Communication

Southwest recognizes the role of effective communication in any successful career.

The Department of Communications, Graphic and Fine Arts offers two degrees: the Associate of Arts in Communication, and the Associate of Science in Communication.

Both are two-year university parallel degrees. They are designed for students planning to enter the workforce upon graduation or continue their education to earn a bachelor’s degree in communication or related degree at a four-year college.

Why choose a career in Communication?

Communication majors can choose from a variety of career fields including: journalism, film and video production, broadcasting, public relations, advertising, marketing, mass communication, media management and corporate communication.

According to the U.S. Census, 1.2 million people between the ages of 25 and 64 have graduated from a communication degree program and are employed in full-time work. The U.S. Bureau of Labor reports that employment of media and communication jobs is projected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026. Demand for media and communication jobs is expected to arise from the need to create, edit, translate and disseminate information through a variety of platforms.

What types of jobs require these skills?

Public Relations Specialist
Communication Director
Journalist
Media Relations Manager
News Reporters
Radio and Television Broadcaster
Promotions Manager
Brand Manager
Social Media Manager
Film and Video Producer
Advertising Account Executive
Sales and Marketing Executive
Event Coordinator
Technical Writer/Editor

What will I learn in the program?

If you enroll in communication at Southwest, you will learn about the foundations of this career field. Instructors will also introduce you to the main skills and knowledge you will need for entry-level roles. A variety of media types are covered, including print, online, audio and visual. Topics range from writing press releases and addressing public relations issues to small group communication and problem solving. You will also learn how to develop a portfolio.

Communication is a broad area of study. Students will be introduced to the following:

Written and verbal communication techniques, including media writing
Critical and logical thinking, research, and listening skills
An examination of various forms of print, broadcast and social media, including their past and present impact on society

What are the degree requirements?

A major in communication from Southwest requires 60 hours, including 12 core classes.

What courses will be offered?

For a list of courses offered for each degree, see our communication degrees flyer.

COMM 1010 Introduction to Mass Communication*
COMM 1020 Introduction to Media Writing*
COMM 2025 Fundamentals of Communication*
COMM 2045 Public Speaking
COMM 2075 Organizational Communication
COMM 2100 Communication Inquiry*
COMM 2450 Introduction to Public Relations
COMM 2610 Basic Oral Interpretation
COMM 2620 Intermediate Oral Interpretation
ENGL 2860 Introduction to Film
COMM 2850 American Cinema & Culture
*Required Courses

For catalog and program information click one of the following:

Communication Emphasis, Associate of Arts
Communication Emphasis, Associate of Science
Communication Emphasis, University Parallel Associate of Arts
Communication Emphasis, University Parallel Associate of Science