Communication and Media Studies

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Program Duration: 2 Year Program
Degree Type: Associate in Arts (A.A.)
Total Credit Hours: 62

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_{About This Program}

As the communication and media industry expands, our Communication and Media Studies A.A. program opens doors to diverse career paths such as digital content creation, social media management, public relations, social change, entertainment, and news. Through a blend of hands-on learning, theory, and expert guidance, students acquire both foundational and technical skills. Whether you're planning to transfer for a bachelor's degree or jumpstart your career, our program prepares you for success in the dynamic world of communication and media.

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Quick Information

General Contact Call (215) 751-8010
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CCP Program Courses

Semester 1

Course Number and Name	Credits	Advisory Notes	Course Type
ENGL 101 - English Composition or ENGL 101H - English Composition I (Honors)	3 credits	Prerequisite for ENGL 102 with a grade of "C" or better	Writing/Research/Info Lit 1
CMS 114 - Introduction to Communication and Media Studies	3 credits	Students who have taken ENGL 114 do not need to take CMS 114	Oral Communication/ Creative Expression
ENGL 116 - Interpersonal Communication or ENGL 117 - Group and Team Communication	3 credits		Quantitative Reasoning
FNMT 118 - Intermediate Algebra or MATH 137 - Geometry for Design or MATH 150 - Introductory Data Analysis	3 credits	For appropriate transfer credit, math courses should be chosen in consultation with an advisor. Prerequisite for MATH 137, and MATH 150: FNMT 017 or FNMT 019 completed or FNMT 118 (or higher) placement MATH 137 is strongly recommended for students transferring to Temple University.	Technological Competency
CMS 140 - Communication Technology for the Workplace	3 credits	Students who have taken other Tech Comp courses should consult with department head for substituion	Social Science

Notes:

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 or ENGL 102H - The Research Paper (Honors)	3 credits		Writing/Research/Info Lit 2
CHEM 101 - Fundamentals of Chemistry I (Lab Based) or EASC 111 - Environmental Conservation or EASC 111H - Environmental Conservation (Honors)	3 or 4 credits	For appropriate transfer credit, science courses should be chosen in consultation with an advisor. A 4-credit lab course is strongly recommended for students transferring to Temple University.	Scientific Reasoning
ENGL 115 - Public Speaking	3 credits		Oral Communication/Creative Expression
CMS 107 - Media and Society	3 credits	Prerequisite for CMS 220 and CMS 270	Major Course
CMS 180 - Social Media & Digital Cultures	3 credits	Prerequisite for CMS 220 and CMS 270	Major Course

Notes:

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

Course Number and Name	Credits	Course Type
ENGL 118 - Intercultural Communication	3 credits	Major Course
ART 101 - Visual Communication or ART 101H - Visual Communication (Honors) or ENGL 120 - Voice and Articulation or ENGL 271 - The Language of Film or ENGL 283 - Nonfiction Writing: Memoir and Literary Journalism or PHOT 104 - Introduction to Video Production or PHOT 105 - Introduction to Digital Photography or PHOT 151 - Techniques in Photo Editing (Photoshop I)	3 credits	Directed Elective
CMS 122 - Writing and Reporting for Media	3 credits	Major Course
CMS 220 - Representation in the Media	3 credits	Major Course
ENGL 119 - Rhetoric & The Public Sphere	3 credits	Cultural Analysis and Interpretation

Notes:

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	Course Type
ENGL 214 - Communication Theory or CMS 216 - Relational Communication or CMS 270 - Media and Globalization	3 credits	Major Course
CMS 255 - Writing for Digital Media	3 credits	Major Course
CMS 290 - CMS Capstone Experience	3 credits	Major Course
Elective	3 credits	Directed Elective
Elective	3 credits	Directed Elective

Notes:

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

Transfer Opportunities

A private university known for its diverse academic programs and global perspective, located in Glenside, Pennsylvania.

Public university in central Pennsylvania offering diverse programs.

A private research university in Philadelphia known for co-op programs and innovation.

A public research university in Philadelphia, offering diverse programs and a vibrant campus experience.

A public university in West Chester, Pennsylvania, known for diverse programs and academic excellence.

View all transfer opportunities

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Launch Your Career in Communication and Media

Editor – est. salary $78,007
Public Relations Specialist – est. salary $73,173*
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists – est. salary $76,672

Learn More

**EMSI Data, 2022; The greater Philadelphia region; a percentage of people in these jobs may have a bachelor's degree or higher.

Career Outlook

$76,672

Median Salary of News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

921

Number of Jobs in the Region

+16

10-year Job Outlook in the Region for News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Featured Career

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Research and report news items of local, national, and international significance to determine topics to address, or obtain assignments from editorial staff members. Starting pay: $40,059

Woman holding news reporter microphone and looking at a camera

Typical Tasks

Write commentaries, columns, or scripts, using computers.
Coordinate and serve as an anchor on news broadcast programs.
Examine news items of local, national, and international significance to determine topics to address, or obtain assignments from editorial staff members.
Analyze and interpret news and information received from various sources to broadcast the information.
Receive assignments or evaluate leads or tips to develop story ideas.
Select material most pertinent to presentation, and organize this material into appropriate formats.
Review written, audio, or video copy, and correct errors in content, grammar, or punctuation, following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines.
Develop ideas or material for columns or commentaries by analyzing and interpreting news, current issues, or personal experiences.
Take pictures or video, and process them for inclusion in a story.

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Info For

Communication and Media Studies

_{About This Program}

Quick Information

Program Entry Requirements:

CCP Program Courses

Semester 1

Notes:

Semester 2

Notes:

Semester 3

Notes:

Semester 4

Notes:

Transfer Opportunities

Launch Your Career in Communication and Media

Career Outlook

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Typical Tasks

Related Programs

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