Contact Information
Program Requirements
Typical Program
Degree/Certificate: Associate in Science
HEGIS Code: 5008
SUNY Code: 861
Major Code: CMST
The Career
The ability to communicate effectively through face-to-face and computer-mediated channels is essential for successful personal and professional relationships. The Communication Studies curriculum provides students with the opportunity to develop competent communication skills while examining the fundamental role communication plays in the world around us. Students will learn communication theory and strategies for enhancing their communication, verbally and nonverbally, in a variety of contexts. Courses in Communication Studies will allow students to build the skills necessary to create, send and interpret audience-centered messages while understanding the influence of culture and media on these messages.
Although the Communication Studies degree program is intended to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for transfer into a four-year program, immediate employment in related fields is possible. Generally, and with further education, a Communication Studies student can find employment in a variety of careers, including various media industries such as journalism, social media, public relations or marketing. In addition to these media pathways, graduates can pursue further education and subsequent employment in teaching, law, corporate training, management and other related fields.
The SUNY Niagara Approach
The Associate in Science Communication Studies degree program prepares students for transfer to a four-year college or university. The flexibility of a degree in communication studies allows students the opportunity to use the knowledge and skills he/she has acquired in a variety of programs and careers. Graduates may obtain media-related positions such as account executive, journalist, social media strategist and public relations specialist, however, can also pursue careers in sales, teaching, marketing, human resources, law and customer service.
Although some graduates begin their career immediately after obtaining their associate degree in Communication Studies, most graduates choose to continue their education at a four-year institution and embark on their career after completing their baccalaureate requirements.
Admission
Students admitted in fall, spring and summer. Because of the sequencing of courses, it may take more than four semesters of full-time study if a student begins this program in a spring or summer semester.
Transfer Information
Upon completion of the AS degree in Communication Studies, graduates are encouraged to continue their studies at a four-year institution. Given the flexibility of a degree in communication, graduates can choose to transfer into diverse fields such as communication, education, media, sociology and law. Students most often transfer to SUNY Buffalo State University, SUNY College at Fredonia, SUNY at Brockport or SUNY at Geneseo.
Dual Admissions
Canisius College
Niagara University
SUNY at Buffalo
SUNY Buffalo State University
SUNY College at Brockport
SUNY College at Fredonia
SUNY College/Empire State
Facilities
Opportunities exist both on- and off-campus for students to gain practical experience in their chosen field. Students who wish to develop their writing and editing skills are encouraged to get involved with the SPIRIT, the campus newspaper. The SPIRIT gives students experience in writing, reporting, editing and layout/design. Video and audio production facilities, including a state-of-the art TV studio, enable students to produce professional-quality digital content for their assignments. Both MAC and Windows computer classrooms are equipped with the latest software to provide students with hands-on experience utilizing various applications.
Alumni stress the value of internships and co-operative education experiences to develop skills. Internships can be arranged at local radio and television stations as well as other media industries such as advertising agencies, newspapers and public relations departments of local companies. Students interested in pursuing an internship or co-op should contact the internship coordinator for further information.
Program Goals and Objectives
- To prepare students for transfer to a four-year institution; although, some students seek immediate employment
- To complete at least seven of the ten knowledge and skills areas of general education
- To develop the student’s verbal, spoken, written and visual communication skills and abilities within the frame work of a liberal arts education
Program Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this curriculum the graduate will:
- Apply basic media-literacy skills to improve critical consumption of media content
- Explain the evolving relationship between traditional media and social media and the impact this has on society
- Develop an awareness of how cultural identities and perceptions of others impact verbal and nonverbal communication experiences
- Apply relevant concepts of effective interpersonal strategies to relational, organizational and academic settings
- Recognize how technology and computer-mediated channels have influenced the way we communicate
- Produce written and visual material for video, print, and digital media forms
- Demonstrate the principles and skills involved in researching, organizing, delivering and evaluating oral presentations
- Explain how verbal and nonverbal communication principles can influence the effectiveness and appropriateness of a message
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