Nov 24, 2024  
2014-2015 Catalog (never published – original transition from digarc) 
    
2014-2015 Catalog (never published – original transition from digarc) [**** ATTENTION: YOU ARE VIEWING AN ARCHIVED CATALOG ****]

Mass Communication: Associate of Science


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63 credits minimum

Division of Communication and Performing Arts
South City Campus: SCM 1-159
General Information: (801) 957-3099
Program Information: (801) 957-3471

http://www.slcc.edu/communication
Academic Advisor: Cindy Clark, SSC 1-061ME (801) 957-3361
Academic Advisor: Gordon Storrs, SCC 1-061MD (801) 957-3361

Program Faculty:
Professors − Carolyn Clark, Shirley Jones
Associate Professors - Nick Burns, Julie Gay, Art Kanehara
Assistant Professors − Roger Johnson, Tamra Phillips, Shirene McKay, Tyler Smith, Jay Williams

Program Description: An Associate of Science degree may be obtained while pursuing coursework in Communication. The AS requires a minimum of 63 semester credit hours with a cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 or better. Elective hours may be selected from department-approved lists to emphasize the student’s interest area within communication. Communication courses range from a basic introductory course (COMM 1010 ) to specialized courses in broadcasting, journalism, public relations, radio, television, new media technology, and social media. CO-OP Internship (COMM 2000 ) is strongly recommended. Students may earn a portion of their elective credits by accepting and successfully fulfilling an available student internship within their area of interest.

The Mass Communication Center (MCC) sets the Communication Department apart from other college programs. MCC provides a valuable step between coursework and working in the real world. MCC offers students a practicum-based learning environment that supports application of skills to create and produce media for TV, radio, web and newspaper. For more information about MCC visit www.slcc.edu/mcc.

The Communication Department offers an Associate of Science Degree in Mass Communication with emphases in the following:

  • Journalism & News Media
  • TV Broadcast/Video Production
  • Media & Communication Technology
  • Public Relations
  • Radio/Podcast Performance and Production

The Communication Department and MCC also collaborate to provide students independent study opportunities and valuable internships with local media partners. Each provides a greater range of experience and makes SLCC graduates more marketable. As multimedia content continues to surface in all areas of life, this degree gives students endless possibilities as they move to the workforce.

Career Opportunities:  
Advertising Sales Promotions Director
Blogger Production Manager
Commercial Producer Promotion Editor
Computer Graphics Operator Public and Media Relations
Copywriter Radio Board Operator
Copy Editor/Proofreader Radio Copywriter
Digital Video Author Radio Promotions
Disc Jockey (radio) Remote Broadcast Technician
Director (broadcasting) Reporter (print & broadcasting)
Floor Director (broadcasting) Satellite Truck Operator (broadcasting)
Film Director Social Media Specialist
Gaffer Sports Announcer
Graphic Designer Stage Manager (studio)
Grip Technical Director (studio)
Journalist Technical Writer
Lighting Director Teleprompter Operator (studio)
Media Buying Traffic Director (broadcasting)
Media Marketing Specialist Traffic Reporter
News Anchor (studio) TV Anchor
News Editor (print & broadcast) Video Editor
On-air Talent Video Encoder
Photo Journalist Videographer
Podcast Producer Website Designer
Press Secretary Web Publisher
Producer (broadcasting)  

Transfer/Articulation Information: Admission into a major program at a transfer institution depends upon the receiving institution’s requirements for that major. Some major programs are restricted and require a special application as well as a competitive GPA. See an Academic Advisor at both SLCC and the intended receiving institution for specific articulation information. See SPECIAL ADVISING NOTE (below).

Estimated Cost for Students: Cost for general student supplies and texts are comparable with other General Education classes. Classes requiring registration for a lab may require a small replacement and disposable fee to cover the cost of the student’s use of lab facilities and supplies.

Estimated Time to Completion: If students follow suggested sample schedule, completion time is four semesters.

Program Student Learning Outcomes Related College-Wide Student Learning Outcomes
Students completing the AS degree via Communication coursework in either Mass or Speech Communication shall:
  • Acquire substantive knowledge in Communication.
  • Be prepared for further study in Communication or in a related discipline at a four-year college or university.
  • Understand key concepts related to interpretive and social science studies of communication.
  • Demonstrate effective communication in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
  • Demonstrate ability to comprehend and interpret communication texts.
  • Write effectively for business, academic and community audiences.
  • Develop effective public speaking skills.
  • Improve listening skills in the workplace, community, and personal lives.
Students completing the AS degree via Communication with the Speech Communication option must also:
  • Demonstrate a foundational understanding of argumentation, conflict resolution, interpersonal, small group and organizational communication.
Students completing the AS degree via Communication with the Mass Communication option must also:
  • Demonstrate a solid foundational understanding of broadcasting, broadcast journalism, print journalism, media management and communication technology.
1 - Substantive Knowledge
2 - Communicate Effectively
Students completing the AS degree via Communication with the Speech or Mass Communication options will demonstrate the ability to think critically:
  • Recognize basic logical fallacies.
  • Monitor personal communication habits.
  • Use sound reasoning.
  • Incorporate authoritative references.
  • Recognize ethical considerations inherently involved in communication situations.
4 - Think Critically
Students completing the AS degree via Communication with the Speech or Mass Communication options will demonstrate the ability to be civically engaged:
  • Develop cultural sensitivity as a foundation for effective communication with people of diverse backgrounds.
  • Develop an awareness of civil rights and responsibilities for communicators in a democracy.
  • Articulate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Engage in informed dialogue examining conflicting points of view.
  • Respect others’ points of view.
  • Develop an awareness of the role and skills required of communicators as leaders in the workplace and the community.
5 - Civic Engagement and/or Working Professionally

General Education Requirements


Core Skills:


Institutional Requirements:


Lifelong Wellness (LW) 1 Credit


Student Choice (IN or DEPTH) 3 Credits


Distribution Areas:


Choose one course (three credit hours) from each of the following distribution areas. One of the courses must also be a Diversity course (DV).

Biological Science (BS)   3-4
Fine Arts (FA)   3-4
Humanities (HU)   3
Interdisciplinary (ID)   3
Social Science (SS)   3
Physical Science (PS)   3

NOTE: COMM 1050  is recommended for the Humanities (HU)  Distribution requirement.

Emphasis Area Courses (12 - 18 Credits)


In addition to required courses, students must also complete all courses from one Emphasis Area. Courses from the Required Courses and the Emphasis Area will total from 23 - 29 credits. Depending on the credit total from the Required Courses, the Emphasis Area, and the General Education Requirements students may also need to take an Elective Course (listed below) to reach the total minimum number of credits required to graduate (63).

Note:


COMM 1610  and COMM 1130  can be substituted for each other in the Communication program at SLCC. Consult an advisor in advance to find out which course transfers to your intended USHE receiving institution.

Sample Schedule - Mass Communication


For emphasis-specific sample schedules, please see the Communication Department website at www.slcc.edu/communication or consult with your advisor.

Total: 17-18


Spring Semester


Total: 16-18


Fall Semester


Total: 15-17


Spring Semester


Total: 16-18


Advising Notes:


Students are strongly encouraged to take ENGL 1010  and COMM 1010  during their first semester.

It is the student’s responsibility to examine each course description for details of prerequisite classes. Those prerequisites must be satisfied before the designated class may be taken. The semesters in which courses are taught are listed above. Students should check the current class schedule for availability of courses at all sites for day/evening availability and for modification caused by varying enrollments.

SPECIAL ADVISING NOTE for students interested in majoring in Communication at the University of Utah

About 25% of University of Utah Communication students transfer from SLCC.
You are strongly encouraged to get your COMM degree at SLCC before transferring.
A degree in COMM from SLCC benefits you financially as well as provides a solid curricular foundation:

  • 4 SLCC COMM courses may be transferred to your UofU COMM degree; you’ll need a 2.75 SLCC GPA
  • You may take the one-credit UofU course, COMM 3060 Transfer Interest Group (TIG), during Spring semester at the South City campus, for reduced tuition while still a student at SLCC.
  • The TIG course will familiarize you with the UofU’s Communication program, instructors, staff, and facilities.
  • Complete the TIG course and you will receive higher priority for UofU enrollment.
  • Complete the TIG course and you can declare your UofU Communication major upon admission, one semester earlier than other transfer students.

SLCC students are strongly encouraged to take the TIG course, but it is not required to transfer. Students can still complete 9 credit hours at the UofU (including at least one UofU Communication course with a C or better), earn a 2.75 UofU GPA, and declare the Communication major.

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