60 Credits AA3555/AA2455, Academic Catalog 2024-2025
Resources
The Communication Studies Transfer Pathway AA offers students a powerful option: the opportunity to complete an Associate of Arts degree with course credits that directly transfer to designated Communication Studies bachelor鈥檚 degree programs at Minnesota State universities.* The curriculum has been specifically designed so that students completing this 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鈥檚 degree programs in a related field. *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.
Campuses: Faribault and North Mankato
Program Start Semesters: Fall and Spring
Base estimate for 60 credit program
Tuition is paid on a semester by semester basis and will vary depending on the courses and total credits you take.
Tuition and Fees: $12,317
Tools and Equipment: $ n/a
Total Estimated Cost: $12,317 *
and you'll see that tuition at 色中色 is much more affordable than other institutions.
*Based on 2024-2025 tuition and fees rates. Does not include extra expenses for online delivery, course fees, or course differential. Books, transportation, and living expenses also not included.
The course requirements listed below are specific to the current school year (noted above). If you need to view the program from previous years view our Catalog Archive.
Required Technical Courses (5 Courses)
Complete the following courses:
COMM110 Public Speaking (3 Credits)
Learners in this class develop (or improve) skills in creating, organizing, supporting, and delivering both informative and persuasive messages to peer audiences. Through this course, students will develop arguments and practice academic research skills in order to adequately support their messages and develop credibility and professionalism. Learners will practice critical thinking and listening skills, support fellow students while delivering impromptu and extemporaneous speeches, and provide peer feedback to ideas and speech development. This course stresses building confidence as public communicators so students may speak effectively at work, in their communities, and as citizens in a democracy. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher) (MNTC: Goal areas 1 and 9).
COMM120 Small Group Communication (3 Credits)
This course helps students develop or improve their participation in small groups and teams using effective communication and critical thinking. Content of the course includes both knowledge and skills components. Students can develop an understanding of communication and group theory while applying their knowledge in small group discussions, cooperative projects, and other activities. The course curriculum emphasizes reflection and growth. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC: Goals 1 and 2).
COMM130 Intercultural Communication (3 Credits)
The focus of intercultural communication is to develop and improve the knowledge needed to understand culture, communication, how culture influences communication, and the process of communication between people from different cultures or co-cultures. The course also focuses on practicing the skills needed for effective intercultural interactions. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC Goal Areas 7, 8: Human Diversity, Global Perspectives)
COMM140 Interpersonal Communication (3 Credits)
In this class, participants will examine key components of interpersonal communication theory, identify the interpersonal communication skills necessary for healthy relationships, assess their own interpersonal communication effectiveness, and practice and hone interpersonal communication skills necessary for healthy home and work relationships. This course will also address relevant issues of social interaction, including how human diversity/culture (age, race, gender, etc.) affects our interpersonal communication. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 1: Communication)
ENGL100 Composition (4 Credits)
Composition is concerned with developing, through theory and practice, the ability to communicate in written form for personal and professional reasons. Students will develop writing skills, analytic skills, and critical thinking skills. Students will complete readings, papers, grammar exercises, and in-class activities. Students will complete research and write a research paper. Students will learn methods of writing informatively and persuasively. (Prerequisites: Must have one of the following: (MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher) OR (READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher) OR (completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher) AND (completion of either ENGL 0090 or EAP 0095 with a grade of C [2.0] or higher) (MNTC 1: Communication)
MnTC (Minnesota Transfer Curriculum) Goal Areas to fulfill (33-44 Credits):
Complete the following goal areas (options for the MNTC goal areas are included on the MNTC page):
Goal Area 1: Will be completed with required COMM and ENGL courses
Goal Area 2: Complete all 9 other MnTC goal areas OR select one course within goal 2
Goal Area 3: Select at least two courses from two different disciplines within goal 3 (6-8 Credits)
Goal Area 4: Select one course from goal 4 (3-4 Credits)
Goal Area 5: Select at least two courses from two different disciplines within goal 5 (6-8 Credits)
Goal Area 6: Select at least two courses from two different disciplines within goal 6 (6-8 Credits)
Goal Area 7: Select one course from goal 7 (3-4 Credits)
Goal Area 8: Select one course from goal 8 (3-4 Credits)
Goal Area 9: Select one course from goal 9 (3-4 Credits)
Goal Area 10: Select one course from goal 10 (3-4 Credits)
Additional Required Courses: (3 Courses)
Complete the following courses:
FYE100 First Year Experience (1 Credit)
First Year Experience is a course created to support students making the transition to college, to empower students to take control of their educational lives, and to help students be successful. The course will promote the development of critical thinking skills and positive educational values. Students will enhance their understanding of communication and learning styles, and lifestyle risks; learn to identify and use appropriate resources both on campus and within the community; acquire skills needed to promote study, personal wellness, goal setting and achievement; develop strategies to manage money, time and stress wisely; and in general develop the necessary skills to be a successful college student. (Prerequisite: None)
CAP250 Associate of Arts Capstone Class (1 Credit)
This course should be taken by students seeking the Associates of Arts degree during their final semester at SCC. It assesses fulfillment of the program's Learning Outcomes (Communication, Critical Thinking, Research Proficiency, Global Perspective and Social Responsibility), and allows students to demonstrate their readiness to take junior-level classes at a four-year institution. (Prerequisite: Unless instructor grants special permission, students must be in their last semester of the Associate in Arts program at SCC) (MNTC 2: Critical Thinking)
HHP Course Complete at least 1 credit in a health and human performance course (1 Credits)
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.