Associate in Arts for Transfer Degree in Communication Studies
The Associate in Arts in Communication Studies for Transfer degree (AA-T in Communication Studies) is a 60 unit program, which provides students the lower division coursework required for seamless transfer to a CSU institution for the major in Communication Studies. Students who complete the Associate in Arts in Communication Studies for Transfer degree (AA-T in Communication Studies) will be able to identify and explain concepts and theories of human communication, demonstrate effective communication skills in a variety of settings, and report an increased in communication competency.
Students must complete the following requirements:
- 60 semester or 90 quarter CSU-transferable units
- the California State University-General Education-Breadth pattern (CSU GE-Breadth); OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern
- a minimum of 18 semester or 27 quarter units in the major or area of emphasis as determined by the community college district
- obtainment of a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0
- earn a grade of C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.
Students are not required to complete the information competency requirements, PE requirements or cultural diversity requirements found in other degrees at the College.
After completing an A.A.-T in Communication Studies, a student will be able to:
- Identify and explain concepts/theories of communication.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills in a variety of settings.
- Demonstrate increased confidence in communication interactions.
Required Core Courses (3 units)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
COMM 1 | Public Speaking | 3 units |
List A (6 units)
Select any two from below.
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
COMM 4 | Small Group Discussion | 3 units |
COMM 8 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 units |
COMM 20 | Argumentation and Debate | 3 units |
List B (6 units)
Any two of the following or any course not used from List A.
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
COMM 10/H | Persuasive Speaking or Honors | 3 units |
COMM 12 | Intercultural Communication | 3 units |
List C (3 units)
Any one of the following or any course not used above.
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
COMM 7 | Survey of Communications: Career Building Strategies | 3 units |
ANTH 3 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | 3 units |
PSYC 1 | General Psychology | 3 units |
SOCI 1 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 units |
ENGL 1B | Critical Thinking Through Literature | 3 units |
ENGL 1C/H | Critical Thinking and Writing or Honors | 3 units |
Major Requirements: 18 units
CSU GE Breadth or IGETC for CSU Requirements: 37 – 39 units
Elective Units As Needed To Total 60 CSU Transferable Units
Fall, Year 1 (6 units)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
COMM 1 | Public Speaking | 3 units |
COMM 8 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 units |
Spring, Year 1 (6 units)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
COMM 4 | Small Group Discussion | 3 units |
COMM 7 | Survey of Communication: Career Building Strategies | 3 units |
Fall, Year 2 (3 units)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
COMM 12 | Intercultural Communication | 3 units |
Spring, Year 2 (3 units)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
COMM 20 | Argumentation and Debate | 3 units |
Required Core | 18 units | |
Total Units | 18 units |
Associate in Arts Degree in Communication Studies
The Communication Studies Department at West Valley College creates a transformative community within the classroom by encouraging students to listen intentionally, think critically, and speak passionately. This seven course curriculum bridges theoretical concepts and lived experiences, creating a personalized educational journey. After completing an A.A. degree in Communication Studies a student should be able to: demonstrate effective communication skills in a variety of settings and identify and explain concepts/theories of communication. The A.A. in Communications Studies is suitable for preparation for a baccalaureate in Communication Studies, Speech Communication, or Communication. Students may also be prepared for entry level positions in related occupations.
After completing an A.A. in Communication Studies, a student will be able to:
- Identify and explain concepts/theories of communication.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills in a variety of settings
Required Core Courses (18 units)
Select 18 units from the following list. Students have a choice of taking either COMM 10 OR 10H as one of their required courses, but not both.
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
COMM 1 | Public Speaking | 3 units |
COMM 4 | Small Group Discussion | 3 units |
COMM 7 | Survey of Communication: Career Building Strategies | 3 units |
COMM 8 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 units |
COMM 12 | Intercultural Communication | 3 units |
COMM 20 | Argumentation and Debate | 3 units |
COMM 10 | Persuasive Speaking | 3 units |
OR | ||
COMM 10H | Honors Persuasive Speaking | 3 units |
To be awarded an A.A. degree, a student must:
- Achieve a grade of “C” or better in the major requirements.
- Complete additional units to meet the college graduation requirements.
Note: Some transferring institutions will count no more than 12 community college units toward a communication major. Communication units above that number transfer as general electives.
Fall, Year 1 (6 units)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
COMM 1 | Public Speaking | 3 units |
COMM 8 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 units |
Spring, Year 1 (6 units)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
COMM 4 | Small Group Discussion | 3 units |
COMM 7 | Survey of Communication: Career Building Strategies | 3 units |
Fall, Year 2 (3 units)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
COMM 12 | Intercultural Communication | 3 units |
Spring, Year 2 (3 units)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
COMM 20 | Argumentation and Debate | 3 units |
Required Core | 18 units | |
Total Units | 18 units |
Certificate of Achievement in Professional and Workplace Communication
The Professional and Workplace Communication Certificate is a 12-unit certificate designed to provide students lower division course work to build communication skills applicable to the everyday workplace environment. The certificate coursework is intended to help students become more confident and effective dealing with interpersonal and intercultural communication common in a global workplace and in professional communication environments. The certificate focuses on skills that gives students the opportunity to acquire the ability to identify and explain concepts and practically apply competent, professional, and smart career-related communication skills such as business presentations, conflict management, interviewing, cross-cultural competence, active listening, team and relationship building, leadership, and more.
Upon successful completion of this program, a student will be able to:
- Demonstrate improved workforce communication skills
- Demonstrate and apply communication theories and strategies
- Demonstrate successful verbal and nonverbal workplace skills
- Demonstrate the abilities to effectively communicate at work
- Design and deliver business presentations
- Build relationships and teams
- Develop leadership skills
- Implement conflict management strategies
- Conduct and prepare for interviews
- Employ cross-cultural competencies
This Certificate will result in improved confidence and effectiveness in the global workplace and in professional communication environments.
Required Courses (Choose One)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
COMM 001 | Public Speaking | 3 units |
COMM 010 | Persuasive Speaking | 3 units |
Required Courses (Choose Three)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
COMM 4 | Small Group Discussion | 3 units |
COMM 7 | Survey of Communication: Career Building Strategies | 3 units |
COMM 8 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 units |
COMM 12 | Intercultural Communication | 3 units |
Total Major Units: 12 units
Note: 8 of the 12 units must specifically be taken at West Valley College. A max of 4 units can come from other colleges, which includes Mission College.
Recommended Course Sequence
Fall, Year 1 (6 units)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
COMM 1 | Public Speaking | 3 units |
COMM 12 | Intercultural Communication | 3 units |
Spring, Year 1 (6 units)
Course Number | Course Title | |
---|---|---|
COMM 7 | Survey of Communication: Career Building Strategies | 3 units |
COMM 8 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 units |
Complete the Certificate Request Form during or after the semester that you will be satisfying certification requirements.
Submit completed form to proper last name letter group.
Letter Group | Staff Member | Email Address |
---|---|---|
A – L | Elena Karets | elena.karetsFREEWEST_VALLEY |
M – Z | Loretta McMahon | loretta.mcmahonFREEWEST_VALLEY |
Fall Deadline: Sunday, September 18, 2022
Your form will be processed after final letter grades are due, and the Certificate will then appear on your transcripts.
Communication Achievement Award
The Communication Achievement Award is different from the Professional and Workplace Communication Certificate. The Communication Achievement Award is discontinued as of the Fall 2021. However, if you began taking Communication courses to specifically obtain this Communication Achievement Award prior to the Fall 2021 semester, we will honor these course completions and you should complete the application for the Award in the semester that you complete your 3rd Communication Course.
Please submit your application by the last day in April for the Spring semester, or the last day of November for the Fall semester to receive the Award.Submit Petition for Achievement Award
You are eligible if you completed and passed (C or better) 3 Communication Studies courses at West Valley College (or Mission College).
Yes! You will need to take the necessary additional course and you will be eligible to apply for that certificate by going to My Web Services and clicking Apply to Graduate. Always check with your Guidance Counselor.
Learn more about the Certificate of Achievement in Professional and Workplace Communication.
Submit by the last day in April for the Spring semester, or the last day of November for the Fall semester.
Applications will be processed after grades are posted. You should receive your Award by U.S. mail during the summer or winter break. Congratulations in advance!