Communication - Associate of Applied Science

Degree

Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

Overview

This degree is designed to provide students vital communication skills needed to gain employment or an internship in the field of communications. Students will develop skill in writing, public speaking, and the ability to identify communication methods that will best serve a variety of audiences. Furthermore, student’s will benefit from courses in areas of their choice that will help them explore careers in various fields.

Career Opportunities

A communications associate degree can provide the basis for rewarding careers in a variety of fields, industries, and positions. Graduates may decide to pursue careers in various fields, depending on their elective choice, including Media Production, Journalism, Digital Marketing, Social Media, Computer Science, and Business Management.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the degree, successful graduates will be able to:

• Learn and apply fundamental communication principles using standard media messaging formats
• Explain mass communication effects on public discourse, individuals, and institutions
• Demonstrate techniques of public speaking, including message development, content, projection, tone, and delivery
• Build, manage, and optimize digital communication strategies and tactics
• Apply communication skills and knowledge to projects in various fields

Course Requirements

Students are responsible to examine the course description of each course listed below for details of prerequisites, which must be satisfied before registering for the course.

Religion Courses

REL Two cornerstone religion courses (REL 200, REL 225, REL 250, or REL 275), 4 credits
REL Two additional Religion Courses, 4 credits

Total Religion Courses Minimum Credit Hours 8

Program Required College Courses

BAP 115, Excel and Introduction to Technology, 1 credit
CAR 101, College Success, 1 credit
CAR 299, Internship, 1 credit

Total College-Wide Courses Minimum Credit Hours 3

General Education Courses

COMM 122, Interpersonal Communications, 3 credits
ENG 101, Introduction to College Writing, 3 credits
ENG 201, Intermediate College Writing, 3 credits

Total General Education Courses Minimum Credit Hours 9

Program Core Courses

COMM 210, Mass Communication and Society, 3 credits
COMM 310, Writing for Communication Careers, 3 credits
COMM 320, Public Speaking, 3 credits
COMM 330, Digital Channel Strategy, 3 credits
DCC 180, Fundamentals of Content Creation, 3 credits

Total Program Core Courses Minimum Credit Hours 15

Certificate 1 

Complete at least fifteen credits with one of these certificates: Basic Accounting, Business Language, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Medical Billing and Coding Fundamentals, PathwayConnect, Project Management, Technical Support Engineer, 15 credits

Total Certificate 1 Courses Minimum Credit Hours 15

Certificate 2 

Complete at least fifteen credits with one of these certificates: Social Media Marketing, 15 credits

Total Certificate 2 Courses Minimum Credit Hours 15

Total Communication AAS Degree Minimum Credit Hours 61

Graduation Requirements

1. Minimum of 65 total semester credit hours as outlined
2. Grade of C or better in all program core courses
3. Cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 or higher