Academic Catalogs

Communication Studies 2.0, Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer

Banner Code: 2_AAT_CMST2

Control Number: 44209

Financial Aid Eligible


The Communication Studies Transfer major focuses on how people construct, use, and interpret messages across multiple channels to inform, persuade, manage, relate, and generally influence each other within and across varying cultural venues. Emphasis is also placed on identifying and valuing disparate systems of social norms and values that influence the human communicative process. Students will learn and understand the various theoretical and pragmatic skills that enable them to navigate social interaction within multiple interpersonal, small group, public and intercultural contexts. Students will thus become familiar with both field-specific nomenclature as well as effective oral, listening and critical thinking skills needed to manage effectively communication encounters in diverse social environments. Students will be prepared for a baccalaureate degree in Communication Studies, Speech Communication or a similar degree.

Program Level Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

  1. Construct, use, and interpret messages across multiple channels to inform, persuade, manage, relate, and generally influence each other within and across varying cultural venues.
  2. Identify and value disparate systems of social norms and values that influence the human communicative process.
  3. Analyze the various theoretical and pragmatic skills that enable people to navigate social interaction within multiple interpersonal, small group, public, and intercultural contexts.
  4. Apply both field-specific nomenclature as well as oral, listening, and critical thinking skills needed to manage communication encounters in diverse social environments.

Associate Degree for Transfer Graduation Requirements

Associate Degrees for Transfer require students to meet the following requirements:

  • Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of degree-applicable courses,
  • Minimum overall grade point average of 2.0,
  • Minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major, and
  • Completion of IGETC and/or CSU GE-Breadth.

Students should consult a GWC counselor in order to select the best pathway to meet their educational goals. For students who intend to transfer, the choice of general education will be specific to both their major and transfer institution.

Course Title Units
Required Core
CMST G110Public Speaking3
CMST G100Interpersonal Communication3
List A
Select three of the following:9
CMST G112Small Group Dynamics3
CMST G180Introduction to Mass Communication3
CMST G220Essentials of Argumentation3
CMST G255Intercultural Communication3
or ETHS G255 Intercultural Communication
CMST G260Organizational Communication3
CMST G265Gender Communication3
List B
Select one of the following:3
Any course from List A not used
CMST G225Negotiation and Mediation3
Major Total18
GE Pattern (CSU GE-Breath or IGETC)37-39
Total units that may be double-counted3-15
Transferable Electives (as needed to reach 60 transferable units)8-18
Total Units60

Recommended Program Sequence

These sequences are general course maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, completion of short-term certificates, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. However, this may not be an appropriate path for all students.  The two-year sequence is based on English and Math placement and meeting other course prerequisites. Students are advised to meet with a GWC Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.

Year 1:

Course Title Units
Semester 1
CMST G110Public Speaking3
ENGL G100Freshman Composition ^4
HIST G170History Of The United States To 1876 (Area D: Social & Behavioral Science course)3
or HIST G175 History of the United States Since 1876
Area C1: Arts course3
Area E: Lifelong Learning & Self-Development course3
Units16
Course Title Units
Semester 2
CMST G100Interpersonal Communication3
CMST G220Essentials of Argumentation3
Area B1: Physical Science course (with or without lab) *3-4
Area F: Ethnic Studies course3
Select one of the following:3
MATH G100Liberal Arts Mathematics (UC or CSU transferable)3
ECON G105Consumer and Financial Math (CSU transferable only)3
Units15-16

Year 2:

Course Title Units
Semester 3
CMST G255Intercultural Communication3
or CMST G180 Introduction to Mass Communication
Area C: Arts & Humanities course3
CSU Transferable elective coursework for a total of 6 units6
Select one of the following NOT already taken:3
CMST G112Small Group Dynamics3
CMST G260Organizational Communication3
CMST G265Gender Communication3
Units15
Course Title Units
Semester 4
PSCI G180American Government (Area D: Social & Behavioral Science course)3
or PSCI G181 American Government: The Politics of Race and Ethnicity
Area B2: Life Science course (with or without lab) *3-4
CSU Transferable elective coursework for a total of 6 units6
Select one of the following NOT already taken:3
CMST G225Negotiation and Mediation3
CMST G260Organizational Communication3
CMST G265Gender Communication3
Units15-16
Total minimum units required60
*

Either B1 or B2 must include a lab.

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Program sequence may not be recommended for students who self-place into ENGL G100S. Students should see a Counselor for appropriate advisement.