Communication Studies, AA-T

The Associate in Arts for Transfer degree in Communication Studies is designed as a seamless pathway for students planning to transfer to a California State University (CSU) with a major in Communication Studies. Communication skills are essential to personal and professional success. Good communication skills promote self-confidence and enable individuals to exert more control over their lives because they are able to effectively research, conceptualize, organize, and present ideas and arguments. This is the corner stone to citizen-participation, which is the foundation of a democratic society. There is also a consistent body of evidence that supports the importance of communication skills in the workplace. Effective communication skills frequently are listed as an essential qualification for employment; employers report that they consistently rank communication competence above technical knowledge when hiring and promoting employees. Additionally, business leaders describe successful employees as those who possess the ability to ethically express their ideas to others with confidence and clarity. Furthermore, the globalization of business due in large part to the accessibility and immediacy of electronic communications, has made cross-cultural and multi-linguistic communications skills in high demand. This is why a degree in Communication Studies can lead to exciting careers in business, marketing, human resources, sales, education, politics, public relations and many more fields. Communication Studies courses help students develop communication skills that they will use throughout their lives in a wide range of settings and for a variety of purposes. When students graduate with a Communication Studies degree from Delta College, they will be able to work cooperatively in small groups, apply communication concepts, write and speak proficiently in a variety of settings, employ research methods, employ critical thinking skills, utilize media and technology, and much more. Essentially, students will possess the communication skills that they will use throughout their lives to strengthen relationships, contribute to their communities, advance professionally and gain greater self-confidence.

Program Learning Outcomes

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

1. Employ critical thinking skills.
2. Apply research methods.
3. Write proficiently at college level.
4. Speak proficiently in a variety of contexts.
5. Apply communication concepts.
6. Work cooperatively in small groups.
7. Communicate proficiently utilizing media and technology.