Communication Studies

Associate in Arts
Transfer Degree
Cost
$11,196*

Be a transfer-ready communicator

Great communication isn’t just a talent—it’s a skill you can learn. With study and practice, you can become a confident communicator.

Learn the basics, work with supportive teachers, and keep improving as you go. You'll build strong speaking and writing skills that employers value.

Sharpen your communication skills at CLC:

  • effective public speaking
  • structuring and organizing ideas clearly
  • analyzing and crafting messages across multiple communication platforms
  • interpersonal and group communication in diverse cultural settings

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

This degree is made to help you transfer to a 4-year college—it covers the first 2 years of your bachelor’s degree. After transferring, you can choose your focus:

  • Communication and Media: Work in media as a journalist, producer, or media manager
  • Strategic Communication: Work in companies or agencies doing public relations (PR), social media, and more
  • General Communication: Work with non-profits in advocacy, education, or lobbying

With your bachelor’s degree, you can work as a:

  • Public relations specialist
  • Social media coordinator
  • Marketing coordinator
  • Product marketing manager
  • Content creator / Copywriter
  • Communications specialist
  • Editorial assistant

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

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Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) helps you

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful 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 and degree requirements, see the college catalog.

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120

    CLC 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    ENG 121

    ENG 121 English Composition I

    Class Description

    This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
         		3
    MTH 142

    MTH 142 General Education Statistics

    Class Description

    This course focuses on statistical reasoning and the solving of problems using real-world data rather than on computational skills. Emphasis is on interpretation and evaluation of statistical results that arise from simulation and technology-based computations using technology more advanced than a basic scientific calculator, such as graphing calculators with a statistical package, spreadsheets, or statistical computing software. Topics will include data collection processes (observational studies, experimental design, sampling techniques, bias), descriptive methods using quantitative and qualitative data, bivariate data, correlation, and least ?squares regression, basic probability theory, probability distributions (normal distributions and normal curve, binomial distribution), confidence intervals and hypothesis tests using p-values. Note: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details. Credit will not be given in MTH 142 to those with prior credit in MTH 222. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits. Prerequisite(s): MTH 105 or MTH 108 or higher level math course (C or better) -or- two years of approved high school algebra (C or better) and Basic Algebra Readiness -or- an appropriate score on the CLC Math Placement Test, Math ACT, or Math SAT.
         		3
    CMM 121

    CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

    Class Description

    For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
         		3
    PSY 121

    PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

    Class Description

    This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
         		3
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title

      CLC 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ENG 121
      Course Title

      ENG 121 English Composition I

      Class Description

      This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code MTH 142
      Course Title

      MTH 142 General Education Statistics

      Class Description

      This course focuses on statistical reasoning and the solving of problems using real-world data rather than on computational skills. Emphasis is on interpretation and evaluation of statistical results that arise from simulation and technology-based computations using technology more advanced than a basic scientific calculator, such as graphing calculators with a statistical package, spreadsheets, or statistical computing software. Topics will include data collection processes (observational studies, experimental design, sampling techniques, bias), descriptive methods using quantitative and qualitative data, bivariate data, correlation, and least ?squares regression, basic probability theory, probability distributions (normal distributions and normal curve, binomial distribution), confidence intervals and hypothesis tests using p-values. Note: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details. Credit will not be given in MTH 142 to those with prior credit in MTH 222. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits. Prerequisite(s): MTH 105 or MTH 108 or higher level math course (C or better) -or- two years of approved high school algebra (C or better) and Basic Algebra Readiness -or- an appropriate score on the CLC Math Placement Test, Math ACT, or Math SAT.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code CMM 121
      Course Title

      CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

      Class Description

      For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PSY 121
      Course Title

      PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

      Class Description

      This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose other Mathematics courses instead of MTH 142. Students can also choose other Social and Behavioral Science courses instead of PSY 121.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ENG 122

    ENG 122 English Composition II

    Class Description

    This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
         		3
    CMM 111

    CMM 111 Communication Skills

    Class Description

    For students in career programs or individuals interested in improving communication skills. Acquaints students with a variety of interpersonal communication concepts and theories designed to improve communication competence. The focus is on interpersonal communication but intrapersonal communication is also addressed. Topics include the communication process and factors influencing it, cultural influences, verbal and non-verbal messages, relational maintenance, and productive conflict strategies.
         		3
    CMM 123

    CMM 123 Dynamics of Small Group Discussion

    Class Description

    The study of small groups with an emphasis on decision making and problem solving. A behavioral approach to group communication that includes leadership, interpersonal relationships, communication barriers, conflict resolution, etc. Although of general interest, course should be of special interest to students in business, teaching or psychology programs.
         		3
    PHI 125

    PHI 125 Introduction to Ethics

    Class Description

    In this course, students are exposed to moral theories such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology, and the ethics of care. Students also critically evaluate general moral theories, and fundamental moral concepts. Additionally, they apply these moral theories to contemporary moral issues such as animal rights, environmental issues, reproductive technologies, abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, poverty and famine relief, war and peace, racism, sexism, emerging technologies, and other issues. Students develop and defend their own views on these matters, and evaluate the views of others. By studying and applying moral theories to their own lives, students are encouraged to explore different ways of effecting change in their lives and communities. Throughout the course, students learn about moral concepts such as autonomy, impartiality, utility, rights, responsibility, and justice. Specific attention is given to moral issues relevant to and philosophical contributions made by members of traditionally underrepresented groups.
         		3
    CHM 140

    CHM 140 Chemistry for a Changing World

    Class Description

    This course emphasizes some basic principles of chemistry and their relationship to the modern world. This course will foster an interest in science by preparing students to make effective decisions by developing thinking skills that can be applied to challenges in a changing world. Note: students may not receive credit towards a degree for both CHM 140 and CHM 142.
         		3
    • Course Code ENG 122
      Course Title

      ENG 122 English Composition II

      Class Description

      This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code CMM 111
      Course Title

      CMM 111 Communication Skills

      Class Description

      For students in career programs or individuals interested in improving communication skills. Acquaints students with a variety of interpersonal communication concepts and theories designed to improve communication competence. The focus is on interpersonal communication but intrapersonal communication is also addressed. Topics include the communication process and factors influencing it, cultural influences, verbal and non-verbal messages, relational maintenance, and productive conflict strategies.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code CMM 123
      Course Title

      CMM 123 Dynamics of Small Group Discussion

      Class Description

      The study of small groups with an emphasis on decision making and problem solving. A behavioral approach to group communication that includes leadership, interpersonal relationships, communication barriers, conflict resolution, etc. Although of general interest, course should be of special interest to students in business, teaching or psychology programs.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PHI 125
      Course Title

      PHI 125 Introduction to Ethics

      Class Description

      In this course, students are exposed to moral theories such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology, and the ethics of care. Students also critically evaluate general moral theories, and fundamental moral concepts. Additionally, they apply these moral theories to contemporary moral issues such as animal rights, environmental issues, reproductive technologies, abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, poverty and famine relief, war and peace, racism, sexism, emerging technologies, and other issues. Students develop and defend their own views on these matters, and evaluate the views of others. By studying and applying moral theories to their own lives, students are encouraged to explore different ways of effecting change in their lives and communities. Throughout the course, students learn about moral concepts such as autonomy, impartiality, utility, rights, responsibility, and justice. Specific attention is given to moral issues relevant to and philosophical contributions made by members of traditionally underrepresented groups.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code CHM 140
      Course Title

      CHM 140 Chemistry for a Changing World

      Class Description

      This course emphasizes some basic principles of chemistry and their relationship to the modern world. This course will foster an interest in science by preparing students to make effective decisions by developing thinking skills that can be applied to challenges in a changing world. Note: students may not receive credit towards a degree for both CHM 140 and CHM 142.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose other Humanities courses instead of PHI 125. Students can also choose other Physical Sciences courses instead of ANT 121.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CMM 122

    CMM 122 Business and Professional Speaking

    Class Description

    For students desiring additional and concentrated experience in public speaking. A workshop oriented course covering informative, demonstrative, persuasive and argumentative speaking. Basic goal is for student to think and speak comfortably and effectively before an audience.
         		3
    CMM 127

    CMM 127 Intercultural Communication

    Class Description

    This course will examine the complex relationships between communication and culture by using social, psychological, interpretive and critical perspectives. Additionally, this course will allow one to consider the role that communication has in creating, maintaining, or challenging cultural assumptions, norms, rules and power structures and will also encourage one to consider the importance of social, historical, and cultural contexts in intercultural interactions. Students of CMM127 will explore how diverse underlying cultural orientations and patterns influence communication within and between cultures and will learn to evaluate their own and other's communicative behaviors from a culturally sensitive perspective. Throughout the semester, students will build communication skills with a particular emphasis on bridging cultural barriers through in class and out of class activities. Theoretical and practical aspects of intercultural communication will be addressed with a focus on building culturally competent communication skills.
         		3
    CMM 125

    CMM 125 Communication and Gender

    Class Description

    This course explores how gender influences the communications process. Components of male and female, male and male, female and female, interactions and how each affects our ability to communicate across and within the sexes are reviewed. Major theories of gender communication, and practical approaches to communicating more effectively with persons from the other and same genders will also be examined.
         		3
    SOC 121

    SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology

    Class Description

    This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.
         		3
    BIO 120

    BIO 120 Environmental Biology

    Class Description

    This course focuses on the relationships between humans and the environment. Topics include ecology, population biology, modification of our environment, resource use, land use planning, pollution, and energy. The goal is to better understand the biological and social problems that human use and misuse of the environment cause. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 120 and BIO 140. NOTE: Required, local field trips are scheduled during several (approximate1/2) of the lab periods. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field sites. This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course.
         		4
    • Course Code CMM 122
      Course Title

      CMM 122 Business and Professional Speaking

      Class Description

      For students desiring additional and concentrated experience in public speaking. A workshop oriented course covering informative, demonstrative, persuasive and argumentative speaking. Basic goal is for student to think and speak comfortably and effectively before an audience.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code CMM 127
      Course Title

      CMM 127 Intercultural Communication

      Class Description

      This course will examine the complex relationships between communication and culture by using social, psychological, interpretive and critical perspectives. Additionally, this course will allow one to consider the role that communication has in creating, maintaining, or challenging cultural assumptions, norms, rules and power structures and will also encourage one to consider the importance of social, historical, and cultural contexts in intercultural interactions. Students of CMM127 will explore how diverse underlying cultural orientations and patterns influence communication within and between cultures and will learn to evaluate their own and other's communicative behaviors from a culturally sensitive perspective. Throughout the semester, students will build communication skills with a particular emphasis on bridging cultural barriers through in class and out of class activities. Theoretical and practical aspects of intercultural communication will be addressed with a focus on building culturally competent communication skills.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code CMM 125
      Course Title

      CMM 125 Communication and Gender

      Class Description

      This course explores how gender influences the communications process. Components of male and female, male and male, female and female, interactions and how each affects our ability to communicate across and within the sexes are reviewed. Major theories of gender communication, and practical approaches to communicating more effectively with persons from the other and same genders will also be examined.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code SOC 121
      Course Title

      SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology

      Class Description

      This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code BIO 120
      Course Title

      BIO 120 Environmental Biology

      Class Description

      This course focuses on the relationships between humans and the environment. Topics include ecology, population biology, modification of our environment, resource use, land use planning, pollution, and energy. The goal is to better understand the biological and social problems that human use and misuse of the environment cause. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 120 and BIO 140. NOTE: Required, local field trips are scheduled during several (approximate1/2) of the lab periods. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field sites. This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose other Social and Behavioral Science courses instead of SOC 121. Students can also choose other Life Sciences courses instead of BIO 120.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CMM 128

    CMM 128 Interviewing Practices

    Class Description

    Techniques and skills to improve fluency, accuracy, and persuasiveness in one-to-one communication. Covers all types of interviewing and process of dyadic communication.
         		3
    ENG 140

    ENG 140 Writing for New Media

    Class Description

    Writing for New Media introduces students to strategies for composing content across a variety of digital media, including websites, blogs, podcasts, social media and/or other new and emerging media. Students will learn the fundamentals of new media writing and will explore how text, images, video, and other forms of media interact with one another to create meaning and shape the reader’s understanding of the text. Through a variety of individual and collaborative assignments, students will learn how to write and organize new media content using an appropriate tone and voice, employ storytelling techniques to effectively engage an audience, and compose content that meets the needs of an organization and its readers.
         		3
    HUM 127

    HUM 127 Critical Thinking

    Class Description

    Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
         		3
    SOC 222

    SOC 222 Social Problems

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to sociological perspectives on contemporary social problems. It examines competing definitions of social problems and conceptualizations of how social problems develop over time. The major research methods and theoretical traditions sociologists use to study social problems are presented. The course also analyzes research about contemporary social problems and evaluates social policies aimed at combating these problems.
         		3
    ART 121

    ART 121 Introduction to Art

    Class Description

    This course will introduce students to an appreciation of the visual arts through an intercultural, social/historical approach. The course will also emphasize the nature of the creative process, integrating a study of the conceptual principles, with methods and materials which influence artistic critical thinking, problem solving, exploration, and discovery. Note: A museum visit will be required during the semester at student expense. See course syllabus for approximate cost.
         		3
    • Course Code CMM 128
      Course Title

      CMM 128 Interviewing Practices

      Class Description

      Techniques and skills to improve fluency, accuracy, and persuasiveness in one-to-one communication. Covers all types of interviewing and process of dyadic communication.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ENG 140
      Course Title

      ENG 140 Writing for New Media

      Class Description

      Writing for New Media introduces students to strategies for composing content across a variety of digital media, including websites, blogs, podcasts, social media and/or other new and emerging media. Students will learn the fundamentals of new media writing and will explore how text, images, video, and other forms of media interact with one another to create meaning and shape the reader’s understanding of the text. Through a variety of individual and collaborative assignments, students will learn how to write and organize new media content using an appropriate tone and voice, employ storytelling techniques to effectively engage an audience, and compose content that meets the needs of an organization and its readers.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUM 127
      Course Title

      HUM 127 Critical Thinking

      Class Description

      Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code SOC 222
      Course Title

      SOC 222 Social Problems

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to sociological perspectives on contemporary social problems. It examines competing definitions of social problems and conceptualizations of how social problems develop over time. The major research methods and theoretical traditions sociologists use to study social problems are presented. The course also analyzes research about contemporary social problems and evaluates social policies aimed at combating these problems.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ART 121
      Course Title

      ART 121 Introduction to Art

      Class Description

      This course will introduce students to an appreciation of the visual arts through an intercultural, social/historical approach. The course will also emphasize the nature of the creative process, integrating a study of the conceptual principles, with methods and materials which influence artistic critical thinking, problem solving, exploration, and discovery. Note: A museum visit will be required during the semester at student expense. See course syllabus for approximate cost.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose ENG 123 instead of ENG 140. Students can choose other Humanities courses instead of HUM 127, and other Social and Behavioral Science courses instead of SOC 222. Students can also choose other Fine Arts courses instead of ART 121.

Total Credit Hours

60

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours from academic year 2024-2025. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.


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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.


Female student taking notes in class

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

  • Photo of Za'Tozia Duffie

    Za’Tozia Duffie

    Transfer student

    “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

    Photo of Za'Tozia Duffie

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