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Communication Studies
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Contact: Danny CantrellTitle: Department ChairContact: dcantrell3@mtsac.edu
Career Outlook Communication Studies

Humanities and Social Sciences Division
Degree A0325

Communication Studies is a broad-based discipline with foundational coursework in oral communication theory and skills development, augmented with course options that add dimension and depth to the student’s understanding of the discipline – such as interpersonal, group, organizational and intercultural communication, argumentation, journalism, forensics, and communication research methods.

The degree program requires students to critically analyze information and arguments, select and research an appropriate topic and thesis, and logically organize the supporting material into a well-crafted presentation. Students will employ appropriate verbal and nonverbal delivery skills and visual aids to present a message to an audience in a conversational and confident manner; and formulate communication solutions to problems in a range of contexts. Students will create messages appropriate for diverse audiences and listeners and develop an improved understanding of themselves as communicators.

To earn an Associate in Arts in Communication Studies for Transfer a student must complete 60 semester Units that are eligible for transfer to the CSU that consist of: IGETC pattern or CSU GE breadth and a major of at least 18 Units. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework to receive an associate degree for transfer and all courses in the major must be completed with a C or better. Students earning an associate degree for transfer will not be required to complete any other local graduation requirements.

Required Courses

Industry StatisticsJob Titles & Salaries
Select a related job title below to view demand & salary information
    • Advertising and Promotions Managers

      Advertising and Promotions Managers

      SOC Career Code: 11-2011.00

      Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $44.42

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $124,406.77
      Annual Job Openings
      334

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Marketing Managers

      Marketing Managers

      SOC Career Code: 11-2021.00

      Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $59.28

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $166,827.28
      Annual Job Openings
      5,928

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Public Relations Managers

      Public Relations Managers

      SOC Career Code: 11-2032.00

      Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $52.77

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $150,050.45
      Annual Job Openings
      847

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes

      Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes

      SOC Career Code: 13-1011.00

      Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $27.07

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $91,730.09
      Annual Job Openings
      883

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

      Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

      SOC Career Code: 13-1161.00

      Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $28.85

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $81,638.32
      Annual Job Openings
      13,968

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Producers and Directors

      Producers and Directors

      SOC Career Code: 27-2012.00

      Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $34.22

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $97,246.54
      Annual Job Openings
      4,525

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Media Programming Directors

      Media Programming Directors

      SOC Career Code: 27-2012.03

      Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $34.22

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $97,246.54
      Annual Job Openings
      4,525

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Radio and Television Announcers

      Radio and Television Announcers

      SOC Career Code: 27-3011.00

      Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $26.03

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $78,591.44
      Annual Job Openings
      349

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Reporters and Journalists

      Reporters and Journalists

      SOC Career Code: 27-3023.00

      Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $23.41

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $77,992.48
      Annual Job Openings
      844

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Public Relations Specialists

      Public Relations Specialists

      SOC Career Code: 27-3031.00

      Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $28.68

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $76,695.27
      Annual Job Openings
      3,284

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Editors

      Editors

      SOC Career Code: 27-3041.00

      Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $28.02

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $82,212.63
      Annual Job Openings
      2,059

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Technical Writers

      Technical Writers

      SOC Career Code: 27-3042.00

      Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $32.80

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $99,966.27
      Annual Job Openings
      658

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Writers and Authors

      Writers and Authors

      SOC Career Code: 27-3043.00

      Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $16.40

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $63,650.86
      Annual Job Openings
      3,408

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

      Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

      SOC Career Code: 27-3043.05

      Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $16.40

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $63,650.86
      Annual Job Openings
      3,408

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages

Certificate & Degree Details

Select a certificate below to expand details
  • Communication Studies

    Humanities and Social Sciences Division
    Degree A0325

    Communication Studies is a broad-based discipline with foundational coursework in oral communication theory and skills development, augmented with course options that add dimension and depth to the student’s understanding of the discipline – such as interpersonal, group, organizational and intercultural communication, argumentation, journalism, forensics, and communication research methods.

    The degree program requires students to critically analyze information and arguments, select and research an appropriate topic and thesis, and logically organize the supporting material into a well-crafted presentation. Students will employ appropriate verbal and nonverbal delivery skills and visual aids to present a message to an audience in a conversational and confident manner; and formulate communication solutions to problems in a range of contexts. Students will create messages appropriate for diverse audiences and listeners and develop an improved understanding of themselves as communicators.

    To earn an Associate in Arts in Communication Studies for Transfer a student must complete 60 semester Units that are eligible for transfer to the CSU that consist of: IGETC pattern or CSU GE breadth and a major of at least 18 Units. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework to receive an associate degree for transfer and all courses in the major must be completed with a C or better. Students earning an associate degree for transfer will not be required to complete any other local graduation requirements.

    Required Courses

    Course Prefix Course Name Units
    Core Courses
    SPCH 1APublic Speaking4
    or SPCH 1AH Public Speaking - Honors
    List A
    Choose two courses from the following:6
    SPCH 6
    Group Communication
    SPCH 20
    Argumentation and Debate
    or SPCH 20H
    Argumentation and Debate - Honors
    SPCH 26
    Interpersonal Communication
    or SPCH 26H
    Interpersonal Communication - Honors
    List B
    Choose any two courses from the following or any one course not already used from List A:6-7
    JOUR 100
    Introduction to Mass Communications
    SPCH 2
    Survey of Communication Studies
    SPCH 4
    Performance of Literature
    SPCH 7
    Intercultural Communication
    or SPCH 7H
    Intercultural Communication - Honors
    SPCH 8
    Professional and Organizational Speaking
    or SPCH 8H
    Professional and Organizational Speaking - Honors
    SPCH 9
    Introduction to Persuasion
    SPCH 15
    Forensics: Fundamentals of Contest Speech and Debate
    SPCH 16
    Forensics: Individual Event Team
    SPCH 30
    Introduction to Communication Theory
    or SPCH 30H
    Introduction to Communication Theory - Honors
    List C
    Choose at least one course from the following or any one course not selected from List A or List B:3-4
    ANTH 5
    Cultural Anthropology
    or ANTH 5H
    Cultural Anthropology - Honors
    ENGL 1B
    English - Introduction to Literary Types
    or ENGL 1BH
    English - Introduction to Literary Types - Honors
    ENGL 1C
    Critical Thinking and Writing
    or ENGL 1CH
    Critical Thinking and Writing - Honors
    JOUR 101
    Beginning Writing and Reporting for the Mass Media
    PSYC 1A
    Introduction to Psychology
    or PSYC 1AH
    Introduction to Psychology - Honors
    SOC 1
    Introduction to Sociology
    or SOC 1H
    Introduction to Sociology - Honors
    SPCH 3
    Voice and Diction
    SPCH 17
    Forensics: Debate Team
    SPCH 18
    Forensics: Reader's Theater Team
    Total Units for Major19-21
    CSU General Education or IGETC Pattern 139-42
    Total Units60
    1

    Courses may be double-counted with either CSU-GE or IGETC.

    Communication Website 

  • Communication Emphasis

    Degree A8982
    An emphasis in Communication provides the student with an understanding of communication strategies, reasoning, logic, and critical analysis as it relates to human interaction within multiple cultural contexts.

    This degree requires the completion of General Education coursework plus the following:

    Required Courses

    Course Prefix Course Name Units
    Required Core7
    SPCH 1A
    Public Speaking (Required course)
    or SPCH 1AH
    Public Speaking - Honors
    or SPCH 2
    Survey of Communication Studies
    SPCH 26
    Interpersonal Communication
    or SPCH 26H
    Interpersonal Communication - Honors
    Choose eleven units from the following:11
    JOUR 100
    Introduction to Mass Communications
    JOUR 101
    Beginning Writing and Reporting for the Mass Media
    JOUR 102
    Intermediate Writing and Reporting for Mass Media
    JOUR 111
    Writing Broadcast and Web News
    PHOT 10
    Basic Digital and Film Photography
    R-TV 01
    Introduction to Electronic Media
    R-TV 11A
    Beginning Audio Media Production
    R-TV 19A
    Beginning Video Production
    R-TV 99
    Special Projects in Broadcasting and Entertainment Industry
    SPCH 1A
    Public Speaking
    or SPCH 1AH
    Public Speaking - Honors
    SPCH 2
    Survey of Communication Studies
    SPCH 3
    Voice and Diction
    SPCH 4
    Performance of Literature
    SPCH 6
    Group Communication
    SPCH 7
    Intercultural Communication
    or SPCH 7H
    Intercultural Communication - Honors
    SPCH 8
    Professional and Organizational Speaking
    or SPCH 8H
    Professional and Organizational Speaking - Honors
    SPCH 15
    Forensics: Fundamentals of Contest Speech and Debate
    SPCH 16
    Forensics: Individual Event Team
    SPCH 17
    Forensics: Debate Team
    SPCH 18
    Forensics: Reader's Theater Team
    SPCH 20
    Argumentation and Debate
    or SPCH 20H
    Argumentation and Debate - Honors
    SPCH 30
    Introduction to Communication Theory
    SPCH 99
    Special Projects in Speech
    For Area of Emphasis
    Total Units18

    Communication Website 

How to Complete the Program

Guided Pathways

Program Guided Pathways

Contacts

Department Contact

Contact: Danny CantrellTitle: Department ChairContact: dcantrell3@mtsac.edu

Office Contact

Location: Building 26D-1220APhone: (909) 274-6310