Communication

More than Talking

In the broadest sense, communication is the study of human expression both verbally and nonverbally. This program explores all forms of communication through humanistic, social scientific, critical-cultural, and rhetorical methodology. A competent communicator is skilled in creating ethical messages appropriate to audience, purpose, and context.

Program Awards

Our Communication programs are included in the Arts, Communication, Design, and Media field of study and offer these awards:

Award	Location	Estimated Completion	Program Map
Communication Studies 2.0 (SB1440), Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT)	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Communication, Associate in Arts Degree: Transfer Preparation	Chula Vista	# Semesters

Common Careers

Below is a sample of the career options available for the communication major. A few of these require an associate degree, most require a bachelor’s degree, and some require a graduate-level degree. Possible career options include: public relations coordinator, social media specialist, diversity-equity-inclusion/multicultural specialist, public health specialist, manager, event planner, television or radio broadcaster, public administrator, human resources officer, politician, speechwriter, product marketing manager salesperson, organizational leader, learning and development consultant, or non-profit coordinator. 

The average annual salary in this field is $73,490 for occupations like Public Relations Specialist.

Typical Duties

• Communicating with People Outside the Organization
  Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Getting Information
  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies
  Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Thinking Creatively
  Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Working with Computers
  Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public 
  Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
  Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
  Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
  Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Developing and Building Teams
  Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Selling or Influencing Others
  Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
  Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Scheduling Work and Activities
  Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Coaching and Developing Others  
  Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Analyzing Data or Information
  Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
  Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Processing Information
  Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources
  Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
• Training and Teaching Others
  Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Performing Administrative Activities
  Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.