Communication, A.A.

Associate of Arts Degree in Communication

Students who intend to complete an Associate of Arts Degree in Communication and transfer to a four-year institution should consult with an Indian Hills Academic Advisor and the four-year institution to determine any additional requirements at the four-year institution. 

The Communication Transfer Major provides a foundation for students interested in the life sciences. Graduates of the Communication Transfer Major will receive an Associate of Arts Degree in Communication. This degree provides an excellent foundation for students interested in transferring to a four-year college to earn a baccalaureate degree with a major in communication or related field. The curriculum focuses on oral and written communication, literature, creative writing and media.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the broad nature of the communication discipline.
2. Become informed, responsible, creative and critical communicators.
3. Explain communication theories, principles, perspectives, and concepts.
4. Engage in communication inquiry and practice.
5. Create messages appropriate to the audience, message and context.
6. Critically analyze messages, including one’s own messages.
7. Demonstrate the ability to accomplish communicative goals.
8. Engage in active listening and mindful responses.
9. Apply ethical communication principles and practices.
10. Analyze the diverse nature of communication in cultural and global communities.
11. Develop professionalism as it pertains to a work environment including attention to details, meeting deadlines, and using professional communication.

Career Possibilities

The Associate of Arts Degree in Communication Transfer Major graduate has two major options:

1. After transferring to a four-year program and completing a bachelor’s degree, employment can be found in secondary education, research, public relations, government, dramaturgy, journalism, speech writing, editing (evaluate manuscripts for publication, review books and literary, musical or artistic works), technical writing (prepare service manuals or handbooks; prepare sales literature; write publicity releases, catalogs, and brochures; company newsletters; and trade journals), writing (scripts for motion pictures and television, stage production, radio and television broadcasts; fiction or non-fiction works; newspaper or magazine articles).
2. Complete an advanced degree and develop a career in higher education along with those listed above.

Preparation for IHCC

Students considering a degree in Communication should take four years of high school English, as many literature classes as possible, and a speech class. They should also take any courses that require critical reading and provide opportunities for academic writing, no matter what field.

Since IHCC’s program involves a variety of introductory level courses in literature, speech, creative writing and media, previous experience is not a requirement. Some advanced writing courses, however, require specific course prerequisites. Applicants are required to complete a basic skills evaluation during the admissions process or during the first week of classes for placement purposes.

Recommended Courses

Students are strongly advised to familiarize themselves with the Communication program at the college to which they plan to transfer and work with a counselor at IHCC to plan a program that meets those requirements.

• The listed course sequence is provided as a guide only. The term when courses are offered is subject to change during the school year. 

Program Total: 64 Credits