Communications Studies AA-T Degree

Communication classes provide students with skills that are essential for other classes and programs at Shasta College and beyond. The Associate in Arts in Communication Studies for Transfer program teaches communication theory and competencies that are crucial for success in both personal and business relationships. Students learn analytical and critical thinking skills that are essential life skills. Good oral communication skills have been documented by research to be an important factor in the health of personal relationships, and these skills have even been linked to one's physical and psychological health. Communication courses enable students to lead richer, more satisfying and productive lives by improving their grasp of core theories and practical skills. The results are often immediate and dramatic, improving both personal and professional relationships in both large and small groups. The Associate in Arts in Communication Studies for Transfer degree aligns with the CSU Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies.

This degree is approved through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Upon satisfactory completion of all degree requirements and filing an application for graduation with Admissions and Records, the student’s transcript will reflect completion of this degree.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this degree, the student should be able to:

• Identify the role communication plays in academic, social and professional endeavors.
• Demonstrate competency in designing well-researched and well-developed informative and persuasive presentations to a variety of audiences in multiple contexts.
• Demonstrate competency in the advocacy of issues of justice and fairness, with integrity and civility.
• Demonstrate competency in critical thinking including recognition of common fallacies of thought, effective problem-solving and conflict resolution communication.
• Identify crucial issues affecting intercultural communication, and the adaptations necessary for successful interactions between cultures.
• Communicate ethically, responsibly, and effectively as local, national and global citizens.

Requirements

In addition to the 37-39 unit general education pattern for CSU or IGETC, students must complete the core courses listed below for the Associate in Arts in Communication Studies for Transfer Degree. Students must also obtain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 and a C or better in each major course, or a “P" if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Required Core

• CMST 60*# Public Speaking 3

List A (Choose six units from the following): 6

• CMST 10*# Interpersonal Communication (3 units)
• CMST 40* Argumentation and Debate (3 units)
• CMST 54*# Small Group Communication (3 units)

List B (Choose six units from the following): 6

Any List A course not used above

• CMST 20* Intercultural Communication (3 units)
• CMST 30* Oral Interpretation (3 units)

List C (Choose three units from the following): 3

Any List A or List B course not used above

• ANTH 2*# Cultural Anthropology (3 units)
• JOUR 21* Introduction to Mass Communications (3 units)
• PSYC 1A*# General Psychology (3 units)
• SOC 1*# Introduction to Sociology (3 units)

*May be used to fulfill CSU General Education requirements. See a counselor.

#May be used to fulfill IGETC requirements. See a counselor.

Associate in Arts in Communication Studies for Transfer Degree Requirements

Major: 18

General Education: 37-39

General Electives: 8-18**

Degree Total Will Not Exceed 60 Units**

**Number will vary depending on units that double count.

For reference only as of 2019/2020