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 TotalThis 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.
Spring Semester, First Year
15 Units TotalThis 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.
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.
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.
Fall Semester, Second Year
16 Units TotalThis 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.
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.
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.
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 TotalThis 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)
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.
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).
- Communication Studies AA-T - Full-Time Pathway (PDF)
*These printouts are currently not yet available, but they will be linked as soon as they're ready!
People, Culture, & Society Interest Area Counselors

Academic/Instructional Division Office
Arts, Communications & Social Sciences (ACSS)
Contact InfoInterest Area: People, Culture, Society

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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