Communications Associate's Degree Programs with Course Info

Communications as an academic field compares and contrasts various media, examining their societal and cultural impacts. A communications associate's degree program can prepare a student for a variety of careers if he or she chooses to enter the workforce after graduation. Graduates may also continue their communications studies at the baccalaureate or graduate levels.

Associate's Degree in Communications

Associate's degree programs in communications teach students the skills needed to excel in media and writing fields. Communications is a wide area of study that can both address basic writing and speaking skills and examine more specific areas, such as journalism, digital media, film and mass communications. At the associate's level, communications degrees train students in the broader skills of the field while allowing some room for specialization.
Students in these programs learn to present information effectively in a variety of different formats to a variety of different audiences. Students also learn how to apply communication strategies within a corporate setting. Many associate degree programs in communications place emphasis on new media communication, including blogging, online content writing, texting, social networking and video blogging. Such programs also address effective communication across cultures, experience levels and demographic boundaries. Traditional communication media, such as newspaper, magazine, radio and television, are also covered.
Associate degree programs in communications take about two years to complete on a full-time basis. General education courses are required, and course credit is often transferrable to 4-year institutions.

Educational Prerequisites

Associate's degree programs in communications do not often have educational prerequisites beyond a high school diploma or GED; however, many programs note that the most successful students have prior experience in writing, public speaking or journalism. Some schools require high school transcripts, standardized test scores and letters of recommendation.

Program Coursework

Coursework in these communications programs is structured mostly around didactic learning. Hands-on learning may take place, however, especially in the case of communications specializations that require technical competency, such as television, radio and film. Some courses that might appear in the curriculum include the following:

• Introductory mass communications
• Information, technology and society
• English composition
• Public speaking
• Advertising
• Digital media editing
• Public relations
• Media writing
• Interpersonal communication

Popular Career Options

Because of the breadth of study found in communications associate's degree programs, graduates may end up working in a variety of different careers. Here are some job titles available to those with this degree:

• Digital media artist
• Public relations associate
• Journalist
• Blogger
• Social media consultant