Communication Studies
ApplyProgram Spotlight
Communication Studies focuses on verbal and nonverbal communications, critical thinking and research, and multicultural communication, concentrating on the ways humans interact with one another and how this affects the world around them.
Students enrolled in the Communication Studies Program at Skyline College can expect to become proficient in multiple areas of communication, including public speaking, interpersonal communication, small group communication, intercultural communication, and argumentation and debate.
In order to succeed in Communications, students will develop strong interpersonal and critical thinking skills as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills. Students enrolled in the Communication Studies Program at Skyline College can expect to become proficient in multiple areas of communication, including public speaking, interpersonal communication, small group communication, intercultural communication, and argumentation and debate. The College offers one Associate Degree and two Associate Degrees for Transfer in Communications that provide a clear path for transfer to a four-year educational institution.
Career Outlook
Studying Communications provides a foundation of interpersonal, writing and critical thinking skills essential in almost any career from the sciences or finance to marketing or public relations.
A degree in Communications can be a gateway to a variety of career trajectories including journalism, law, advertising, public relations, marketing, communications, sales, real estate, technical writing and much more. Salary ranges for jobs within these trajectories vary greatly. Public Relations Specialists in California make an average of $81,840 per year according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Real Estate Sales Agents in California make an average of $76,440 per year.
Looking for a list of classes offered this semester?
Check out the current class schedule.All Courses
COMM 110 Public Speaking (3 units)
Study and practice in the basic principles of effective public oral communication. Students will research, prepare and extemporaneously deliver various speeches. Analysis and evaluation of oral, public communication is also included. Relevant social issues may be examined.
COMM 127 Argumentation and Debate (3 units)
Principles and techniques of argumentation and debate, including research in significant social problems and issues, analysis of propositions, evidence, inductive and deductive reasoning, and fallacies of language and thought. Training and practice in the presentation and evaluation of oral and written arguments.
COMM 130 Interpersonal Communication (3 units)
Study and practice of interpersonal relationships. Analysis of the verbal and non-verbal modes of communication. Investigation of communication conflicts in interpersonal relationships and methods of conflict resolution.
COMM 140 Small Group Communication (3 units)
Understanding of the principles of group interaction and decision making, including study of leadership, types of authority, teamwork, and conflict resolution. Participation in discussion groups to share information, to solve problems, and to reach consensus.
COMM 150 Intercultural Communication (3 units)
Designed for students from all cultural backgrounds. Study of basic theory and skills of intercultural communication using round table discussion, public speaking and critical analysis. Emphasis is given to empathy building for communicating effectively in a diverse social and professional environment.
COMM 160 Gender and Communication (3 units)
Study of the relationships between gender and communication in multiple sociocultural contexts. Analysis of the intersectional relationships between gender and identity, culture, perception, power, media, history, language, and nonverbal communication from social science, interpretive, and critical theoretical approaches.
COMM 172 Forensics (1 units)
Development, preparation, and practice of competitive speaking, argumentation, research, and writing skills specializing in one or more of the following areas: oral interpretation of literature, debate, platform speaking, or limited preparation speaking. Students will be required to participate in intercollegiate speech and debate tournaments and/or community events. NOTE: Students who are taking this course to meet the Area B elective requirement for the Communication Studies AA-T should take this course a total of 3 times to meet the 3.0 unit requirement.
| Program | Type | Total Units |
|---|---|---|
| Communication Studies | AA | 60 Units |
| Communication Studies for Transfer | AA-T | 60 Units |
- Effective Communication: Deliver a message using strategies that adapt appropriately to the purpose of a situation; including the specific audience and cultural & psychological climate.
- Effective Communication: Describe the effects of communication, including listening skills, on the perception of human relationships in social & cultural contexts
- Critical Thinking: Demonstrate effective problem-solving communication that leads to successful conflict management by researching verifiable information that supports logically organized main points and claims in a message.
- Citizenship: Communicate ethical core values and individual cultural identity in a variety of academic, personal, vocational and civic situations.
Primary Contact
Communication Studies Faculty
