Communication Studies A.A. - Transfer Degree

Transfer-ready keys to success

If great communication is a gift, it is one you give yourself through study and practice. In other words, it’s a skill. You learn to be a great communicator.

Study key principles, practice with a teacher, improve, reflect and stretch your abilities. Then, put your skills to work in the world. Employers want people who can speak and write clearly.

At CLC, you develop these skills:

public speaking
organize thoughts properly
how to analyze and craft messages using a variety of mediums
interpersonal and group communications in a diverse world

What can you do with an A.A. in Communication Studies?

This degree is designed to transfer; it is the first 2 years of your 4-year degree. After you transfer, you pick your specialization:

Communication and Media: To work in the media as a journalist, producer or media manager
Strategic Communication: To work in a corporation or agency doing PR, social media, etc.
General: To work in non-profits doing advocacy, education and lobbying

With your bachelor’s degree, you may go to work as a:

Social media planner
Public relations specialist
Product marketing manager

Copywriter
News anchor
Meeting planner

Highlights

100% Online

Can be completed 100% online.
Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Transfer Degree

Save on your first 2 years and transfer your credits to the 4-year school of your choice.
Program Length: 2 Years

Full-time students finish in 2 years.

Career Outlook

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.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $47,643
  
  Median
  
  $100,853
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $211,624
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $22.90
  
  Median
  
  $48.48
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $101.74
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  15.98%
  
  Some college
  
  7.67%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  8.04%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  62.44%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  5.87%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $33,810
  
  Median
  
  $65,400
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $196,091
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $16.25
  
  Median
  
  $31.44
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $94.27
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  39.31%
  
  Some college
  
  2.56%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  41.33%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  16.8%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
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.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $26,228
  
  Median
  
  $32,765
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $93,374
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $12.60
  
  Median
  
  $15.75
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $44.89
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  16.22%
  
  Certificate
  
  0.68%
  
  Some college
  
  10.14%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  10.1%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  55.04%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  7.82%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $46,932
  
  Median
  
  $75,284
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $130,145
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $22.56
  
  Median
  
  $36.19
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $62.57
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Master's Degree
  
  71.82%
  
  Doctorate
  
  28.17%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $41,735
  
  Median
  
  $68,129
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $119,151
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $20.06
  
  Median
  
  $32.75
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $57.28
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  81.7%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  18.3%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $62,945
  
  Median
  
  $104,888
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $170,944
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $30.26
  
  Median
  
  $50.43
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $82.18
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Some college
  
  11.18%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  77.32%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  11.51%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
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.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $42,509
  
  Median
  
  $76,166
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $134,880
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $20.43
  
  Median
  
  $36.61
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $64.84
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  60.87%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  39.13%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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Your CCN guides you through the admission process, helps you choose your academic program, enroll in classes and connect you with resources.

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

View program in catalog

Learn how CLC helps you transfer

Explore transfer options

Start at CLC and continue with a 4-year school to earn your bachelor's degree. CLC has partnerships with many colleges and universities, covering a wide range of programs.

Our Guaranteed Transfer Partnerships (GTAs) with a select number of schools guarantee admission to students who meet specific criteria.

Communication Studies at CLC

Get the bigger picture

An A.A. is just one possible way to study Communication Studies. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Communication Studies Program Overview

Frequently asked questions

Yes. We offer classes in person and online. It’s possible to complete this program fully online or fully in-person. Many classes are offered in the evening.
Attend class in the way that works best for your learning style and your life:
- Virtual Live: Learn remotely in real time. Take classes taught live via Zoom.
- Online: Have the flexibility to complete coursework without scheduled meetings while staying actively engaged in a fully online environment.
- In-person: Keep your degree on track with classes that meet face-to-face, providing you with opportunities to interact in person with faculty and peers.
Yes! Researchers have looked at how community college students fare after transferring. The biggest marker for success? Finishing your associate degree before transferring. In fact, those students seem to do better at the 4-year than students who started at the 4-year.
How to make and use a full sentence prep outline—that’s what many of our students say. Why? Because this technique:
- Makes you feel more confident and less nervous about public speaking
- Applies to many other classes
- Proves that communication can be learned
You’re unique, we’re sure. Still, you’ll fit in. We draw students at different points in their lives. Many work and attend CLC part-time. Students who pick evening or online classes are more likely to be a little older, already have some college experience and may have children. Day classes seem to have more students who start at CLC right after high school.
Here are some great transfer options:
- Guaranteed transfer admission: Seamlessly transfer to 30+ 4-year partners and get admitted to your transfer school in your first semester at CLC.
- Complete your bachelor's degree in Lake County: Continue your education online or in-person at the Grayslake Campus through the University Center of Lake County.
- Explore many more transfer options available with your Academic Success Advisor.

Za’Tozia Duffie
Transfer student
“CLC set the standard for every educational institution I attended afterwards. I don't think I would have been able to grow academically, or even personally, if it wasn't for CLC.”
Za’Tozia studied communication at CLC. She transferred to Lake Forest College for her bachelor's degree and then to Syracuse University for graduate school.
Read Za’Tozia's story

*Cost includes tuition and other fees, including books and materials before financial aid is applied, such as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

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Communication Studies

Transfer-ready keys to success

What can you do with an A.A. in Communication Studies?

Highlights

100% Online

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Transfer Degree

Program Length: 2 Years

Career Outlook

Advertising and Promotions Managers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Editors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Fundraising Managers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help?

Recommended Pathway

Learn how CLC helps you transfer

Communication Studies at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

Can I take my classes online?

Does an A.A. matter if I’m going for my bachelor’s?

What’s the best thing I’ll learn?

Are there students like me in the program?

What’s the best way to get my bachelor’s degree?

Za’Tozia Duffie

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

Explore careers

Request info

Get started