Communication Studies

Transfer Pathway A.A.

The 60-credit Communication Studies Transfer Pathway A.A. degree program offers you the powerful opportunity to complete an associate degree and transfer with junior-year status to designated communication studies bachelor's degree programs at six Minnesota State universities.

As a student in this A.A. degree program, you will complete the Required Communication Pathway Curriculum (12 credits), General Education Requirements (28 credits), Health/Physical Education coursework (2 credits), and General Electives (18 credits) for a credit total of 60.

Full-time schedule recommendation

See how to schedule your classes each semester to complete your degree in two years.

Full-Time Recommended Course of Study

Part-time schedule recommendation

Recommendations for a part-time schedule are included in the Communications Studies Program Planning Guide (see below).

Communication Studies Program Planning Guide

2024-2025 Required Courses

Required Communication Pathway Curriculum

Course #	Course Name	Credit(s)
COMM 1100	Interpersonal Communication	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 07 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. This course is open to all students and meets the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) 8710.2000, Subp. 7, Standard 6C, D, F, & G. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Summer 2025
COMM 1110	Public Speaking	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02 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. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Summer 2025
COMM 2230	Small Group Communication	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02 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. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025
COMM 2240	Intercultural Communication	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 MNTC Goal Areas: 05, 08 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. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Summer 2025
Total Credits in Required Communication Pathway Curriculum		12

General Education Requirements

Course #	Course Name	Credit(s)
	General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 1) Communication: ENG1108 Writing & Research Skills, ENG 1111, ENG 1114 or ENG 1130, COMM 1100 Interpersonal Communication ‡	3
Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
	General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 2) Critical Thinking. Satisfied by First Year Experience course or MnTC completion ‡
Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
	General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 3) Natural Science (1 course must include lab). Goal 3a (Life Science) course. Goal 3b (Physical Sciences) course ‡	2
Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
	General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 4) Mathematical/ Logical Reasoning. Goal 4 courses ‡	1
Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
	General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 5) History/Social Sciences/Behavioral Sciences. COMM 2240 - Satisfied by Transfer Pathway. Goal 5 courses ‡	3
Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
	General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 6) Humanities/Fine Arts/Literature. Goal 6a (Fine Arts) course. Goal 6b (Humanities/Literature) course. Any additional Goal 6 course ‡	3
Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
	General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 7) Human Diversity. Satisfied by Transfer Pathway ‡
Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
	General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 8) Global Perspective. Satisfied by Transfer Pathway ‡
Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
	General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 9) Ethical and Civic Responsibility ‡	1
Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
	General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 10) People and the Environment ‡	1
Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
Total Credits in General Education Requirements		28

Health/Physical Education

Course #	Course Name	Credit(s)
	Health and PE	1
Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
	Physical Education Elective(s)	1
Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
Total Credits in Health/Physical Education		2

General Electives

Course #	Course Name	Credit(s)
	General Education Credits (Any MnTC Goal Area) Any courses numbered 1000 level or higher from any discipline. This may include additional courses from the MnTC and/or Health & Physical Education. ‡	18
Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
Total Credits in General Electives		18

Total Credits:

‡ Select General Education electives from specified MnTC goal area or from any MnTC goals if none specified.