Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Communication
The Associate of Arts (AA), Emphasis in Communication includes a dynamic blend of theory and practical experience that provides students with a solid introduction to the wide-ranging field of Communication. With an associate degree in Communication, students will gain proficiency in a variety of communication contexts including interpersonal, small group, intercultural, organizational, public and professional speaking. This degree prepares students for their bachelor`s degree transfer pathway and equips them with the communication skill set valued so highly by employers. Coursework provides the foundational conceptual knowledge and tools to understand, analyze, and respond to communication challenges and opportunities in a variety of contexts.
Details
Field of Interest
Culture and Society
Degree Type
Associate in Arts (AA)
Academic Plan
Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Communication (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
8124
Total credits required
60-64
Effective Term
Fall 2024
Notes
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.
What You'll Learn
- Describe the communication discipline and its central questions. (COM100, COM110, COM207, COM222, COM225, COM230, COM263, [FYC])
- Apply communication theories and practices to develop, maintain and manage effective personal and professional relationships. (COM100, COM110, COM207, COM222, COM225, COM230, COM263, [FYC])
- Demonstrate problem solving and decision-making techniques in a variety of communication settings. (COM100, COM110, COM207, COM222, COM225, COM230, COM263, MKT101, (CRE), [CS], [FYC], [HU], [MA], [SG], [SQ])
- Analyze messages in various communication settings and channels. (COM100, COM110, COM207, COM222, COM225, COM230, COM263, GBS221, MAT206, MKT101, PSY230, PSY230WL, PSY290AB, PSY290AC, SWU225, (CRE), [FYC], [HU], [MA], [SG], [SQ])
- Research and create messages appropriate to the audience, purpose, and context. (COM100, COM110, COM207, COM222, COM225, COM230, COM263, MKT101, (CRE), [CS], [FYC], [HU])
- Demonstrate the ability to accomplish communicative goals (self-efficacy). (COM100, COM110, COM207, COM222, COM225, COM230, COM263, [FYC], [HU])
- Apply ethical communication principles and practices. (COM100, COM110, COM207, COM222, COM225, COM230, COM263, MKT101, [CS], [FYC], [HU], [MA], [SG], [SQ])
- Utilize communication to embrace differences in individual, group and public settings. (COM100, COM110, COM207, COM222, COM225, COM230, COM263, MKT101, (CRE), [FYC])
- Evaluate public discourse and discuss and/or advocate a course of civic action. (COM100, COM110, COM207, COM222, COM225, COM230, COM263, MKT101, (CRE), [FYC], [HU])
- Display competence in oral, written, and visual communication in various personal and professional contexts. (COM207, COM222, COM225, COM230, COM263, MKT101, (CRE), [CS], [FYC], [HU], [MA], [SG], [SQ])
- Engage in scholarly research in the communication discipline. (COM207, COM222, COM225, COM230, COM263, (CRE), ENG102, ENG108)
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Credits: | 19-21 | |
| COM100 | Introduction to Human Communication | 3 |
| COM110 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| COM207 | Introduction to Communication Inquiry | 3 |
| COM225 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| COM230 | Small Group Communication | 3 |
| COM263 | Elements of Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| FYE101 | Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success (1) OR | |
| FYE103 | Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success (3) | 1-3 |
Course Sequence by Term
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Credits: | 0-8 | |
| Complete requirements in the transfer option that best aligns with your academic and professional goals. If your intended transfer institution is not listed, then select a combination of courses from the transfer options listed in order to meet the minimum credits required in the Restricted Electives section. Consult with an academic, faculty, or program advisor to prevent exceeding your university transfer program`s maximum transferable credits (typically 64). | ||
| Transfer Plan 1: Arizona State University (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Bachelor of Arts, Communication | ||
| Second Language Requirement: | ||
| Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program`s maximum transferable credits (typically 64). Please see the General Electives for more information. | ||
| Transfer Plan 2: Arizona State University (College of Integrative Sciences and Arts), Bachelor of Arts, Communication | ||
| Second Language Requirement: | ||
| Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program`s maximum transferable credits (typically 64). Please see the General Electives for more information. | ||
| Transfer Plan 3: Arizona State University (New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences), Bachelor of Arts, Communication Studies | ||
| No additional coursework needed. | ||
| Transfer Plan 4: Arizona State University (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Bachelor of Science, Communication | ||
| No additional coursework needed. | ||
| Transfer Plan 5: Arizona State University (New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences), Bachelor of Science, Communication | ||
| GBS221 | Business Statistics (3) OR | |
| MAT206 | Elements of Statistics (3) OR | |
| PSY230 | Introduction to Statistics (3) OR | |
| PSY230WL | Introduction to Statistics with Lab (4) OR | |
| SWU225 | Statistics for Social Research/Justice and Government (3) | 3-4 |
| Transfer Plan 6: Northern Arizona University, Bachelor of Arts, Communication | ||
| MKT101 | Introduction to Public Relations | 3 |
| Second Language Requirement: | ||
| Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program`s maximum transferable credits (typically 64). Please see the General Electives for more information. | ||
| Transfer Plan 7: Northern Arizona University, Bachelor of Science, Communication | ||
| MKT101 | Introduction to Public Relations | 3 |
| Transfer Plan 8: University of Arizona, Bachelor of Arts, Communication | ||
| MAT206 | Elements of Statistics (3) OR | |
| PSY230 | Introduction to Statistics (3) OR | |
| PSY230WL | Introduction to Statistics with Lab (4) | 3-4 |
| PSY290AB | Research Methods (4) OR | |
| PSY290AC | Research Methods (4) | 4 |
| Second Language Requirement: | ||
| Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program`s maximum transferable credits (typically 64). Please see the General Electives for more information. | ||
| Transfer Plan 9: Grand Canyon University, Bachelor of Arts, Communication | ||
| COM222 | Argumentation | 3 |
| MKT101 | Introduction to Public Relations | 3 |
| AGEC-A | Credits: 19-29 | |
| A single course with an [L], [HU], [SB], [SG], or [SQ] designation may also be used to satisfy the Oral Communication, Critical Reading, and/or Awareness Area ([C], [G] and/or [H]) requirement(s). See the AGEC matrix on aztransfer.com for course designation | ||
| First-Year Composition [FYC] | Credits: 6 | |
| ENG101 | First-Year Composition (3) OR | |
| ENG107 | First-Year Composition for ESL (3) AND | |
| ENG102 | First-Year Composition (3) OR | |
| ENG108 | First-Year Composition for ESL (3) | 6 |
| Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L] | Credits: 0 | |
| Met by COM225 in Required Courses area. | ||
| Mathematics [MA] | Credits: 3-6 | |
| MAT140 | College Mathematics (5) OR | |
| MAT141 | College Mathematics (4) OR | |
| MAT142 | College Mathematics (3) OR | |
| MAT145 | College Mathematics with Review (5) OR | |
| MAT146 | College Mathematics with Review (6) OR | |
| Higher approved general education course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area (3-6) | 3-6 | |
| Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Applications [CS] | Credits: 0-3 | |
| Met by GBS221 or MAT206 or PSY230 or PSY230WL or SWU225 in Restricted Electives area OR | ||
| Any approved general education course in the Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Applications [CS] area. | 0-3 | |
| Humanities, Arts and Design [HU] | Credits: 6 | |
| Any approved general education courses in the Humanities, Arts and Design [HU] area. | 6 | |
| Recommended: COM/THP241 Oral Interpretation of Literature | 3 | |
| Social-Behavioral Sciences [SB] | Credits: 0 | |
| Met by COM100, COM110, COM230, or COM263 in the Required Courses area. | ||
| Natural Sciences [SG]/[SQ] | Credits: 4-8 | |
| Any approved general education course in the Natural Sciences (Quantitative) [SQ] area (4) AND | ||
| Any approved general education course in the Natural Sciences (Quantitative) [SQ] area or the Natural Sciences (General) [SG] area (4). | 8 | |
| May be met by PSY290AB or PSY290AC in Restricted Electives. | ||
| Awareness Areas | Credits: 0 | |
| These requirements may be shared with other AGEC requirements. See the AGEC matrix on aztransfer.com for course designations. | ||
| Cultural Diversity in the US [C] | Credits: 0 | |
| Historical/Global Awareness [H]/[G] | Credits: 0 | |
| Met by COM263 in Required Courses area. | ||
| MCCCD Additional Requirements | ||
| MCCCD Additional Requirements | Credits: 0-3 | |
| Courses in this area may also be applied to other AGEC Requirements. To minimize total credits required for degree and maximize transferable credits, it is recommended that courses be selected that meet more than one requirement wherever possible. | ||
| Oral Communication | Credits: 0 | |
| Met by COM100, COM110, COM225, or COM230 in the Required Courses area. | ||
| Critical Reading | Credits: 0-3 | |
| CRE101 | College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking (3) OR | |
| Equivalent as indicated by assessment (0) | 0-3 | |
Course Area Key
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select additional courses 100-level or higher to complete a minimum of 60 semester credits but no more than a total of 64 semester credits. Consult with a faculty advisor, program director, and/or academic advisor to identify coursework that best aligns with academic and professional goals. | ||
| Recommended for Transfer Plan 1: Arizona State University (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Bachelor of Arts, Communication OR | ||
| Transfer Plan 2: Arizona State University (College of Integrative Sciences and Arts), Bachelor of Arts, Communication OR | ||
| Transfer Plan 6: Northern Arizona University, Bachelor of Arts, Communication OR | ||
| Transfer Plan 8: University of Arizona, Bachelor of Arts, Communication | ||
| Complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment. | ||
| ARB+++ Any ARB Arabic course(s) | ||
| ASL+++ Any ASL American Sign Language course(s) | ||
| CHI+++ Any CHI Chinese course(s) | ||
| FRE+++ Any FRE French course(s) | ||
| GER+++ Any GER German course(s) | ||
| ITA+++ Any ITA Italian course(s) | ||
| JPN+++ Any JPN Japanese course(s) | ||
| SPA+++ Any SPA Spanish course(s) | ||
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.