Communication Studies, an option of the Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts degree program, prepares students to transfer into the junior year at four-year colleges in speech, communication, media production and journalism. It also prepares students for entry-level jobs in some communication fields such as video production, journalism, and media communication. This program includes required courses in speech, communication theory and mass media, as well as electives in specialized fields such as interpersonal and intercultural communications, journalism, public relations, film studies, and video production. At the same time, this program offers students a solid liberal arts education.

Communication students are encouraged to pursue an experiential component in their studies by participating in a co-op, internship, or service learning project in a communication field.

Graduates are able to:

• organize and deliver effective oral presentations
• write clearly, coherently and convincingly
• recognize and apply basic models of verbal and nonverbal communication
• recognize where and how communication breaks down
• recognize and analyze the impact of mass media on society
• recognize and analyze the communicative power of images, whether in print or on film, video, and television

Students enrolled in associate of arts degree programs who intend to transfer to four-year colleges or universities are strongly advised to discuss the New Jersey General Education Foundation of courses with a counselor. Selection of these courses will facilitate full transfer of general education credits completed toward the degree.