The communication specialization degree is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to complete a baccalaureate degree program, usually the bachelor of arts degree, in communications or related fields. Students in the communications specialization may wish to major in the following fields: communication, creative writing, journalism, mass media, popular culture, radio and telecommunications, speech or theatre arts.
Program Information and Curriculum
Social Sciences Degree, AS - Communication Major
Program Description/Purpose: Designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to complete a degree in communications or related fields. Students in the communications program may wish to major in the following fields: communication, mass media, radio, telecommunications, or speech.
Program Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will produce oral messages in personal, social, academic, and business situations appropriate to the audience, occasion, context, and topic.
- Students will use critical thinking skills to demonstrate information literacy in the areas of finding, understanding, and evaluating information and applying, integrating, creating, and sharing information.
- Students will analyze how individual and cultural similarities and differences impact the way we create and present messages.
- Below is the recommended course sequence for full-time students.
- Courses are listed by the semester they are usually offered.
- Course availability in a given semester may vary.
- You can change the order or number of classes each semester, but taking fewer classes in a semester will mean more semesters to finish the program.
- Please discuss your plan including elective selection with your advisor to ensure it meets your academic goals.
- Students who complete this degree will also complete and be awarded the Uniform Certificate of General Studies.
It is highly recommended that students consult with their academic advisor to select the most appropriate courses for their curriculum and/or transferability to another college.
Fall Semester
- SDV 100 - College Success Skills
- ENG 111 - College Composition I
- Math elective selected from the list below 3-5 cr.
- SOC 200 - Introduction to Sociology
- CST 100 - Principles of Public Speaking
Spring Semester
- CSC 110 - Principles of Computer Science OR
- ITE 152 - Introduction to Digital Literacy and Computer Applications
- CST 114 - Survey of Mass Media
- ENG 112 - College Composition II
- PSY 200 - Principles of Psychology
- History elective selected from the list below 3 cr.
Fall Semester
- CST 126 - Interpersonal Communication
- Communication Studies elective selected from the list below 3 cr.
- Natural Science elective selected from the list below 4 cr.
- Arts or Humanities elective selected from the list below 3 cr.
- Expanded Social and Behavioral Science elective selected from the list below 3 cr.
Spring Semester
- CST 201 - Introduction to Communication Theory
- CST 229 - Intercultural Communication
- Literature elective selected from the list below 3 cr.
- Natural Science elective selected from the list below 4 cr.
- Expanded Social and Behavioral Science elective selected from the list below 3 cr.
Program Total: 60 Credits
Arts Electives
Communication Studies Elective
History Electives
Humanities Electives
- HUM 201 - Early Humanities
- HUM 202 - Modern Humanities
- HUM 216 - Introduction to Non-Western Cultures
- HUM 256 - Comparative Mythology
- HUM 259 - The Greek and Roman Tradition
- PHI 100 - Introduction to Philosophy
- PHI 111 - Logic
- PHI 220 - Ethics and Society
- REL 100 - Introduction to the Study of Religion
- REL 230 - Religions of the World
Literature Electives
Math Electives
Natural Science Electives
- BIO 101 - General Biology I
- BIO 102 - General Biology II
- CHM 101 - Introductory Chemistry
- CHM 111 - General Chemistry I
- CHM 112 - General Chemistry II
- ENV 121 - Foundations of Environmental Science
- ENV 122 - Applications in Environmental Science
- GOL 105 - Physical Geology
- GOL 106 - Historical Geology
- PHY 100 - Elements of Physics
- PHY 201 - General College Physics I
- PHY 202 - General College Physics II
- PHY 241 - University Physics I
- PHY 242 - University Physics II
Expanded Social and Behavioral Science Electives
- ECO 150 - Economic Essentials: Theory and Application
- ECO 201 - Principles of Macroeconomics
- ECO 202 - Principles of Microeconomics
- GEO 210 - People & the Land: Introduction to Cultural Geography
- GEO 220 - World Regional Geography
- PLS 135 - U.S. Government and Politics
- PLS 241 - Introduction to International Relations
- PSY 200 - Principles of Psychology
- PSY 215 - Psychopathology
- PSY 230 - Developmental Psychology
- SOC 200 - Introduction to Sociology
- SOC 266 - Race and Ethnicity
- SOC 268 - Social Problems
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Transfer Statement
The associate of arts and sciences (AA&S) and associate of science (AS) degrees are designed to provide freshman and sophomore level course work toward the completion of a bachelor’s degree. These programs require students to take essentially the same courses as required by their four-year college or university counterparts.
To help facilitate the transfer process, Laurel Ridge has created a Transfer webpage that provides detailed information such as tuition, GPA, application requirements, course equivalents, and other information that may be useful in the transfer process.
The Virginia Community College System also offers a Transfer Planning Tool through the Virginia Education Wizard.
Laurel Ridge offers many services and programs to assist transfer students. Students are encouraged to seek the assistance of an advisor to gain additional information to plan a successful transfer experience.
Tuition and Funding Options
Tuition rates for this program are approximately one-third the cost of attending a four-year college or university in Virginia. Compare savings now!
An estimated $15.2 million dollars in grants, loans, work-study and scholarships are awarded to Laurel Ridge Community College students each year. We are committed to using all available funds to help you gain access to a college education.
Payment plans are offered to break down tuition payments.
View all financial aid, payment options, and more HERE.
Have a Question?
Do you have a specific question about this program or how to get started at Laurel Ridge? Please use the form below and a member of our staff will respond as soon as possible.
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