Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 SLCC General Catalog 
    
2019-2020 SLCC General Catalog [**** ATTENTION: YOU ARE VIEWING AN ARCHIVED CATALOG ****]

Communication Studies: AS


Associate of Science | 61 credits minimum

Communication and Performing Arts Division
South City Campus
SCM 1-159
General Information 801-957-3099
Program Website
Academic and Career Advising

Program Faculty
Associate Professors - Roger Johnson, Shirene McKay, Tamra Phillips
Assistant Professors - Jodie Jones, Sarah Billington, Ashley Givens, Alison Arndt-Wild, Matt Merkel, Marcie Cancio

Program Description
The Communication Studies program at SLCC is designed to help students develop a broad range of communication skills and an understanding of how communication affects individuals, organizations and societies. This major is designed to increase communication competence, understand and explain communication messages, and improve ability to analyze communication related challenges and come up with effective solutions.

An Associate of Science degree may be obtained while pursuing coursework in Communication. Elective hours may be selected from department approved lists to emphasize the student’s interest area within communication. Communication courses range from basic introductory courses to specialized courses.

Career Opportunities
Administrative Aid/Consultant, Business Manager, Community Affairs Specialist, Communication Analysis, Community Relations Specialist, Communication Researcher, Corporate Trainer, Crisis Manager, Development (fund-raising), Diversity Consultant, Issues Advocate, Events Planner, Negotiation Director, Lobbyist, Political Analysis, Publicist, Speech Writer/Coach, etc.

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 special application as well as a competitive GPA. See an Academic Advisor at both SLCC and the intended receiving institution for special articulation information. For additional information about our transfer and articulation agreements, please visit the Communication Department website. http://www.slcc.edu/communication/transfer.aspx

Estimated Cost for Students
Tuition and student fees: http://www.slcc.edu/student/financial/tuition-fees.aspx
Books: $400-$500

Estimated Time to Completion
Time to completion is 4 semesters based on a full-time minimum of 15 credits per semester. Less than 15 credits per semester will increase time to completion.

Program Student Learning Outcomes Related College-Wide Student Learning Outcomes
  1 - Acquire substantive knowledge
2 - Communicate effectively
3 - Develop quantitative literacies
4 - Think critically & creatively
5 - Become a community engaged learner
6 - Work in professional & constructive manner
7 - Develop computer & information literacy

Acquire substantive knowledge in Communication.

1, 2

Be prepared for further study in Communication or in a related discipline at a four-year college or university.

1, 2, 6

Understand key concepts related to interpretive and social science studies of communication.

1, 2

Demonstrate effective communication in reading, writing, speaking and listening.

1, 2, 6

Demonstrate ability to comprehend and interpret communication texts.

2, 4, 6

Write effectively to business, academic and community audiences.

1, 2, 4, 5, 6

Develop effective public speaking skills.

1, 2, 4, 6

Improve listening skills in the workplace, community and personal lives.

1, 2, 4, 5, 6

Demonstrate a foundational understanding of argumentation, conflict resolution, interpersonal, small group, mass, and organizational communication.

1, 2, 4, 6

Recognize basic logical fallacies.

1, 2, 4, 6

Monitor their own communication habits.

1, 2, 4

Use sound reasoning.

1, 2, 4, 6

Incorporate authoritative references.

1, 2, 4, 7

Incorporate authoritative references.

1, 2, 4, 6

Critique and analyze contemporary contexts applying communication theory and concepts.

1, 2, 4

Develop cultural sensitivity as a foundation for effective communication with people of diverse backgrounds.

1, 2, 5, 6

Develop an awareness of civil rights and responsibilities for communicators in a democracy.

1, 2, 5, 6

Articulate effectively, both orally and in writing.

1, 2, 6

Articulate effectively, both orally and in writing.

1, 2, 4, 5, 6

Respect others’ points of view.

2, 4, 5, 6

Develop an awareness of the role and skills required of communicators as leaders in the workplace and the community.

2, 4, 5, 6

General Education Requirements


Core Skills


Quantitative Literacy (QL) 1 course


American Institutions (AI) 1 course


Institutional Requirements


Communication (CM) 1 course


International & Global (IG) 1 course


Lifelong Wellness (LW) 1 course


Distribution Areas


Select 1 course from each of the Distribution Areas, 5 total courses; 1 course must also be designated as a Diversity (DV)

NOTE Courses that meet General Education requirements may be used to meet program requirements. If this option is chosen, students must complete additional elective courses to meet the total credit hour requirement. Please meet with an academic advisor to discuss options.

Advising Notes


Students are strongly encouraged to take ENGL 1010  and COMM 1020  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 or Weber State University:

  • 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.

University of Utah:

  • 4 SLCC COMM courses may be transferred to your U of U COMM degree; check for GPA guidelines.
  • You may take the one-credit U of U 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 U of U’s Communication program, instructors, staff, and facilities.
  • Complete the TIG course and you will receive higher priority for U of U enrollment.
  • Complete the TIG course and you can declare your U of U 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 U of U (including at least one U of U Communication course with a C or better), earn a 2.75 U of U GPA, and declare the Communication major.

Weber State University:

The WSU Department of Communication agrees to substitute certain required courses for transfer students from SLCC that have completed a course at SLCC approved by the WSU Department of Communication Chair and curriculum committee with a grade of “C” or better.  For a detailed list of approved substitution courses, click here .