About Communication Studies

The National Association of Colleges and Employers consistently rank oral communication, critical thinking, and teamwork as the most important skills in the workplace.

Warren Buffet advises, “Communications skills are the first area I would work on to enhance your value throughout life, no matter what you do.” It is not surprising that those with effective communication skills are more likely to get hired and advance in the professional world. A recent survey in the Wall Street Journal found these “soft skills” are in high demand and short supply. Research also shows that effective communicators are more likely to have satisfying interpersonal relationships, better able to resolve conflict, and more capable of sparking social change.

Pursue an associate of arts degree in Communication Studies. Or simply practice your ability to think critically and present your ideas.
 

Program Options 

Click on the degree or certificate you're interested in earning to see a sample map of courses to take to complete your goal from start to finish. 

Please note that the course maps provided are just an example to help you get started. Please meet with a counselor to personalize the plan to you and your Academic goals. 

View Requirements in College Catalog

Semester 1 

Course NumberCourse Title or AreaUnitsCal-GETC
COMM C1000Introduction to Public Speaking31C

ENGL C1000

ENGL 1AS

Academic Reading and Writing

Optional Support course for students in ENGL C1000

4

2

1A
VariousCal-GETC Area 6: Ethnic Studies6
VariousCal-GETC Area 3: Arts33A

Total Units: 13-15

Semester 2

Course NumberCourse Title or AreaUnitsCal-GETC
CMST 20Interpersonal Communication3 
Various in MATH, STAT, ECONMathematical Concepts & Quantitative Reasoning3-52
POLS C1000American Government & Politics34
CMST 2, ENGL 1B, or ENGL C1001Cal-GETC Area 1: Critical Thinking3-41B

Total Units: 12-15 

Semester 3

Course NumberCourse Title or AreaUnitsCal-GETC
CMST 3 or 4Argumentation/Debate or Group Communications3 
CMST 5Intercultural Communication34
VariousPhysical & Biological Sciences75
CSU U.S. History Graduation RequirementSee Counselor3 

Total Units: 16

Semester 4

Course NumberCourse Title or AreaUnitsCal-GETC
CMST 7 or CMST 38Major Requirement3 
VariousCal-GETC Social and Behavioral Sciences34
VariousCal-GETC Humanities Requirement33B
Transferable ElectiveSee Counselor3 
Transferable ElectiveSee Counselor3 

Total Units: 15

Transfer Options

The program coursework you complete at City College will satisfy lower-division requirements for related majors at several colleges and universities. Start planning your transfer by exploring Communication Studies programs at the following institutions: 

Have questions about transfer? Visit the Transfer Center for help, transfer information, and/or to speak with college representatives.