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 Communications, 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. Understand the various theoretical and pragmatic skills that enable people to navigate social interaction within multiple interpersonal, small group, public, and intercultural contexts.
4. Become familiar with both field-specific nomenclature as well as effective oral, listening, and critical thinking skills needed to effectively 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 List Units

Course	Title	Units
Required Core
CMST G110	Public Speaking	3
List A
Select two of the following:		6
CMST G100	Interpersonal Communication	3
CMST G112	Small Group Dynamics	3
CMST G220	Essentials of Argumentation	3
List B
Select two of the following:		6
Any course from List A not used
CMST G180	Introduction to Mass Communication	3
CMST G255	Intercultural Communication	3
List C
Select one of the following:		3
Any course from List A or List B not used
CMST G225	Negotiation and Mediation	3
CMST G260	Organizational Communication	3
CMST G265	Gender Communication	3
Major Total		18
GE Pattern (CSU GE-Breath or IGETC)		37-39
Total units that may be double-counted		9-15
Transferable Electives (as needed to reach 60 transferable units)		14-18
Total Units		60

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 List Units

Course	Title	Units
Semester 1
CMST G110	Public Speaking	3
or CMST G100	Interpersonal Communication
ENGL G100	Freshman Composition ^	4
HIST G170	History 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 course		3
Area E: Lifelong Learning & Self-Development course		3
Units		16

Course List Units

Course	Title	Units
Semester 2
CMST G100	Interpersonal Communication	3
or CMST G112	Small Group Dynamics
CMST G220	Essentials of Argumentation	3
Area B1: Physical Science course (with or without lab) *		3-4
Area F: Ethnic Studies course		3
Select one of the following:		3
MATH G100	Liberal Arts Mathematics (UC or CSU transferable)	3
ECON G105	Consumer and Financial Math (CSU transferable only)	3
Units		15-16

Year 2:

Course List Units

Course	Title	Units
Semester 3
CMST G255	Intercultural Communication	3
or CMST G180	Introduction to Mass Communication
Area C: Arts & Humanities course		3
CSU Transferable elective coursework for a total of 6 units		6
Select one of the following NOT already taken:		3
CMST G100	Interpersonal Communication	3
CMST G112	Small Group Dynamics	3
Units		21

Course List Units

Course	Title	Units
Semester 4
PSCI G180	American 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 units		6
Select one of the following:		3
CMST G225	Negotiation and Mediation	3
CMST G260	Organizational Communication	3
CMST G265	Gender Communication	3
Units		15-16
Total minimum units required		60

*

Either B1 or B2 must include a lab.

^

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