - Interpersonal Communication | 3 credits | Major Course | |
| FNMT 118 - Intermediate Algebra or MATH 137 - Geometry for Design or MATH 150 - Introductory Data Analysis or MATH 161 - Precalculus I |
3 credits | MATH 161 is recommended for students pursuing STEM interests. Prerequisite for MATH 150: FNMT 118 Ready Prerequisite for MATH 161: FMNT 118 with a grade of "C" or better |
Mathematics |
| CIS 103 - Applied Computer Technology | 3 credits | Technological Competency | |
| SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology or PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology or ANTH 112 - Cultural Anthropology |
3 credits | Social Science |
Must earn a grade of "C" or better in all courses and earn at least a 2.0 GPA
- This program is designed for students who plan to transfer to a bachelor's degree program after earning their associate's degree
- Follow this course schedule each semester and you’ll earn your associate's degree in two years
- Make sure you discuss your first semester schedule and your educational plan with an advisor or counselor when you register.
Semester 2
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL 102 - The Research Paper | 3 credits | Critical Course | ENGL 102 and Info Lit |
| BIOL 106 - General Biology I or CHEM 105 - Inquiry into Chemistry |
4 credits | Natural Sciences | |
| ENGL 115 - Public Speaking | 3 credits | Major Course | |
| ENGL 107 - Society and Mass Communications | 3 credits | Major Course Writing Intensive |
|
| ENGL 205 - Creative Writing or PHIL 111 - Critical Thinking or PHIL 211 - Ethical Problems or PHIL 215 - Social and Political Philosophy or any foreign language |
3 credits | Students getting the Creative Writing Certificate take ENGL 205 | Humanities |
Must earn a grade of "C" or better in all courses and earn at least a 2.0 GPA
- Don’t forget to meet with an advisor and review this schedule when registering for your classes
- Start planning for transfer:
- Did you know our dual admissions partnerships include scholarship opportunities?
- Learn more about our transfer agreements and use our interactive search tool for your program’s transfer options
- Make sure you are using Starfish Connect to track and improve your grades
- Stay on the path to success: take advantage of academic support services offered by Counseling the Learning Labs, Academic Advising and more
- Now is a good time to start financial planning for next semester:
- Manage your financial aid
- Take advantage of our payment plans and know the payment deadlines
- Apply for a scholarship— You only have to complete one application to be considered for all available scholarships
Semester 3
Meet with assigned Advisor to finalize last 15 credits based on transfer institution Must earn a grade of "C" or better in all courses and earn at least a 2.0 GPA
- Meet with an advisor and review this schedule when registering for your classes
- Make sure you are using Starfish Connect to track and improve your grades
- Stay on the path to success: take advantage of academic support services offered by Counseling the Learning Labs, Academic Advising and more
- Start financial planning for next semester:
- Manage your financial aid
- Take advantage of our payment plans and know the payment deadlines
- Apply for a scholarship—You only have to complete one application to be considered for all available scholarships
Semester 4
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL 214 - Communication Theory | 3 credits | Course is usually only offered in Spring semester | Major course |
| ENGL 114 - Introduction to Speech Communication or ENGL 120 - Voice and Articulation or ENGL 122 - Writing for Mass Media or ENGL 131 - Acting I or ENGL 132 - Acting II or ENGL 137 - Introduction to Theater or ENGL 271 - The Language of Film or ENGL 272 - Topics in Film Study |
3 credits | Directed Elective | |
| ANTH 202 - Gender Roles in Cross-Cultural Perspective or PSYC 202 - Human Sexuality or PSYC 215 - Developmental Psychology or SOC 212 - Sociology of Marriage and Family or SOC 231 - Social Problems |
3 credits | Students may file a course substitution | General Elective |
| ENGL 282 - Scriptwriting or ENGL 283 - Nonfiction Writing: Memoir and Literary Journalism or PHIL 111 - Critical Thinking or PHIL 211 - Ethical Problems or PHIL 215 - Social and Political Philosophy |
3 credits | General Elective |
Must earn a grade of "C" or better in all courses and earn at least a 2.0 GPA
- Congratulations, this is your final semester! Don’t forget to complete your graduation application.
- Meet with an advisor when registering for your classes
- Finalize your transfer plans:
- Meet with a counselor at your selected dual admissions transfer college
- Meet with one of our College’s counselors or an advisor to review transfer requirements
- Take advantage of our scholarship opportunities for transferring students and apply for a scholarship
- Visit Career Connections to learn about internships and your future career possibilities
General Education Requirements:
All general education requirements necessary for graduation are met through the courses in the program as indicated above. Students who wish to take courses that differ from the general education courses indicated above must complete a course substitution request form. To access the form, login to the MyCCP portal, and in the Student tab, under Electronic Forms, click on the Records and Registration Forms link, then choose Request For Course Substitution Of Graduation Requirement link. A more detailed explanation of the College’s general education requirements is also available.
Featured Career
Public Relations Specialist
Engage in promoting or creating an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media.
$60,030
1,682
in the region
+6.3%
in the region
Typical Tasks
- Respond to requests for information from the media or designate an appropriate spokesperson or information source.
- Write press releases or other media communications to promote clients.
- Establish or maintain cooperative relationships with representatives of community, consumer, employee, or public interest groups.
- Plan or direct development or communication of programs to maintain favorable public or stockholder perceptions of an organization's accomplishments, agenda, or environmental responsibility.
- Study the objectives, promotional policies, or needs of organizations to develop public relations strategies that will influence public opinion or promote ideas, products, or services.
How well does it pay?
New workers generally start around $35,482. Normal pay for Public Relations Specialists is $60,030 per year, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $101,530.
Program Information
Communication Studies
Degree Type:
Associate in Arts (A.A.)Credits Needed to Graduate:
61