Communication Studies

Choose a Degree Designed for a Career or Transfer

A communication studies degree from El Camino will prepare you to transfer. Or you can use your degree to enter a career after graduating. We can help you achieve either goal.

Communication Studies Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) Degree 

The AA-T degree in communication studies sets you on a direct path to complete a bachelor's degree at a CSU campus. You will also get priority consideration for admission to the CSU system. 

• Develop personal and professional communication skills useful for any career you choose.
• Gain a strong academic foundation in communication studies and prepare for university study.
• Enroll in a program specifically designed to transfer to a CSU campus. 
• Take classes such as public speaking, mass communication, intercultural communication, small group communication, argumentation and debate, and forensics.
• Complete most lower-division requirements for a bachelor’s degree.

Communication Studies Certificate of Achievement

El Camino’s certificate of achievement in communication studies will help you gain valuable communication skills for academic and professional settings.

• Develop personal and professional communication skills useful for any career you choose.
• Practice skills required by employers including public speaking, cultural understanding and diversity, listening skills, conflict management, effective group communication, and persuasion.
• Examine the theories, methods and practices of communication that contribute to productivity and efficiency in private and public organizations.

Pursue an Entry-Level Job or Further Education

With a communication studies degree or certificate from El Camino, you’ll be set to transfer immediately to begin working on a bachelor’s degree at a CSU campus or work for a variety of employers. Your critical-thinking and problem-solving skills will help build a foundation that can be used in any career path.

• Learn skills in research, organization, critical thinking, and public speaking.
• Build leadership as you work in teams and study groups.
• Communicate ideas in a way that promotes understanding using precision, logic, and professionalism.
• Explore careers in a variety of fields such as advertising, mass media, business, management, sales, training and development, social services, law, politics, and education.
• Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $18,000 to $192,000 with an average salary of $53,000.

Put Your Education into Practice

Get hands-on career experience and opportunities to apply your communication knowledge in real-world settings.

• Join El Camino’s powerhouse forensics team, a nationally ranked group that consistently wins championships at every level of competition.
• Access a variety of guest speakers and internships organized by the Communication Studies Department.
• Attend master classes, activities, and special events through our Center for the Arts, including speakers forums featuring faculty and other professional guest speakers.