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Communication

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.A.-T. in Communication Studies 2.0

The Communication Department offers a variety of courses designed to meet students’ needs for graduation, transfer, and personal and professional development. Students earning the Associate of Arts degree in Communication will be able to understand and apply human communication concepts relating to presentational speaking, critical thinking, group and interpersonal relationship development, and professional growth.



Transfer: Courses offered by the Communication Department meet a wide range of lower division transfer requirements for CSU and UC colleges. The department offers many courses designed to prepare students for transfer to a variety of disciplines including Business, Communication Studies, Criminal Justice, Education, Liberal Arts, Pre-Law, Mass Media, Management, Psychology, Sociology, and Social Work.



Forensics: The Los Rios Forensics team helps students improve their critical thinking and oral presentation skills. The Forensics team provides a high level of intercollegiate competition through the Forensics Laboratory course. Students who participate in this award-winning team compete in debate, public speaking, oral interpretation of literature and drama, impromptu speaking, and reader’s theater. This program enhances the college experience and polishes the skills that employers actively request.



The Associate in Science in Communication Studies for Transfer provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements of the California State University for transfer. Students with this degree will transfer with junior standing to the California State University system.



The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) student completion requirements (as stated in SB1440 law):

(1) Completion of a minimum of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:

(A) The Intersegmental GE Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University GE-Breadth Requirements (CSU GE-Breadth).

(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.

(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.



ADTs also require that students must earn a "C" or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
COMM 301 Introduction to Public Speaking (3) 3
   or COMM 481 Introduction to Public Speaking - Honors (3)
COMM 321 Interpersonal Communication 3
A minimum of 9 units from the following: 9
COMM 303 Mediated Oral Communication (3)
COMM 305 Oral Interpretation (3)
COMM 311 Argumentation and Debate (3)
COMM 325 Intercultural Communication (3)
COMM 331 Group Discussion (3)
COMM 351 Mass Media and Society (3)
   or ENGWR 384 Mass Media and Society (3)
   or JOUR 310 Mass Media and Society (3)
COMM 374 Forensics Laboratory (1 - 3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
Choose any course not used from the previous lists.
COMM 303 Mediated Oral Communication (3)
COMM 305 Oral Interpretation (3)
COMM 311 Argumentation and Debate (3)
COMM 315 Persuasion (3)
COMM 316 Advanced Argumentation and Critical Thinking (3)
COMM 325 Intercultural Communication (3)
COMM 331 Group Discussion (3)
COMM 335 Conflict Management (3)
COMM 341 Organizational Communication (3)
COMM 351 Mass Media and Society (3)
   or ENGWR 384 Mass Media and Society (3)
   or JOUR 310 Mass Media and Society (3)
COMM 361 The Communication Experience (3)
COMM 374 Forensics Laboratory (1 - 3)
Total Units: 18

The Associate in Arts in Communication Studies 2.0 for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of classical and contemporary human communication theories and their intra- and interdisciplinary natures.
  • critically analyze a wide array of evidence and reasoning to identify and provide appropriate and credible support for written and oral communication.
  • identify and demonstrate effective and appropriate written and oral communication skills, both verbal and nonverbal, in a variety of communication contexts and with diverse populations.
  • identify and demonstrate ethical communication across a variety of contexts.
  • perform as an active listener and provide appropriate feedback.

Career Information

One of the most important skills employers seek is effective communication--often considered more important than job-specific skills. Courses in communication enhance understanding and skills for transfer preparation, professional development, and personal growth. The degree and program enhances opportunities for employment and promotion in fields including education, law enforcement, law, health, management, organizational development, psychology, public service, sales, training, entertainment, and social services.

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Communication

The Communication Department offers a variety of courses designed to meet students’ needs for graduation, transfer, and personal and professional development. Students earning the Associate of Arts degree in Communication will be able to understand and apply human communication concepts relating to presentational speaking, critical thinking, group and interpersonal relationship development, and professional growth.



Transfer: Courses offered by the Communication Department meet a wide range of lower division transfer requirements for CSU and UC colleges. The department offers many courses designed to prepare students for transfer to a variety of disciplines including Business, Communication Studies, Criminal Justice, Education, Liberal Arts, Pre-Law, Mass Media, Management, Psychology, Sociology, and Social Work.



Forensics: The Los Rios Forensics team helps students improve their critical thinking and oral presentation skills. The Forensics team provides a high level of intercollegiate competition through the Forensics Laboratory course. Students who participate in this award-winning team compete in debate, public speaking, oral interpretation of literature and drama, impromptu speaking, and reader’s theater. This program enhances the college experience and polishes the skills that employers actively request.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
COMM 301 Introduction to Public Speaking (3) 3
   or COMM 481 Introduction to Public Speaking - Honors (3)
COMM 321 Interpersonal Communication 3
A minimum of 9 units from the following: 9
COMM 303 Mediated Oral Communication (3)
COMM 305 Oral Interpretation (3)
COMM 311 Argumentation and Debate (3)
COMM 325 Intercultural Communication (3)
COMM 331 Group Discussion (3)
COMM 351 Mass Media and Society (3)
   or ENGWR 384 Mass Media and Society (3)
   or JOUR 310 Mass Media and Society (3)
COMM 374 Forensics Laboratory (1 - 3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
Choose any course not used from the previous lists.
COMM 303 Mediated Oral Communication (3)
COMM 305 Oral Interpretation (3)
COMM 311 Argumentation and Debate (3)
COMM 315 Persuasion (3)
COMM 316 Advanced Argumentation and Critical Thinking (3)
COMM 325 Intercultural Communication (3)
COMM 331 Group Discussion (3)
COMM 335 Conflict Management (3)
COMM 341 Organizational Communication (3)
COMM 351 Mass Media and Society (3)
   or ENGWR 384 Mass Media and Society (3)
   or JOUR 310 Mass Media and Society (3)
COMM 361 The Communication Experience (3)
COMM 374 Forensics Laboratory (1 - 3)
Total Units: 18

The Communication Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See SCC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of classical and contemporary human communication theories and their intra- and interdisciplinary natures.
  • critically analyze a wide array of evidence and reasoning to identify and provide appropriate and credible support for written and oral communication.
  • identify and demonstrate effective and appropriate written and oral communication skills, both verbal and nonverbal, in a variety of communication contexts and with diverse populations.
  • identify and demonstrate ethical communication across a variety of contexts.
  • perform as an active listener and provide appropriate feedback.

Career Information

One of the most important skills employers seek is effective communication--often considered more important than job-specific skills. Courses in communication enhance understanding and skills for transfer preparation, professional development, and personal growth. The degree and program enhances opportunities for employment and promotion in fields including education, law enforcement, law, health, management, organizational development, psychology, public service, sales, training, entertainment, and social services.


A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Arts and Humanities

The Interdisciplinary Studies degree is designed for students who seek a greater understanding of disciplines within the arts and humanities. This program is a good choice for students planning on transferring to the California State University or the University of California. The student will be able to satisfy general education requirements and focus on transferable course work that relates to a specific major and/or individual interest.



It is highly recommended that students consult a counselor to determine the classes within each area that will best prepare them for their intended transfer major.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 18 units from the following: 181
ARABIC 401 Elementary Arabic (5)
ARABIC 402 Elementary Arabic (5)
ART 300 Drawing and Composition I (3)
ART 301 Digital Drawing and Composition (3)
ART 302 Drawing and Composition II (3)
ART 304 Figure Drawing I (3)
ART 305 Figure Drawing II (3)
ART 307 Rendering (3)
ART 310 Pen and Ink Drawing (3)
ART 312 Portrait Drawing (3)
ART 320 Design: Fundamentals (3)
ART 322 Design: Image and Content (3)
ART 323 Design: Color Theory (3)
ART 324 Collage and Assemblage (3)
ART 330 Mural Painting (3)
ART 332 Oil Painting (3)
ART 333 Intermediate Oil Painting (3)
ART 334 Acrylic Painting (3)
ART 335 Acrylic Painting: Abstract (3)
ART 336 Watercolor Painting (3)
ART 337 Intermediate Watercolor Painting (3)
ART 361 Printmaking: Survey (3)
ART 362 Printmaking: Intaglio (3)
ART 363 Printmaking: Screen Printing (3)
ART 364 Printmaking: Relief (3)
ART 366 Printmaking: Lithography (3)
ART 367 Book Arts (3)
ART 370 Three Dimensional Design (3)
ART 372 Sculpture (3)
ART 373 Intermediate Sculpture (3)
ART 374 Sculpture Lab (1 - 2)
ART 375 Figure Sculpture (3)
ART 380 Techniques in Metal Design (3)
ART 381 Intermediate Techniques in Metal Design (3)
ART 384 Metal Design: Emphasis In Casting (3)
ART 385 Metal Arts Lab (1 - 2)
ART 390 Ceramics (3)
ART 391 Intermediate Ceramics (3)
ART 392 Ceramic Lab (1 - 2)
ART 394 Wheel Thrown Ceramics, Beginning (3)
ART 395 Wheel Thrown Ceramics, Intermediate (3)
ART 396 Wheel Thrown Ceramics, Advanced (3)
ART 400 Clay Sculpture (3)
ART 404 Intermediate Clay Sculpture (3)
ART 440 Artists' Materials and Techniques (3)
ART 443 Art Gallery Operations (3)
ART 445 Art Gallery Operations (3)
ART 446 Portfolio Preparation (3)
ART 494 Topics in Art (0.5 - 4)
ART 495 Independent Studies in Art (1 - 3)
ARTH 300 Art Appreciation (3)
ARTH 304 Ancient Art (3)
ARTH 306 Medieval Art (3)
ARTH 307 Italian Renaissance Art (3)
ARTH 308 Renaissance Tradition in Art (3)
ARTH 310 Modern Art (3)
ARTH 312 Women in Art (3)
ARTH 313 History of Western Architecture: Prehistoric to Renaissance (3)
ARTH 314 History of Western Architecture: Renaissance to Modern (3)
ARTH 318 History of American Art (3)
ARTH 320 Multicultural Art in America (3)
ARTH 324 Art of the Americas (3)
ARTH 325 Native American Art History (3)
ARTH 328 Survey of African Art (3)
ARTH 332 Asian Art (3)
ARTH 334 International Contemporary Art (3)
ARTH 410 Early 20th Century Art (3)
ARTH 484 Ancient Art-Honors (3)
ARTH 486 Medieval Art-Honors (3)
ARTH 487 Renaissance Art-Honors (3)
ARTH 488 Modern Art--Honors (3)
ARTH 494 Topics in Art History (0.5 - 4)
ARTH 495 Independent Studies in Art History (1 - 3)
ARTH 499 Experimental Offering in Art History (0.5 - 4)
CANT 401 Elementary Cantonese (4)
CANT 402 Elementary Cantonese (4)
CANT 411 Intermediate Cantonese (4)
CANT 412 Intermediate Cantonese (4)
COMM 305 Oral Interpretation (3)
DEAF 310 American Sign Language I (4)
DEAF 312 American Sign Language II (4)
DEAF 314 American Sign Language III (4)
DEAF 316 American Sign Language IV (4)
ENGCW 400 Creative Writing (3)
ENGCW 410 Fiction Writing Workshop (3)
ENGCW 420 Poetry Writing Workshop (3)
ENGCW 430 Creative Non-Fiction Writing Workshop (3)
ENGLT 301 Introduction to Literature in Hip-Hop Culture (3)
ENGLT 303 Introduction to the Short Story (3)
ENGLT 310 English Literature I (3)
ENGLT 311 English Literature II (3)
ENGLT 317 The English Bible as Literature (3)
ENGLT 320 American Literature I (3)
ENGLT 321 American Literature II (3)
ENGLT 327 Literature of California (3)
ENGLT 328 Literature and The Environment (3)
ENGLT 331 African-American Literature (1730-1930) (3)
ENGLT 332 African-American Literature (1930-Present) (3)
ENGLT 334 Asian-American Literature (3)
ENGLT 335 Latino, Mexican-American, and Chicano Literature (3)
ENGLT 345 Mythologies of the World (3)
ENGLT 360 Women in Literature (3)
ENGLT 365 Introduction to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Literature (3)
ENGLT 370 Children and Literature (3)
ENGLT 380 Introduction to Shakespeare (3)
ENGLT 392 Science Fiction and Fantasy (3)
ENGLT 400 Introduction to Film (3)
ENGLT 401 Women in Film and Literature (3)
ENGLT 403 Film Adaptations (3)
ENGLT 404 Documentary Film Studies (3)
ENGLT 480 World Literature: Antiquity to the Early Modern World - Honors (3)
ENGLT 481 World Literature: Seventeenth Century to Present - Honors (3)
ENGLT 494 Topics in Literature (3)
ENGLT 495 Independent Studies in Literature (1 - 3)
ENGLT 499 Experimental Offering in Literature (0.5 - 4)
ENGWR 301 College Composition and Literature (3)
ENGWR 303 Argumentative Writing and Critical Thinking Through Literature (4)
FREN 401 Elementary French (4)
FREN 402 Elementary French (4)
FREN 411 Intermediate French (4)
FREN 412 Intermediate French (4)
GREEK 401 Elementary Modern Standard Greek (4)
GREEK 402 Elementary Modern Standard Greek (4)
HIST 300 History of Europe and the Mediterranean to 1500 (3)
HIST 302 History of Europe Since 1500 (3)
HIST 307 History of World Civilizations to 1500 (3)
HIST 308 History of World Civilizations, 1500 to Present (3)
HUM 300 Classical Humanities (3)
HUM 310 Modern Humanities (3)
HUM 332 American Humanities (3)
HUM 352 Religious Themes in Western Art, Literature and Music (3)
ITAL 401 Elementary Italian (4)
ITAL 402 Elementary Italian (4)
JAPAN 401 Elementary Japanese (4)
JAPAN 402 Elementary Japanese (4)
JAPAN 411 Intermediate Japanese (4)
JAPAN 412 Intermediate Japanese (4)
KOREAN 401 Elementary Korean (4)
KOREAN 402 Elementary Korean (4)
MAND 401 Elementary Mandarin (4)
MAND 402 Elementary Mandarin (4)
MAND 411 Intermediate Mandarin (4)
MAND 412 Intermediate Mandarin (4)
MUFHL 305 Music Appreciation (3)
MUFHL 309 Introduction to American Popular Music (3)
MUFHL 310 Survey of Music History and Literature (Greek Antiquity to 1750) (3)
MUFHL 315 Jazz History (3)
MUFHL 330 World Music (3)
MUIVI 315 Beginning Voice (1 - 2)
MUIVI 325 Intermediate Voice (2)
MUIVI 330 Advanced Voice (2)
MUIVI 345 Beginning Piano I (1 - 2)
MUIVI 346 Beginning Piano II (1 - 2)
MUIVI 355 Intermediate Piano I (1 - 2)
MUIVI 356 Intermediate Piano II (1 - 2)
MUIVI 357 Advanced Piano I (1 - 2)
MUIVI 358 Advanced Piano II (1 - 2)
MUIVI 371 Intermediate Guitar (2)
MUIVI 372 Advanced Guitar (2)
MUIVI 373 Popular Electric Bass Styles I (1)
MUIVI 374 Popular Electric Bass Styles II (1)
MUIVI 375 Popular Electric Guitar Styles I (1)
MUIVI 377 Popular Electric Guitar Styles II (1)
MUIVI 380 Improvisation Workshop I (2)
MUIVI 381 Improvisation Workshop II (2)
MUIVI 382 Improvisation Workshop III (2)
MUIVI 452 World Drumming (1)
MUIVI 454 Indian Classical Fusion Improvisation (1)
MUP 325 Jazz Band (2)
MUP 335 Concert Band (1)
MUP 355 College Choir (2)
PHIL 300 Introduction to Philosophy (3)
PHIL 306 Environmental Philosophy (3)
PHIL 310 Introduction to Ethics (3)
PHIL 330 History of Classical Philosophy (3)
PHIL 331 History of Modern Philosophy (3)
PHIL 338 Contemporary Philosophy (3)
PHIL 352 Introduction to World Religions (3)
PHIL 368 Law, Justice, and Punishment (3)
PRSIAN 401 Elementary Persian (4)
PRSIAN 402 Elementary Persian (4)
PNJABI 401 Elementary Punjabi (4)
PNJABI 402 Elementary Punjabi (4)
RUSS 401 Elementary Russian (4)
RUSS 402 Elementary Russian (4)
RUSS 411 Intermediate Russian (4)
RUSS 412 Intermediate Russian (4)
SPAN 401 Elementary Spanish I (4)
SPAN 402 Elementary Spanish II (4)
SPAN 411 Intermediate Spanish (4)
SPAN 412 Intermediate Spanish (4)
TA 300 Introduction to the Theatre (3)
TA 302 History and Theory of the Theatre I (3)
TA 303 History and Theory of the Theatre II (3)
TA 308 Diversity in American Theatre (3)
TA 342 Introduction to Acting (3)
TA 350 Theory and Techniques of Acting I (3)
TA 351 Theory and Techniques of Acting II (3)
TAFILM 300 Introduction to Film (3)
TAFILM 302 History of Film (3)
TAFILM 303 History of Film: 1880's through 1950's (3)
TAFILM 304 History of Film: 1950's to Present (3)
TAFILM 320 Cinema Genres (3)
TAFILM 330 Film Making (3)
TAFILM 360 Screenwriting (3)
TGLG 401 Elementary Tagalog (4)
TGLG 402 Elementary Tagalog (4)
VIET 401 Elementary Vietnamese (4)
VIET 402 Elementary Vietnamese (4)
Total Units: 18

1Select courses from at least three areas.

The Interdisciplinary Studies: Arts and Humanities Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See SCC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • evaluate and interpret the ways in which people throughout the ages in different cultures have responded to themselves and the world around them in artistic and cultural creation and expression.

Career Information

Students who complete this degree pattern can find career opportunities in the growing film and entertainment industries; in education; in the design and fabrication industries, and as an independent contractor concentrating in the area of their study.


A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Interdisciplinary Studies degree is designed for students who seek a greater understanding of disciplines within the social and behavioral sciences. This program is a good choice for students planning on transferring to the California State University or the University of California. The student will be able to satisfy general education requirements and focus on transferable course work that relates to a specific major and/or individual interest.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 18 units from the following: 181
ANTH 310 Cultural Anthropology (3)
ANTH 323 Introduction to Archaeology (3)
ANTH 324 World Prehistory (3)
ANTH 331 The Anthropology of Religion (3)
ANTH 332 Native Peoples of California (3)
ANTH 334 Native Peoples of North America (3)
ANTH 341 Introduction to Linguistics (3)
ANTH 481 Honors Cultural Anthropology (3)
BUS 330 Managing Diversity in the Workplace (3)
BUS 345 Law and Society (3)
COMM 321 Interpersonal Communication (3)
COMM 325 Intercultural Communication (3)
COMM 335 Conflict Management (3)
COMM 341 Organizational Communication (3)
COMM 351 Mass Media and Society (3)
DEAF 351 Introduction to American Deaf Culture (3)
ECE 312 Child Development (3)
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community (3)
ECON 302 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
ECON 304 Principles of Microeconomics (3)
ENGWR 384 Mass Media and Society (3)
ETHNS 300 Introduction to Ethnic Studies (3)
ETHNS 320 Introduction to African American Studies (3)
ETHNS 330 Introduction to Asian American Studies (3)
ETHNS 341 The Sociology & Psychology of Mexicans and Latinos in the U.S. (3)
ETHNS 350 Introduction to Native American Studies (3)
ETHNS 351 Native American Policy and Law (3)
ETHNS 360 Introduction to Chicana/o/x Studies (3)
GEOG 302 Environmental Studies & Sustainability (3)
GEOG 310 Human Geography: Exploring Earth's Cultural Landscapes (3)
GEOG 320 World Regional Geography (3)
GERON 300 Sociology of Aging (3)
GERON 302 Psychology of Aging: Adult Development and Aging (3)
GLST 301 Introduction to Global Studies (3)
GLST 302 Global Issues (3)
HIST 300 History of Europe and the Mediterranean to 1500 (3)
HIST 302 History of Europe Since 1500 (3)
HIST 307 History of World Civilizations to 1500 (3)
HIST 308 History of World Civilizations, 1500 to Present (3)
HIST 310 History of the United States (To 1877) (3)
HIST 311 History of the United States (1865 - Present) (3)
HIST 320 History of the United States: African-American Emphasis (3)
HIST 321 History of the United States: African-American Emphasis (3)
HIST 327 History of the Chicano/Mexican American (3)
HIST 344 Survey of California History: A Multicultural Perspective (3)
HIST 360 History of African Civilizations (3)
HIST 364 Asian Civilization (3)
HIST 365 Asian Civilization (3)
HIST 373 History of Mexico (3)
HIST 375 The History of Modern Latin America and Caribbean (3)
HIST 380 History of the Middle East (3)
HIST 381 Modern Palestinian History and Culture (3)
HIST 483 History of the United States - Honors (3)
HIST 484 History of the United States - Honors (3)
HIST 486 History of the United States: African American Emphasis - Honors (3)
HIST 487 History of the United States: African American Emphasis - Honors (3)
JOUR 310 Mass Media and Society (3)
JOUR 320 Race and Gender in the Media (3)
PHIL 368 Law, Justice, and Punishment (3)
POLS 301 Introduction to Government: United States (3)
POLS 302 Comparative Politics (3)
POLS 304 Introduction to Government: California (3)
POLS 310 Introduction to International Relations (3)
POLS 320 Introduction to Political Theory (3)
POLS 322 Political Ideologies (3)
POLS 340 Women in Politics (3)
POLS 480 Introduction to International Relations - Honors (3)
POLS 481 Introduction to Government: United States - Honors (3)
PSYC 300 General Principles (3)
PSYC 314 Animal Behavior and Cognition (3)
PSYC 315 Psychopharmacology (3)
PSYC 316 Cognitive Psychology (3)
PSYC 320 Social Psychology (3)
PSYC 335 Research Methods in Psychology (3)
PSYC 340 Abnormal Behavior (3)
PSYC 356 Human Sexuality (3)
PSYC 360 Psychology of Women (3)
PSYC 364 Psychology of Sexual Orientation (3)
PSYC 367 Psychology of Minorities (3)
PSYC 370 Human Development: A Life Span (3)
   or EDUC 300 Human Development: A Life Span (3)
PSYC 374 Psychology of Aging: Adult Development and Aging (3)
PSYC 390 Psychology of Death and Dying (3)
PSYC 392 Loss and Grief (2)
PSYC 405 Substance Abuse: Effects on Body and Behavior (3)
PSYC 480 Honors General Principles (3)
SOC 300 Introductory Sociology (3)
SOC 301 Social Problems (3)
SOC 302 Introduction to Social Research Methods (3)
SOC 310 Marriage and the Family (3)
SOC 321 Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3)
SOC 335 Sociology of Aging (3)
SOC 341 Sex and Gender in the U.S. (3)
SOC 343 Women and Social Action (3)
SOC 344 Sociology of Women's Health (3)
SOC 345 Global Women's Issues (3)
   or WGS 302 Global Women's Issues (3)
SOC 375 Introduction to Community Building and Change Making (3)
   or CSP 302 Introduction to Community Building and Change Making (3)
WGS 300 Introduction to Women and Gender Studies (3)
Total Units: 18

1Select courses from at least three areas.

The Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See SCC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • evaluate how societies and social groups operate.
  • demonstrate an understanding of the theories and methods employed in the social and behavioral sciences.
  • apply critical thinking skills in evaluating sociological, historical, and psychological phenomena.

Career Information

Students who complete this degree pattern will be well-suited to pursue careers in business, social work, criminal justice, law, politics, and education.

Certificates of Achievement

Applied Communication Skills Certificate

The Certificate of Achievement in Applied Communication Skills serves to recognize students' general development of communication skills. This certificate provides meaningful and marketable skills designed to further a student's personal, academic, and professional growth. The importance of interpersonal and intercultural communication, small group and team skills, and public speaking training cannot be emphasized enough in providing the fundamental skills for successful and fulfilling personal, professional, and civic activities. Students from any major or academic plan may earn the certificate. The student may satisfy several local GE requirements with these courses.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
COMM 301 Introduction to Public Speaking (3) 3
   or COMM 303 Mediated Oral Communication (3)
   or COMM 331 Group Discussion (3)
   or COMM 361 The Communication Experience (3)
   or COMM 481 Introduction to Public Speaking - Honors (3)
COMM 315 Persuasion 3
COMM 321 Interpersonal Communication 3
COMM 325 Intercultural Communication 3
Total Units: 12

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate effective communication appropriate to the diverse needs of individuals, groups, and contexts.
  • identify active listening techniques to aid in comprehending spoken and unspoken messages.
  • analyze the impact of intrapersonal and interpersonal communication on personal and professional relationships.
  • apply ethical communication principles and practices.
  • critically reflect on their own messages before, during, and after the communication event.

Career Information

Virtually every employer survey identifies effective communication skills as highly desired and sought-after. The certificate will not only enhance the student's chances of being selected for that special job or position, but it may also open doors (personally, academically, professionally) that may have never been considered otherwise. Students can utilize their Applied Communication Skills in every employment context. Some examples: Primary and Secondary Education; Public Information; Human Resources Development; Corporate Training; Motivational Speaking; Political Speech Writing; Radio & Television; Advertising; Public Relations; College & University Instruction; Organizational Administration; Negotiation & Mediation Services; Writing for Publication; Personnel Management; Customer Service; Social Science Research; Corporate Imaging; Campaign Management; Marketing; Community Relations; Grant Writing. Some careers may require more than two years of study.


Professional and Workplace Communication Certificate

The Certificate of Achievement in Professional and Workplace Communication is designed to provide students with lower-division coursework to build communication skills applicable to the everyday workplace environment. This certificate focuses on employment and professional growth for people in the workforce, as well as individuals looking for personal growth, employability, upskilling, and reskilling. Students from any major or academic plan may earn the certificate. The student may satisfy several local GE requirements with these courses.



This certificate fulfills one of the most desired skills required by employers: the ability to communicate. By successfully completing the program, students will gain breadth and depth of communication competence to significantly impact future employment and promotion. This certificate will foster improved confidence and effectiveness in the global workplace and in professional communication environments.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
COMM 303 Mediated Oral Communication 3
COMM 325 Intercultural Communication 3
COMM 331 Group Discussion (3) 3
   or COMM 341 Organizational Communication (3)
COMM 369 Gateway to Communication Studies: Personal and Professional Development 3
Total Units: 12

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • categorize the various pathways for communication careers.
  • demonstrate effective and appropriate verbal and nonverbal communication skills in various formal/informal professional settings.
  • analyze the roles of processes in groups and organizations, including decision-making, team development, leadership, power, conflict, and diversity in various communication contexts.
  • identify diverse perspectives and the ways they influence communicating in professional contexts.
  • demonstrate the ability to accomplish communicative goals (self-efficacy).

Career Information

Virtually every employer survey identifies effective communication skills as highly desired and sought-after. Students can utilize their Professional and Workplace Communication in every employment context. Some examples: Primary and Secondary Education; Public Information; Human Resources Development; Corporate Training; Motivational Speaking; Political Speech Writing; Radio & Television; Advertising; Public Relations; College & University Instruction; Organizational Administration; Negotiation & Mediation Services; Writing for Publication; Personnel Management; Customer Service; Social Science Research; Corporate Imaging; Campaign Management; Marketing; Community Relations; Grant Writing. Some careers may require more than two years of study.