AA Communication

Overview

About This Degree

The field of Communication Studies emphasizes how people use messages to generate meaning within and across all kinds of contexts, cultures, channels, and media. This Associate of Arts degree program is intended to fulfill the freshman and sophomore-level requirements in a bachelor of arts degree at a four-year institution.

Pursue Your Goals

This pathway provides introductory exposure in Communication Studies, which can aid students in choosing an area of study that best suits their interests and goals. This program prepares students for transfer to a four-year program in Communication or Speech, with a concentration in one or more of the following areas:

  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Intercultural Communication
  • Organizational Communication
  • Public Communication
  • Mass Communication

Courses

Transfer Credit In

Courses from other accredited institutions can be transferred and used to earn your degree.

Transfer Credits Out

CNM Online Associate degrees transfer to participating four-year colleges in the State of New Mexico. Some restrictions apply.

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All courses are 3 credits, with the exception of Spanish I and Environmental Science for Teachers, at 4 credits.

Composition I

ENGL 1110
In this course, you will develop reading and writing skills that will help with the writing required in their fields of study and other personal and professional contexts. Students will learn to analyze rhetorical situations in terms of audience, contexts, purpose, mediums, and technologies and apply this knowledge to their reading and writing.

Fundamentals of Information Literacy and Systems

BCIS 1110
You will examine systems and their impact on commerce, education, and personal activities, as well as utilization of productivity tools for communications, data analysis, information management and decision-making. 

Composition II

ENGL 1120

You will explore argument in multiple genres. Research and writing practices emphasize summary, analysis, evaluation, and integration of secondary sources. The emphasis of this course will be on research methods.

Introduction to Sociology

SOCI 1110
This course introduces you to the basic concepts and theories of sociology, as well as to the methods used in sociological research. The course addresses how sociological concepts and theories can be used to analyze and interpret our social world, and how profoundly our society and the groups to which we belong influence them. 

Introduction to Communication

COMM 1115
This survey course introduces the principles of communication in the areas of interpersonal, intercultural, small group, organizational, public speaking, and mass and social media.

Introduction to Psychology
PSYC 1110
This course  introduces you to the concepts, theories, significant findings, methodologies, and terminology that apply to the field of psychology.

Business and Professional Communication
COMM 2180
This course develops the interpersonal, small group, and public communication skills most useful in business relationships and professional organizations.

Environmental Science for Teachers
NTSC 2110
Introduces major issues in environmental science with emphasis on science processes, scientific investigations and field-based activities, and the integration of technology. Course topics include current issues on population, healthy ecosystems, and natural resources. Various teaching methods are modeled and practiced by students. Some field trips may be required.

Public Speaking
COMM 1130
This course introduces the theory and fundamental principles of public speaking, emphasizing audience analysis, reasoning, the use of evidence, and effective delivery. 

General Biology
BIOL  1110/L
This course introduces non-science majors to basic biological concepts including, but not limited to, the properties of life, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, evolution, biodiversity, and ecology.

Spanish I 
SPAN 1110
Designed for students with little exposure to Spanish, this course develops basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and basic intercultural competence in interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modes of communication at the Novice Level of proficiency based on ACTFL guidelines.

Logic, Reason, Critical Thinking
PHIL 1120
The purpose of this course is to teach you how to analyze, critique, and construct arguments. The course includes an introductory survey of important logical concepts and tools needed for argument analysis and composition.

Interpersonal Communication
COMM 2120
This course provides an introduction to the study of interpersonal communication. You will examine the application of interpersonal communication in personal and professional relationships.

Contemporary Social Problems
SOCI 2310
This course studies social problems and their solutions. The course will concentrate on sociological perspectives, theories, and key concepts when investigating problems, such as inequality, poverty, racism, alienation, family life, sexuality, gender, urbanization, work, aging, crime, war and terrorism, environmental degradation, and mass media.

United States History II
HIST 1120
The primary objective of this course is to serve as an introduction to the history of the United States from Reconstruction to the present. The elements of this course are designed to inform you on the major events and trends that are essential in the understanding of the development of the United States within the context of world societies.

Developmental Psychology
PSYC 2120
Study of human physical and psychological change and stability from a lifespan development perspective.

Survey of Mathematics
MATH 1130
This course will develop your ability to work with and interpret numerical data, to apply logical and symbolic analysis to a variety of problems, and/or to model phenomena with mathematical or logical reasoning.

Introduction to Race, Class, and Ethnicity
AMST 1140
This course offers an introduction to the field of American Studies through an interdisciplinary examination of race, class and ethnicity in the United States and in a global context. We will examine histories of injustice, and resistance to injustice

Introduction to Theatre
THEA 1110
This course provides an introduction to the study of theatre. You will examine various components that comprise theatre, such as acting, directing, playwriting, dramaturgy, scenic and costume design, stagecraft, spectatorship, history, theory, and criticism.

Careers & Outcomes

Jobs in the Field

  • Advertising and Promotions Manager
  • Agent and/or Business Manager of Artists, Performers, and Athletes
  • Broadcast News Analyst
  • Copywriter
  • Editor
  • Fundraising Manager
  • Marketing Manager
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Marketing Specialist
  • Poet, Lyricist, Creative Writer
  • Producer
  • Program Director
  • Public Address System and Other Announcers
  • Public Relations Manager
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Radio and/or Television Announcer
  • Reporter and Correspondent
  • Technical Writer

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, you'll be able to:

  • Demonstrate communication competence with diverse audiences in multiple contexts to achieve intended goals.

  • Critically analyze communication elements of processes and messages in various contexts and relationships.

Get Started

The CNM Online application process is easy and straightforward.
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