AA Degree Requirements - Communication

Liberal Arts and Sciences AA Degree Requirements, Emphasis in Communication: Frequently asked questions

What is the Liberal Arts and Sciences degree?

The Liberal Arts and Sciences degree is designed to give students a foundational degree that may either be used as a basis for transfer to a four-year college or university, or to serve those students who wish to enter the workforce prepared with an associate degree. Students wishing to transfer must select General education Plan B for transfer to a California State University or Plan C for transfer to either a California State University or a University of California. Students planning this degree as preparation for the work force may select Plan A. See the general education section of the catalog for details.

What is the Communication Area emphasis?

The Communication Area of emphasis is designed to give the student both foundational and proficient knowledge and skill to communicate effectively in today’s world. Students will apply principles of language for clear, concise expression and logical thought. The emphasis begins with courses in oral communication, reading, and written communication. The next level of courses uses these communication methods to express complex concepts and critical opinions in the education as well as the vocational setting. This area of emphasis will prepare students for possible baccalaureate degree majors in communication, communication studies, public speaking, philosophy, and education. Students pursuing these studies may seek careers in politics, public policy, education, law, and business.

Is the Liberal Arts and Sciences degree the same as the Communication Studies AA-T degree?

No. The Communication Studies AA-T degree is designed for students majoring in communication studies and has different requirements than the Liberal Arts and Sciences degree.

Degree Requirements

Students must satisfy the following requirements to receive the Liberal Arts and Sciences AA degree:

  1. Completion of Plan A, B, or C of the General education requirements and meet required proficiencies. These requirements and proficiencies are specified in the Associate in Arts Degree General education requirements of the Catalog.
  2. Completion of a minimum of 60 degree-applicable units.
  3. Completion of 18 units in Communication area of emphasis with a grade of Pass or “C” or higher in each course.
  4. Courses may be used to satisfy both a general education requirement and a major or area of emphasis requirement. Whether it may be counted again for a different degree requirement is up to each transfer institution.
  5. Repeatable courses may be counted toward an area of emphasis only once.

Degree Coursework

Communication Courses:

Select 6 units from the following courses:

  • Communication Studies 100: Introduction to Communication Studies (3 units) OR Communication Studies 130: Public Speaking (3 units)
  • Communication Studies 110:Intercultural Communication (3 units) OR Communication Studies 125: Organizational Communication (3 units)

Critical Thinking Courses:

Select 3 units from the following courses:

  • Communication Studies 103: Argumentation, Persuasion, and Critical Thinking (3 units)
  • English 101: Critical Thinking Through Literature (3 units)
  • English 103: Critical and Argumentative Writing (3 units)
  • Interdisciplinary Studies 100: Principles and Strategies for Problem Solving (3 units)
  • Philosophy 103: Philosophical Reasoning – Critical Thinking in Philosophy (3 units)
  • Philosophy 106: Introduction to Logic (3 units)
  • Psychology 103:Critical Thinking in Psychology (3 units)
  • Reading 200:Analysis and Critical Thinking (3 units)

Additional Courses:

Select at least 9 additional units from at least two disciplines from the following courses:

  • Communication Studies 100: Introduction to Communication Studies (3 units)
  • Communication Studies 103: Argumentation, Persuasion, and Critical Thinking (3 units)
  • Communication Studies 110: Intercultural Communication (3 units)
  • Communication Studies 125: Organizational Communication (3 units)
  • Communication Studies 130: Public Speaking (3 units)
  • Communication Studies 231: Forensics Activity (1 unit)
  • Communication Studies 232: Forensics Activity (2 units)
  • Communication Studies 233: Forensics Activity (3 units)
  • Counseling 150:Dynamics of Leadership (3 units)
  • Counseling 200:Success in College and Career (3 units)
  • English 101: Critical Thinking Through Literature (3 units)
  • English 103:Critical and Argumentative Writing (3 units)
  • Interdisciplinary Studies 100:Principles and Strategies for Problem Solving (3 units)
  • Library 100:Introduction to Library Resources (1 unit)
  • Philosophy 103:Philosophical Reasoning – Critical Thinking in Philosophy (3 units)
  • Philosophy 106: Introduction to Logic (3 units)
  • Psychology 103: Critical Thinking in Psychology (3 units)
  • Psychology 220:Research Methods (3 units)
  • Reading 200:Analysis and Critical Thinking (3 units)
  • Sociology 205:Introduction to Social Science Research (3 units)