Study Communication at Inver Hills Community College, a great choice for students in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area
Communication

All human interaction is mediated through communication. In the Communication department at Inver Hills, our studies focus on developing a stronger understanding of the nature of human interaction by exploring how messages are created, transmitted and received through the use of verbal and nonverbal symbols.

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Communication Studies

Contact Information

Shiloh Gideon-Sjostrom
Communication Instructor

sgideon@inverhills.edu
651-450-3658
FA155

Admissions Team

admissions@inverhills.edu
651-450-3000
College Center

The Communication Studies Transfer Pathway A.A. offers students a powerful option: the opportunity to complete an Associate of Arts degree with course credits that directly transfer to designated Communication bachelor’s degree programs at Minnesota State universities. The curriculum has been specifically designed so that students completing the pathway degree and transferring to one of the seven Minnesota State Universities* enter the university with junior-year status. All courses in the Transfer Pathway associate degree will directly transfer and apply to the designated bachelor’s degree programs in a related field.

The Communication Studies Pathway consists of the Required Pathway Curriculum, the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC), and the Health and Physical Fitness Requirement, to bring your credit total to 60 credits.

*Universities within the Minnesota State system include Bemidji State University; Metropolitan State University; Minnesota State University, Mankato; Minnesota State University, Moorhead; Southwest Minnesota State University; St. Cloud State University; and Winona State University.

Degrees

Communication Studies Transfer Pathway A.A. Degree - 60 Credits

Coursework   Program Planning Guide

Required Communication Pathway Curriculum – 12 credits

Communication courses beyond the four recommended courses are not guaranteed to transfer into a Communication major at a Minnesota State university. The courses below must be completed successfully according to the university’s grade standards AND address the required outcomes in the transfer pathway for Communication.

Course Number Title Credits
COMM 1100 Interpersonal Communication 3 cr
COMM 1110 Public Speaking 3 cr
COMM 2230 Small Group Communication 3 cr
COMM 2240 Intercultural Communication 3 cr
Total Credits: 12

General Electives - 18 Credits

Any courses numbered 1000 level or higher from any discipline. This may include additional courses from the MnTC and/or Health & Physical Education.

Additional General Education Requirements - 28 Credits

The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) requires a minimum of 40 credits, some of which will be satisfied by the required pathway curriculum. You must complete the MnTC courses that are specifically designated below, such as ENG 1108 Writing & Research Skills for MnTC Goal Area 1. You may choose the other courses from each goal area from the list located at: www.inverhills.edu/MnTC

To streamline your degree, you are encouraged to choose MnTC Goal 1-6 courses that also meet MnTC Goal areas 7-10.

Goal 1 Communication - 3 courses

  • ENG 1108 Writing & Research Skills
  • ENG 1111 OR 1114 OR 1130
  • COMM 1110 - Satisfied by Transfer Pathway

Goal 2 Critical Thinking - 0-1 course

  • COMM 2230 - Satisfied by Transfer Pathway

Goal 3 Natural Science - 2 courses

1 course must include lab

  • Goal 3a Life Science course
  • Goal 3b Physical Sciences course

Goal 4 Mathematical/Logical Reasoning - 1 course

  • Any Goal 4 course

Goal 5 History/Social Sciences/Behavioral Sciences - 3 courses

  • COMM 2230 - Satisfied by Transfer Pathway
  • Goal 5 course
  • Goal 5 course

Goal 6 Humanities/Fine Arts/Literature - 3 courses

  • Goal 6a (Fine Arts) course
  • Goal 6b (Humanities/Literature) course
  • Any additional Goal 6 course

Goal 7 Human Diversity - 1 course

  • COMM 1100 - Satisfied by Transfer Pathway

Goal 8 Global Perspective - 1 course

  • COMM 2240 - Satisfied by Transfer Pathway

Goal 9 Ethical and Civic Responsibility - 1 course

  • Goal 9 course

Goal 10 People and the Environment - 1 course

  • Goal 10 course

Health/Physical Education - 2 Credits

  • Health - 1 cr
  • Physical Education - 1 cr

For a list of the requirements and courses that you can choose from, go to: www.inverhills.edu/MnTC

Recommended Course Of Study For Communication Studies Transfer Pathway A.A. Degree

Here is the recommended course of full-time study for the Communication Studies Transfer Pathway A.A. degree. Note that not all courses will be available every semester. In many instances, you will be able to choose a specific course from a MnTC Goal Area. For a complete list of MnTC Goal Area course choices, please visit: www.inverhills.edu/MnTC

Communication Transfer Pathway Semester 1 - 15 Credits

Course Number Title Credits
COMM 1100 Interpersonal Communication (MnTC Goal 1,7)* 3 cr
ENG 1108 Writing & Research Skills (MnTC Goal 1, 2) 4 cr
MnTC Goal 5   3 cr
MnTC Goal 6a   3 cr
HLTH 1155 Lifetime Fitness & Wellness (Health & PE) 2 cr
Total Credits: 15

Communication Transfer Pathway Semester 2 - 15 Credits

Course Number Title Credits
COMM 1110 Public Speaking (MnTC Goal 1, 2)* 3 cr
ENG 1111 OR
ENG 1114 OR
ENG 1130 		Research Writing in the Disciplines (MnTC Goal 1) OR
The Research Paper OR
Writing & Research for the Professions
MnTC Goal 4   3 - 4 cr
MnTC Goal 6b   3 cr
MnTC Goal 91   3 cr
Total Credits: 15

Communication Transfer Pathway Semester 3 - 15 Credits

Course Number Title Credits
COMM 2230 Small Group Communication (MnTC Goal 1, 2)* 3 cr
MnTC Goal 3a   3 cr
MnTC Goal 5   3 cr
MnTC Goal 6a OR 6b   3 cr
MnTC Goal 101   3 cr
Total Credits: 15

Communication Transfer Pathway Semester 4 - 15 Credits

Course Number Title Credits
COMM 2240 Intercultural Communication (MnTC Goal 5, 8)* 3 cr
MnTC Goal 3b   3 - 4 cr
General Electives   8 - 9 cr
Total Credits: 15

*Course required for major
1 These credits may be taken as electives if Goal Areas 9 and 10 are completed as part of another course.

Recommended Part-Time Course Of Study For Communication Studies Transfer Pathway A.A. Degree

Here is the recommended course of part-time study for the Communication Studies Transfer Pathway A.A. degree. Note that not all courses will be available every semester. In many instances, you will be able to choose a specific course from a MnTC Goal Area. For a complete list of MnTC Goal Area course choices, please visit: www.inverhills.edu/MnTC

Communication Transfer Pathway Semester 1 - 9 Credits

Course Number Title Credits
COMM 1100 Interpersonal Communication (MnTC Goal 1,7)* 3 cr
ENG 1108 Writing & Research Skills (MnTC Goal 1, 2) 4 cr
HLTH 1155 Lifetime Fitness & Wellness (Health & PE) 2 cr
Total Credits: 9

Communication Transfer Pathway Semester 2 - 9 Credits

Course Number Title Credits
COMM 1110 Public Speaking (MnTC Goal 1, 2)* 3 cr
ENG 1111 OR
ENG 1114 OR
ENG 1130 		Research Writing in the Disciplines (MnTC Goal 1) OR
The Research Paper OR
Writing & Research for the Professions 		2 - 3 cr
MnTC Goal 3a   3 - 4 cr
Total Credits: 9

Communication Transfer Pathway Semester 3 - 10 Credits

Course Number Title Credits
COMM 2230 Small Group Communication (MnTC Goal 1, 2)* 3 cr
MnTC Goal 3b   4 cr
MnTC Goal 6a   3 cr
Total Credits: 10

Communication Transfer Pathway Semester 4 - 9 Credits

Course Number Title Credits
COMM 2240 Intercultural Communication (MnTC Goal 5, 8)* 3 cr
MnTC Goal 5   3 cr
MnTC Goal 6b   3 cr
Total Credits: 9

Communication Transfer Pathway Semester 5 - 9-10 Credits

Course Number Title Credits
MnTC Goal 4   3 - 4 cr
MnTC Goal 6a OR 6b   3 cr
MnTC Goal 91   3 cr
Total Credits: 9

Communication Transfer Pathway Semester 6 - 9 Credits

Course Number Title Credits
MnTC Goal 5   3 cr
MnTC Goal 101   3 cr
General Electives   3 cr
Total Credits: 9

Communication Transfer Pathway Semester 7 - 4-5 Credits

Course Number Title Credits
General Electives   4 - 5 cr
Total Credits: 4 - 5

*Course required for major
1These credits may be taken as electives if Goal Areas 9 and 10 are completed as part of another course.

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Course Descriptions

COMM 1100  Interpersonal Communication   3.0 cr

Is a course that helps students recognize that we live and work in relationship with others and must communicate effectively with them to achieve our goals. This class helps students acquire the skills to effectively communicate with family members, intimate others, co-workers, friends, and acquaintances. After reviewing relevant interpersonal theory, students will examine and identify their own communication attitudes and behaviors. Students will also learn and apply techniques for improving communication in their relationships through active practice. Students will participate in multiple activities, both in and outside the classroom setting, to build their interpersonal communication skills.

COMM 1110  Public Speaking   3.0 cr

Is the introductory study of the theory and practice of public speaking. Public presentation skills are required for individuals to be successful in our workplaces, communities and many other contexts in today's society. Students will learn about the different types of public speeches commonly encountered and learn how to research, organize and write their ideas into clear and understandable forms of public communication. Students will also practice the delivery skills needed to present ideas effectively. Students will be required to speak and participate often and will also be required to present their speeches in a classroom setting with an audience of their peers and an instructor.

COMM 1130  Effective Communication in Organizations   3.0 cr

Provides an overview of the role of communication in organizations and the various skills needed to become more effective as individuals in organizational settings. Specifically, this course will look at the communication contexts of interviews, meetings, teamwork, and presentations. Additional topics will include organizational culture and change, cultural and ethical issues, interpersonal relations, and conflict and negotiation.

COMM 2210  Oral Interpretation of Literature   2.0 cr

Explores aesthetic theory of literature and of oral reading. Includes practice in reading for emphasis, interpretation, and mastery of reading techniques.

COMM 2230  Small Group Communication   3.0 cr

Introduces students to the practice and theory of communicating in small group settings. Working in groups is an integral part of living in today's society. Community and workplace situations require us to be able to lead, participate, and follow effectively. Participating in this course will assist students in developing the leadership, conflict management, problem solving and discussion skills necessary to function in group settings. Students will apply small group communication theory in small, task-oriented groups and develop presentation skills to showcase their understanding of what it means to be an effective group member. Evaluating the effectiveness of their own and others' group communication behaviors is also required.

COMM 2240  Intercultural Communication   3.0 cr

Explores factors that influence communication between individuals of different cultures. In our global society we are increasingly called upon to communicate in a variety of intercultural contexts. Students will develop an understanding of the relationship between cultural orientation and communication behaviors. Identifying their own cultural biases and assumptions will help students increase their awareness and tolerance of individual and group differences. Students will learn to demonstrate cultural sensitivity in interpersonal contacts and identify skills for interacting with people from culture groups other than their own. Students may not earn credit for both COMM 1114 and COMM 2240.

COMM 2250  Topics in Communication Studies   cr

This course is a topics course. Please refer to the course section note for more information on this course. This course may be repeated under different topics.
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Transfer Pathways

With this transfer pathway, you will be able to transfer to the following programs:

  • Bemidji State University: NA
  • Metropolitan State University: Professional Communciation – BA
  • Minnesota State University, Mankato: Communciation Studies – BS
  • Minnesota State University, Moorhead: TBD
  • Southwest Minnesota State University: Communciation Studies – BA
  • St. Cloud State University: Communciation Studies – BA
    Communciation Studies Interdepartmental – BA
    Communciation Studies Supplementary – BA
  • Winona State University: Communciation Studies – BA
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Meet the Faculty

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Employment Information

Effective communication seldom occurs naturally. Communication expertise is honed by applying your knowledge through practice and diverse experiences. If you enjoy studying communication, but have another career path in mind, you will benefit greatly from taking several communication courses as electives. You will broaden your career prospects, increase your self-confidence and become a more sophisticated communicator. Interpersonal and public-speaking skills are always in high demand in the workplace.

Career fields in communication

If you are excited about majoring in communication, you will have dozens of career options.

Advertising

  • Advertising
  • Marketing specialist
  • Copywriter
  • Account executive
  • Sales manager
  • Media planner
  • Media buyer
  • Creative director
  • Media sales representative

Communication education

  • Language arts coordinator
  • High school speech teacher
  • Forensics/debate coach
  • Drama director
  • College or university professor

Electronic media, radio, television and journalism

  • Broadcasting station manager
  • Director of broadcasting
  • Community relations director
  • Film editor
  • News director
  • News writer
  • Advertising sales coordinator
  • Media buyer
  • Market researcher
  • Actor
  • Announcer
  • Disc jockey
  • News anchor
  • Public relations manager
  • Business manager
  • Account executive
  • Talk show host

Government service and politics

  • Public information officer
  • Speechwriter
  • Legislative assistant
  • Campaign director
  • Research specialist
  • Program coordinator
  • Negotiator
  • Lobbyist
  • Press secretary

Health care

  • Health educator
  • School health care administrator
  • Medical grants writer
  • Hospital director of communication
  • Clinic public relations director
  • Health communication analyst
  • Research analyst
  • Medical training supervisor
  • Communications manager for health agencies
  • Health personnel educator
  • Medical center publications editor
  • Hospice manager
  • Health care counselor
  • Activities director
  • Marketing director
  • Health facility fund raiser

Public relations

  • Publicity manager
  • Advertising manager
  • Marketing specialist
  • Press agent
  • Corporate public affairs specialist
  • Account executive
  • Development officer
  • Fund raiser
  • Membership recruiter
  • Sales manager
  • Media analyst
  • Media planner
  • Creative director
  • Audience analyst
  • News writer
  • Public opinion researcher

Below are just a few examples of possible career paths that can start with taking Communication courses at Inver Hills.

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Why Inver Hills?

Taking Communication courses at Inver Hills is smart on several key levels:

  1. You will receive an excellent education with one-on-one interactions with Communication faculty
  2. You will benefit from small class sizes while developing practical, real-world communication skills
  3. You will save money and continue your academic and professional careers with less student debt *

* On a national scale, student loan debt has mushroomed to $1.2 trillion, which is greater than credit card debt and auto loan debt combined. In Minnesota, the average debt for four-year grads tops $30,000; 70 percent carry a student debt load.

Tuition and fees for one year at Inver Hills costs a little less than $5,300. Compare that to $15,000 to $20,000 at a for-profit college, or $40,000 to $50,000 at a private college or university. You can complete your first two years at Inver getting a topflight education firsthand from Ph.D. instructors and then transfer to a four-year as a junior all while saving thousands of dollars. It's a no-brainer.

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