Interdisciplinary Studies: Communication Option, Associate in Arts

The Communication option is designed for the student planning to transfer to a four-year college or university with the goal of obtaining a Baccalaureate degree. With careful planning the student will be able to complete lower division transfer preparation while concurrently completing the Associate in Arts degree. Careful course selection is essential for successful transfer in a timely fashion without completing unnecessary coursework.

Students planning to transfer to a California State University (CSU) in Communication should explore completing the AS-T degree designed specifically for transfer to the CSU. An AS-T degree provides the highest priority admission and other benefits for students who successfully complete them. See the college catalog or a counselor for additional information regarding AA-T/AS-T Degrees for transfer to the CSU.

Students are encouraged to see a counselor for assistance in developing an educational plan that will identify the lower division major preparation and general education coursework that corresponds to the intended major and transfer institution. Students should consult www.ASSIST.org for current course articulation in their major. Please refer to the "Essential Transfer Information Checklist" located in the transfer section of the current college catalog. Counseling appointments may be scheduled online by selecting "Counseling" under "Student Resources" on the Delta College homepage, or by calling the Guidance and Counseling Office at (209) 954-5650. Failure to consult with a counselor may unnecessarily delay progress toward transfer.

Communication courses emphasize the relationship of language to logic. Courses in this option focus on how humans produce and process messages and how messages are received and influence others thoughts, attitudes and behaviors. Transfer majors appropriate for this option include but are not limited to: Communication, Communication Studies, Organizational Communication and Media Studies.

Minimum Units Required: 60

General Education

Complete one of the following general education patterns:

  1. San Joaquin Delta College Associate Degree General Education (AA-GE) pattern
  2. California State University General Education (CSU-GE) pattern.
  3. Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum version (IGETC-CSU) pattern

*Completion of the San Joaquin Delta College Associate Degree General Education Pattern may be appropriate for the student who is:

  1. planning to transfer to an out of state or independent 4-year college or university that accepts completion of the Associate Degree for transfer.
  2. following NCAA guidelines.

General Education requirements vary widely from institution to institution. It is highly recommended that students see a counselor or consult the selected baccalaureate transfer campus catalog for appropriate GE course selection.

Courses Within the Area of Emphasis

Complete a minimum of 18 units within the area of emphasis with a "C" or better in each course.

ANTRO 004/HUM 004

Introduction to Linguistics

3

COM ST 001A

Fundamentals of Speech

3

COM ST 003

Interpersonal Communication

3

COM ST 005

Argumentation and Debate

3

COM ST 008

Small Group Communication

3

COM ST 009

Introduction to Communication Theory

3

ENG 001B

Written Communications II: A Critical Introduction to Literature

3

ENG 001D

Advanced Composition and Critical Thinking

3

HUM OO4/ANTHR 004

Introduction to Linguistics

3

MCOM 001

Introduction to Mass Communication

3

MCOM 002

Writing for the Media

3

MCOM 004

Mass Media and Critical Thinking

3

MCOM 011

Newswriting

3

PHILO 030

Introductory Logic

3

Electives

Complete 60 transferable units, to include general education, area of emphasis, and electives as needed with a minimum overall grade point average (G.P.A.) of 2.0. Please note that successful transfer to UC, CSU and many Independent Colleges and Universities or in majors that are impacted will require a higher G.P.A. See your counselor, the transfer campus catalog or www.ASSIST.org for current transfer and G.P.A. requirements.