Communication Studies

Our Communication Studies program offers courses that develop personal and professional communication skills in interpersonal and group settings to students seeking a degree or to transfer to four-year degree programs. These courses build skills in research, organization, critical thinking, argumentation, and forensics (competitive speaking). Students who pursue a degree in Communications can explore careers in advertising, sales, law, politics, education, and more. 

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.

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Certificate

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.

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Going to El Camino College was probably the best decision I’ve ever made. After all these years trying to find myself, I’m finally here. And this is just the beginning.”
Jenifer Tovar, communication studies graduate, Class of 2020 student speaker

Get Involved!

Award-Winning Forensics Program

The Forensics Program is open to students of all majors. The Forensics Team has an outstanding reputation and consistently wins championships at every level of competition. Our team earns top rankings from the National Parliamentary Debate Association, among all college and university teams in the state and in the nation, including two-year, four-year, and Ivy League schools. As a result, our students are heavily recruited by four-year institutions, often with scholarships.
www.elcaminoforensicsteam.com

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.

$2,208

Approximate cost for an El Camino College degree in communication studies.

53K

Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $18,000 to $192,000 with an average salary of $53,000.

3.5%

Career opportunities for this program are expected to grow 3.5% nationwide from 2016 to 2026.

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.