Associate of Arts- Communication Concentration
About this Degree
The Associate of Arts in Communication is designed to be completed in two years. It aims to give students the basic communication skills needed in the communication field of employment and to pursue further study in the field of communication. The AA gives students basic skills needed in the corporate, media, and digital communication fields.
This degree is is beneficial to students who are pursuing a career field requiring an AA degree or desiring to work toward a four-year bachelor's degree later.
With “communication” ranking as the #1 desired skill in job applicants across all industries, effective communicators will always find somewhere they’re wanted for work. Career opportunities with an AA degree in Communication can include:
- Communication Specialist
- Receptionist
- Administrative Assistant
- Freelance Writer
- Proofreader
- Communication Planner
- Social Media Communication Specialist
- Media Planner
- Technical Writer
Contact Information
Department Chair & Faculty Contact
Dr. Shannon VanHorn, shannon.vanhorn@vcsu.edu, (701) 845-7471
Department Location
McFarland Hall 205, (701) 845-7301
Schedule your visit today!
(701) 845-7101 or (800) 532-8641, ext. 7101
About VCSU
Our Foundation
VCSU isn’t just a place to get an education – it’s a community built on tradition that is powered by bright, innovative students who bring new ideas and potential.
Our Students
Here, students can be individuals and embrace their genuine selves while taking advantage of opportunities only VCSU can provide. Take a look at our unique make-up of individuals from all over the globe and different backgrounds, and see what makes us a favored landing place for talented students. VCSU is a launchpad that will help students leap into their careers or prepare them for graduate-level education.
Our Mission
From our humble history as a teacher’s college to our modern, accredited university with over 65 areas of study, we use our focus on technology to make information easy to access and to follow our vision – delivering distinctive, learner-centered experiences.
Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| English Composition | ||
| Select one of the following: | 6 | |
| College Composition I | ||
| College Composition II | ||
or ENGL 125 | Introduction to Professional Writing | |
| or | ||
| College Composition II | ||
or ENGL 125 | Introduction to Professional Writing | |
| College Composition III: Persuasive Writing | ||
| Speech Communication | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Fundamentals of Public Speaking 1 | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| Mathematics | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| College Algebra | ||
| Finite Mathematics | ||
| Precalculus | ||
| Mathematics in Society | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Elementary Statistics | ||
| Lab Science | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
Natural and Physical Sciences (ND:LABSC) | ||
| Concepts of Biology | ||
| General Biology I | ||
| General Biology II | ||
| General Zoology | ||
| Introductory Chemistry | ||
| Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry | ||
| General Chemistry I | ||
| General Chemistry II | ||
| Introduction to Earth Science | ||
| The Earth Through Time | ||
| Concepts of Physics | ||
| Introductory Astronomy | ||
| College Physics I | ||
| College Physics II | ||
| University Physics I | ||
| University Physics II | ||
Additional Sciences (ND:SCI) | ||
| Cognition and Brain Science | ||
| Technology, Engineering, and Design | ||
| Technology Solutions for Society | ||
| Computer Science and Literacy | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Principles of Information Security | ||
| Introduction to Computer Information Systems 2 | ||
| Introduction to Programming | ||
| Introduction to Programming in Java | ||
| Introduction to Structured Programming I | ||
| Social Implications of Computer Technology 2 | ||
| Discovering Computing | ||
| Humanities & Fine Arts | ||
| Select a total of 6 credits from two different prefixes: | 6 | |
| Introduction to the Visual Arts | ||
| Introduction to Digital Media | ||
| Art History I | ||
| Art History II | ||
| History of Craft | ||
| American Sign Language I | ||
| American Sign Language II | ||
| Oral Interpretation | ||
| Introduction to Literature | ||
| Introduction to Film | ||
| Bible as Literature | ||
| Mythology | ||
| Women and Literature | ||
| World Literature I | ||
| World Literature II | ||
| American Literature I | ||
| American Literature II | ||
| Civilization, Thought, and Literary Heritage | ||
| Fine Arts and Aesthetics | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Music Fundamentals | ||
| Valkyries | ||
| Concert Choir | ||
| Athletic Band | ||
| Concert Band | ||
| World Music | ||
| History of Popular/Rock Music | ||
| Ethics and Philosophy of Science | ||
| 1st Year Spanish I | ||
| 1st Year Spanish II | ||
| 2nd Year Spanish I | ||
| 2nd Year Spanish II | ||
| Introduction to Theatre Arts | ||
| Social Science | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Understanding Media and Social Change | ||
| Human Communication | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Human Geography | ||
| United States to 1877 | ||
| United States to Present | ||
| World Civilizations to 1500 | ||
| World Civilizations since 1500 | ||
| Environmental History | ||
| Native American Studies | ||
| American National Government | ||
| State and Local Government | ||
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Introduction to Anthropology | ||
| Additional Requirements | ||
| Select any additional course from Mathematics, Lab Science, or Computer Science and Literacy: | 3 | |
| Select any additional course from the Humanities & Fine Arts or Social Science categories: | 3 | |
| Required Courses | ||
| COMM 200 | Introduction to Media Writing | 3 |
| COMM 212 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| COMM 216 | Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| COMM 311 | Communication and Interviewing | 3 |
| COMM 312 | Gender Communication | 3 |
| COMM 314 | Public Relations | 3 |
| COMM 315 | Digital Communication | 3 |
| COMM 360 | Group Dynamics | 3 |
| Total Credits | 61 | |
- 1
Required
- 2
Course satisfies the Digital Literacy graduation requirement.
Total Concentration Requirement 24 Hrs
Total Credits Needed to Graduate 61 Hrs
For degree and graduation requirements, visit degree requirements and graduation requirements.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 110 (Gen Ed) | 3 | ENGL 120 or 125 (Gen Ed) | 3 |
| COMM 200 | 3 | COMM 110 | 3 |
| COMM 216 | 3 | COMM 212 | 3 |
| Social Science (Gen Ed) | 3 | Lab Science (Gen Ed) | 4 |
| Computer Science and Literacy (Gen Ed) | 3 | Math (Gen Ed) | 3 |
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| COMM 311 | 3 | COMM 312 | 3 |
| COMM 315 | 3 | COMM 314 | 3 |
| COMM 360 | 3 | Humanities & Fine Arts (Gen Ed) | 3 |
| Humanities & Fine Arts (Gen Ed) | 3 | Additional Math, Lab Science, or Computer Science and Literacy (Gen Ed) | 3 |
| Social Science (Gen Ed) | 3 | Additional Humanities & Fine Arts or Social Science (Gen Ed) | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 61 | |||