Degree Requirements and Courses
Learn more about certificate and degree requirements, course content, recommended sequence, and schedule.
Communication Studies AA-T Degree
Provides students with a common core of lower division courses required to transfer and pursue a bachelor’s degree in Communication in the CSU System.
Associate in Arts for Transfer | SC Program: AA-T.1001
Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey into the captivating world of communication? Get ready to unlock the power of words, images, and ideas with a Communication Studies degree that will fuel your passion, ignite your creativity, and open doors to an array of thrilling opportunities! Many communications majors choose to work in public relations, marketing, media planner, social media planner, human resources specialist, event planner, journalist, content writer, research analyst, nonprofit fundraiser, and many more.
Imagine being at the forefront of shaping how we connect, persuade, and understand one another in an increasingly interconnected global society. In this dynamic program, students dive deep into the fascinating realm of theories, principles, and practices unraveling the secrets that underpin effective communication across interpersonal, organizational, intercultural, and mass media domains, while developing the number one skill sought by employers – effective communication!
The curriculum often combines theoretical coursework with practical training, enabling students to hone their communication skills through hands-on experiences. They may engage in activities such as public speaking, group discussions, debates, media production, research projects, and simulations, fostering their ability to analyze, create, and critically evaluate various forms of communication. Communication classes provide students with skills that are essential for other classes and programs at Shasta College and beyond.
In summary, a Communication Studies degree provides students with a solid foundation in understanding and engaging in effective communication processes, preparing them for success in a variety of professional and academic pursuits. It empowers graduates to navigate the complex world of communication and make meaningful contributions in their chosen fields.
The Associate in Arts in Communication Studies for Transfer degree aligns with the CSU Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies.
Choose your path
Map your education by viewing the program map for the degree or certificate you’re interested in earning below. Meet with a counselor to create your official comprehensive education plan.
A program map shows all the required and recommended courses you need to graduate and a suggested order in which you should take them. The suggested sequence of courses is based on enrollment and includes all major and general education courses required for the degree.
Fall Semester, First Year
14 Units TotalENGL 1A
4
College Composition
ENGL 1A
This course develops the reading, critical thinking, and writing skills necessary for academic success, emphasizing expository and argumentative writing as well as research and documentation skills. As a transferable course, it presupposes that students already have a substantial grasp of grammar, syntax, and organization, and that their writing is reasonably free from errors. A research paper is required for successful completion of the course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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SOC 3
3
Stats for Behavioral Sciences
SOC 3
This course is an introduction to the basic statistical methods and analyses commonly used in the behavioral sciences. Topics include descriptive and inferential statistics; levels and types of measurement; measures of central tendency and dispersion; normal, t, and chi-square distributions; probability and hypothesis testing; and correlation and regression. Applications of statistical software to the behavioral sciences and/or other social science data is required. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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CMST 60
M
3
Public Speaking
CMST 60
Advisory: ENGL 190 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on public speaking. The subjects covered are speech topic selection, audience analysis, information competency (e.g. researching, evaluating and using supporting materials), presentation outlining, principles of effective speech delivery, critical evaluation of speeches, and presentation of informative and persuasive speeches. Most students will have the opportunity to be recorded and to use presentational technology. College level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on public speaking. The subjects covered are speech topic selection, audience analysis, information competency (e.g. researching, evaluating and using supporting materials), presentation outlining, principles of effective speech delivery, critical evaluation of speeches, and presentation of informative and persuasive speeches. Most students will have the opportunity to be recorded and to use presentational technology. College level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
CMST 10
GE
3
Interpersonal Communication
CMST 10
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on interpersonal communication. Emphasis is placed on the psychological, social, cultural and linguistic factors that affect normal person-to-person interactions. Subjects covered are the understanding of ethical interpersonal communication based in communication theory and research, listening, verbal and nonverbal communication, self-awareness/ self-concept, perception, emotions, relationships, communication climates, and conflict management. Students will increase their knowledge and skills in interpersonal communication. College level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on interpersonal communication. Emphasis is placed on the psychological, social, cultural and linguistic factors that affect normal person-to-person interactions. Subjects covered are the understanding of ethical interpersonal communication based in communication theory and research, listening, verbal and nonverbal communication, self-awareness/ self-concept, perception, emotions, relationships, communication climates, and conflict management. Students will increase their knowledge and skills in interpersonal communication. College level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
STU 90
1
Career Choice
STU 90
A course designed for students who are undecided about their educational and/or career goals. Through a series of group exercises, and career development testing, students learn to identify personal values, interests, skills, aversions, and personality patterns and understand how they relate to choices in the world of work. Students learn to access occupational information, develop decision-making skills and set career goals. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Spring Semester, First Year
15 Units TotalETHS 1
GE
3
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
ETHS 1
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher
This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race and ethnicity in the United States. It examines social justice movements in relation to ethnic and racial groups in the United States to provide a basis for a better understanding of the socioeconomic, cultural, and political conditions among key social groups including, but not limited to, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latina/o Americans. This course examines the systemic nature of racial/ethnic oppression through an examination of key concepts including racialization and ethnocentrism, with a specific focus on the persistence of white supremacy. Using an anti-racist framework, the course will examine historical and contemporary social movements dedicated to the decolonization of social institutions, resistance, and social justice. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race and ethnicity in the United States. It examines social justice movements in relation to ethnic and racial groups in the United States to provide a basis for a better understanding of the socioeconomic, cultural, and political conditions among key social groups including, but not limited to, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latina/o Americans. This course examines the systemic nature of racial/ethnic oppression through an examination of key concepts including racialization and ethnocentrism, with a specific focus on the persistence of white supremacy. Using an anti-racist framework, the course will examine historical and contemporary social movements dedicated to the decolonization of social institutions, resistance, and social justice. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
ENGL 1B
Pre.
3
Literature & Composition
ENGL 1B
Course emphasizes the development of critical thinking and writing skills through close study of the major genres of literature: poetry, drama, short story and novel. Students receive further instruction and practice in analytical writing, developing arguments about literary works and the critical reception of those works. In discussion and writing, students will also examine arguments as such, learning to identify sound as well as fallacious reasoning in critical assessments of literature. This course may be offered in a distance learning format.
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POLS 2
3
Intro to American Government
POLS 2
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190 or ESL 138, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
An introduction to United States and California government and politics, including their constitutions, political institutions and processes, and political actors. Examination of political behavior, political issues, and public policy. This course satisfies the CSU requirement in U.S. Constitution and California State and local government (US-2 and US-3). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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An introduction to United States and California government and politics, including their constitutions, political institutions and processes, and political actors. Examination of political behavior, political issues, and public policy. This course satisfies the CSU requirement in U.S. Constitution and California State and local government (US-2 and US-3). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
CMST 20
3
Intercultural Communication
CMST 20
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
The purpose of this course is to develop the skills necessary to build and maintain positive communication and relationships across cultures. Students will focus on similarities and differences in communication behaviors. Perceptions, language usage, nonverbal style, thinking modes, and values all will be explored to see how they influence communication between individuals of different cultures. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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The purpose of this course is to develop the skills necessary to build and maintain positive communication and relationships across cultures. Students will focus on similarities and differences in communication behaviors. Perceptions, language usage, nonverbal style, thinking modes, and values all will be explored to see how they influence communication between individuals of different cultures. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
CMST 50
3
Gender and Communication
CMST 50
This course introduces students to gender-related communication, integrating theory and practice in order to heighten awareness of the importance of gender as a communication variable. With an emphasis on perception, verbal and nonverbal similarities and differences are examined in interpersonal, small group, organizational, and public settings. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Fall Semester, Second Year
16 Units TotalCMST 54
M
3
Small Group Communication
CMST 54
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with an emphasis on small groups. Subjects covered are preparation for discussion, group participation, leadership, decision-making, interpersonal relations, managing diversity, critical thinking/problem-solving, managing conflict, and evaluation of group interaction. Students will be involved in group interactions, and emphasis will be on practical experience. College-level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines, and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with an emphasis on small groups. Subjects covered are preparation for discussion, group participation, leadership, decision-making, interpersonal relations, managing diversity, critical thinking/problem-solving, managing conflict, and evaluation of group interaction. Students will be involved in group interactions, and emphasis will be on practical experience. College-level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines, and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
ESCI 12
4
General Earth Science
ESCI 12
Note: Required field trips.
This course is a survey course designed for non-science majors which spans the Earth-related sciences, including geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. In general, the course focuses on physical processes and materials as related to each discipline. Topics include the geologic evolution of the Earth, economic resources derived from the Earth, Earth materials, evolution and character of the oceans, ocean-atmosphere interactions, atmospheric processes including weather and climate, the solar system and Earth as part of the universe. Using an Earth systems approach, lecture and laboratory will consider concepts centered about the sustainable use of natural resources. The laboratory portion of this course provides hands-on activities that support and demonstrate lecture concepts. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is a survey course designed for non-science majors which spans the Earth-related sciences, including geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. In general, the course focuses on physical processes and materials as related to each discipline. Topics include the geologic evolution of the Earth, economic resources derived from the Earth, Earth materials, evolution and character of the oceans, ocean-atmosphere interactions, atmospheric processes including weather and climate, the solar system and Earth as part of the universe. Using an Earth systems approach, lecture and laboratory will consider concepts centered about the sustainable use of natural resources. The laboratory portion of this course provides hands-on activities that support and demonstrate lecture concepts. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
HUM 4
3
Humanities Through the Film
HUM 4
This course is an examination of the motion picture as an art form. This course offers a concise introduction to the history of film against the broader changes in popular culture since the late nineteenth century. Students will see how elements of film can provide valuable insights into how movies communicate and convey meaning to their audiences using a unique network of techniques. Students will see how film, film genres, and developments within the film industry offer a first-hand look at how specific films illuminate important aspects of philosophical, historical, aesthetic, and social life and analyze how film connects with the larger world. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HIST 2
3
World Civilization to 1500 CE
HIST 2
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher
This course is a comparative survey of the major ancient world civilizations which developed between 3500 B.C.E. and 1500 C.E. It examines political institutions, religious ideologies, the rise and fall of empires, and the major cultural innovations of each of the major world civilizations. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is a comparative survey of the major ancient world civilizations which developed between 3500 B.C.E. and 1500 C.E. It examines political institutions, religious ideologies, the rise and fall of empires, and the major cultural innovations of each of the major world civilizations. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
CMST 30
M
3
Oral Interpretation
CMST 30
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on the oral interpretation of literature. It covers the following subjects: analyzing the literature, using nonverbal and verbal communication in the interpretation of literature, and the understanding, appreciation, and performance of prose and poetry. College-level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines, and short essays. This course includes oral performance of literature. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on the oral interpretation of literature. It covers the following subjects: analyzing the literature, using nonverbal and verbal communication in the interpretation of literature, and the understanding, appreciation, and performance of prose and poetry. College-level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines, and short essays. This course includes oral performance of literature. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Spring Semester, Second Year
15 Units TotalCMST 40
Pre.
M
3
Argumentation and Debate
CMST 40
Advisory: Completion of a class in public speaking or public speaking experience.
This course presents basic argumentation theory including research, methods of analysis, use and tests of evidence, refutation, and the logical and ethical responsibilities of advocacy. Emphasis is placed on the preparation and presentation of cases for and against propositions or points of view through extensive research, writing, debate, and public address. Basic principles are applied in a variety of formal and informal debate situations. Public speaking training and/or experience are recommended for enrollment. This course may be offered in a distance education format. (C-ID COMM 120)
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This course presents basic argumentation theory including research, methods of analysis, use and tests of evidence, refutation, and the logical and ethical responsibilities of advocacy. Emphasis is placed on the preparation and presentation of cases for and against propositions or points of view through extensive research, writing, debate, and public address. Basic principles are applied in a variety of formal and informal debate situations. Public speaking training and/or experience are recommended for enrollment. This course may be offered in a distance education format. (C-ID COMM 120)
HIST 17A
GE
3
United States History
HIST 17A
Advisory: ENGL 190 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
This course is a survey of the history of the United States from Pre-Columbian Peoples to the end of Reconstruction. Topics include contact and settlement of America, the movement toward independence, the formation of a new nation and Constitution, westward expansion and manifest destiny, the causes and consequences of the Civil War, and Reconstruction. This course satisfies the CSU requirement for US History (US-1). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is a survey of the history of the United States from Pre-Columbian Peoples to the end of Reconstruction. Topics include contact and settlement of America, the movement toward independence, the formation of a new nation and Constitution, westward expansion and manifest destiny, the causes and consequences of the Civil War, and Reconstruction. This course satisfies the CSU requirement for US History (US-1). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
PSYC 1A
M
3
General Psychology
PSYC 1A
Advisory: ENGL 190 with a grade of C or higher or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
This course provides an introduction to psychology as a science and as an applied field. The course provides an integration of physiological, cognitive, social-behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, cultural, and evolutionary perspectives. Topics include research methods, the nervous system, perception, learning, thinking, memory, human development, social behavior, emotions, motivation, personality, abnormal behavior, and psychotherapy. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course provides an introduction to psychology as a science and as an applied field. The course provides an integration of physiological, cognitive, social-behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, cultural, and evolutionary perspectives. Topics include research methods, the nervous system, perception, learning, thinking, memory, human development, social behavior, emotions, motivation, personality, abnormal behavior, and psychotherapy. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
ART 1
3
Introduction to Art
ART 1
This course provides a general introduction to art that offers a look at works of art through the study of theory, terminology, themes, design principles, media, and techniques, with an introduction to the visual arts across time and diverse cultures. This course is recommended as a Humanities elective. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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AGNR 60
3
Environmental Science
AGNR 60
Advisory: Students who wish to add a lab component to this class should co-enroll in AGNR 61.
This course is an introduction to the conservation or wise use of natural resources and incorporates discussions about the complex relationships of man to the environment. Students will learn about the diverse agencies that manage our resources along with their history and philosophies. The course will cover each of the major natural resources - such as water, air, energy, forests, wildlife, agriculture, and soils - as well as environmental policy and laws that govern the use of these resources. An emphasis is placed on the practical components of Environmental Science as it relates to social and economic aspects of conservation. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is an introduction to the conservation or wise use of natural resources and incorporates discussions about the complex relationships of man to the environment. Students will learn about the diverse agencies that manage our resources along with their history and philosophies. The course will cover each of the major natural resources - such as water, air, energy, forests, wildlife, agriculture, and soils - as well as environmental policy and laws that govern the use of these resources. An emphasis is placed on the practical components of Environmental Science as it relates to social and economic aspects of conservation. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Please see a counselor to discuss options for meeting general education requirements for transfer to California State Universities (CSU) and/or University of California (UC) campuses, as well as any specific additional courses that may be required by your chosen institution of transfer.
*Alternative Courses: Please see a Shasta College counselor for alternative course options. You can also view the following to find other courses to meet degree/certificate requirements:
- California State Universities – General Education
- IGETC – Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum
Need a print out? Feel free to download and/or print out a copy of the sample program map(s).
Contact Us for More Information
Counseling & Student Services
Contact Info
Phone
(530) 242-7724
Fax
(530) 225-4652
Academic/Instructional Division Office
Arts, Communications & Social Sciences (ACSS)
Contact Info
Phone
(530) 242-7730
Interest Area: People, Culture, Society
Play
A young man remembers his struggles in life, the prospects of starting over, and how going to Shasta College helped him discover his strengths. His communications and psychology instructors show him how to relate to people through his life experiences, and he discovers his passion is to ensure that others have the chance to tell their stories and be heard.
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