Program: Media and Communication Arts: Communication Studies, A.A. - Prairie State College

Apr 05, 2025

2024-2025 Academic Catalog

Communication Studies provides students with a comprehensive knowledge of the nature of human communication, the symbol systems by which it functions the environments in which it occurs, its media, and its effects. It focuses on communication interaction between individuals and the impact each has on the other. It is recommended that students complete the entire Media and Communication Arts core at one school. Media and Communication Arts students who wish to concentrate in Communication Studies should complete a minimum of nine credits hours in the major in addition to the General Education Core Curriculum. Remaining credits needed to complete an associate degree should be chosen with the assistance of an academic advisor. Some universities have specific requirements for admission to the major (e.g., minimum GPA., portfolio review, or other forms of assessment). Check with an advisor.

Suggested Curriculum

I. General Education Core (37-38)

Area A: Communication (9 credits)

ENG 101 Composition I 3 hrs transfer credit
ENG 102 Composition II 3 hrs transfer credit
COMM 101 Principles of Communication 3 hrs transfer credit

Area B: Humanities and Fine Arts (9 credits)

Select three courses from the list of Area B with at least one course from humanities and one course from fine arts.

Area C: Mathematics (3 credits)

Select one math course from the list of Area C .

Area D: Physical and Life Sciences (7-8 credits)

Select one life science course and one physical science course from the list for Area D . One course must have a lab component.

Area E: Social and Behavioral Sciences (9 credits)

Select three courses in at least two different disciplines from the list for Area E .

II. Area of Concentration/Major Field (9)

COMM 103 Group Discussion 3 hrs transfer credit
COMM 104 Intercultural Communication 3 hrs transfer credit
COMM 108 Interpersonal Communication 3 hrs transfer credit

III. Electives (15-18)

COMM 102 Persuasive Public Speaking 3 hrs transfer credit
Select additional courses from the list of courses approved for transfer or contact the universities you are considering.

Required A.A. Degree Program Total: 62 credits

Each college and university has its own major requirements and transfer policies. Consult the schools you are considering and a PSC advisor to discuss courses and their transferability.