Communications Studies 2.0
Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer (AA-T) Communication Studies · Orange Coast College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Students graduating with an Associate in Arts in Communication Studies 2.0 for Transfer Degree are well-positioned to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in a similar major within the California State University system with 60 units of upper-division coursework. Students who complete the Communication Studies 2.0 AS-T degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major.
The Orange Coast College Associate in Arts in Communication Studies for transfer program provides students with communication skills that they can apply in personal, professional, and global contexts. In these courses, students will learn to improve their oral and written communication skills in the areas of critical thinking, organization, analysis, argumentation, and presentation of information. Students will learn to improve their verbal and non-verbal interpersonal communication skills in the areas of listening, perception, self-concept, conflict resolution, and intercultural and gender communication. These skills are developed in: COMM C1004 Interpersonal Communication, COMM C1000 Introduction to Public Speaking, CMST A150 Forensics Workshop, CMST A155 Intercultural Communications, CMST A165 Gender Communication, CMST A170 Nonverbal Communication, CMST A180 Introduction to Mass Communications, CMST A220 Essentials of Argumentation, and CMST A240 Media Literacy.
Program Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
- Provide students with communication skills that they can apply in personal, professional, and global contexts.
- Students will be eligible and prepared for admission (SB 1440 and Education Code 66746) to California State University system schools.
Requirements
Associate Degree for Transfer Requirements
The following is required for all AA-T or AS-T degrees:
- Minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units.
- Minimum GPA of at least 2.0 in all CSU transferable coursework. While a minimum of 2.0 is required for admission, some majors require a higher GPA. Consult with a counselor for more information.
- Completion of a minimum of 18-semester units in the major as detailed in the Degree and Certificate section of this catalog. All courses in the major must be completed with a grade of C (or “P”) or better.
- Certified completion of the Cal-GETC/Breadth.
- A minimum of 12 units in residence within the Coast Colleges (Orange Coast College, Golden West College and/or Coastline College).
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| COMM C1004 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| COMM C1000 | Introduction to Public Speaking | 3 |
| List A - Select three courses from the following: | 9 | |
| CMST A220 | Essentials of Argumentation | |
| CMST A120 | Reader's Theater and Oral Interpretation | |
| CMST A155 | Intercultural Communications | |
| CMST A180 | Introduction to Mass Communications | |
| List B - Select one of the following (or any List A course not already used): | 3-4 | |
| CMST A165 | Gender Communication | |
| orGNDR A165 | Gender Communication | |
| CMST A170 | Nonverbal Communication | |
| CMST A240 | Media Literacy | |
| CMST A260 | Organizational Communication | |
| JOUR A110 | News Writing and Reporting | |
| CMST A150 | Forensics Workshop | |
| CMST A105 | Intrapersonal Communication | |
| CMST A109 | Social Media Strategies | |
| CMST A236 | Directed Practice for Social Media Strategist | |
| Total Major Units | 18-19 | |
| California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) | up to 34 | |
| Transferable electives as needed to satisfy unit requirement | Varies | |
| Total Degree Units | 60 | |
- Some program major units may also meet GE requirements.
Program Sequence - Cal-GETC
Program Sequence - Cal-GETC
These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.
Year 1
| Semester 1 | Units |
|---|---|
| COMM C1004 | Interpersonal Communication |
| ADT LIST A COURSE- CHOOSE ONE (See Requirements) | 3 |
| HIST C1001or HIST C1001Hor HIST C1002or HIST C1002H | History of the United States to 1877 1or History of the United States to 1877 - Honorsor United States History since 1865 or United States History since 1865 - Honors |
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 1A- CHOOSE ONE | 3 |
| Units |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| COMM C1000 |
| POLS C1000or POLS C1000H |
| ADT LIST A COURSE- CHOOSE ONE (See Requirements) |
| Cal-GETC AREA 2- CHOOSE ONE |
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 3A - CHOOSE ONE |
| Summer |
|---|
| ELECTIVE (UC/CSU TRANSFERABLE) 3 |
Year 2
| Semester 1 |
|---|
| ADT LIST A COURSE - CHOOSE ONE (See Requirements) |
| ADT LIST B COURSE - CHOOSE ONE (See Requirements) |
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 5A (no lab)- CHOOSE ONE 4 |
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 6- CHOOSE ONE |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 1B- CHOOSE ONE |
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 4- CHOOSE ONE |
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 5B (with lab)- CHOOSE ONE 4 |
| ELECTIVE (UC/CSU TRANSFERABLE) 3 |
- American Institutions Requirement - CSU Graduation Requirement; or choose one course from Cal-GETC Area 3B or 4
- American Institutions Requirement - CSU Graduation Requirement; or choose one course from Cal-GETC Area 4
- VARIES TO REACH MINIMUM 60 TRANSFERABLE UNITS. Not all courses are UC transferable. Please check with your counselor to ensure you have enough transferable units for your transfer goal.
- Lab can be taken with Cal-GETC AREA 5A or 5B