Nov 03, 2024  
Fall 2023 - Summer 2024 Academic Catalog 
    
Fall 2023 - Summer 2024 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Communications and Media Arts A.A.


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School: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Academic Dept: Arts and Communications
HEGIS: 5008

 

Important Note about Program Requirements

The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program from Fall 2023 to Summer 2024. Students who entered the program during a prior semester will find their specific requirements listed in the Catalog under which they entered. Archived Catalogs are accessible through the dropdown menu above.

Program Description


The Associate of Arts Degree in Communications & Media Arts prepares students to transfer to four-year degree programs in various areas of Communications studies. Students enrolled in the program acquire a basis in both interpersonal and mass communication history and theory, small group communication strategies, classroom presentation, media writing, and media production. Students may also choose electives in journalism, film/video production, and sports media.

The main campus in Valhalla features two cross-platform Communications & Journalism Innovation labs with audio-visual equipment for full multimedia production, as well as a full TV Studio for traditional productions.

Westchester Community College’s proximity to the media capital of the world provides unique opportunities for students to intern in Westchester and New York City. Students can also gain experience and internship credits as news staff for student media on campus, including the award-winning student newspaper The Viking News, and the student run radio station, WARY 88.1FM.

Program Learning Outcomes


Upon successful completion of this program, a student will:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of basic theories and concepts of effective human and mass media communication.
  2. Engage effectively in face-to-face and mediated communication with both individual and public and mass audiences by utilizing appropriate principles of interpersonal, public, and mass communication.
  3. Produce multimedia content that meets media industry standards.

Program Requirements


61 credits are required for the degree:

  • General Education - 31 credits
  • Required Degree Courses - 30 credits

General Education Requirements - 31 Credits

Where specific courses are not listed within the categories above, courses must be selected from the list of all general education courses 

Required Degree Courses - 30 credits

Program Map


The program map is a recommended semester-by-semester schedule of courses based on degree requirements and serve as a general guideline to help students complete their program in two years. Although designed for full-time enrollment, these are easily adaptable for part-time study. For additional, individualized guidance, students should review Degree Works and consult an Academic Counselor or Faculty Advisor to ensure they are on track to complete their program.

Semester 1

Course Credits
COMM 101 - Understanding Mass Media   3
COMM 109 - Speech Communication  OR COMM 110 - Speech Communication for Non-native Speakers    3
ENG 101 Writing and Research   3
Mathematics (and Quantitative Reasoning) Gen. Ed. Course   3
Social Sciences Gen. Ed. Course   3
Semester Total Credits 15

Semester 2

Course Credits
COMM 112 - Introduction to Media Writing   3
COMM 119 - Broadcast Production  OR COMM 121 - Television Studio Production     3
ENG 102 Writing and Literature   3
Major Elective 3
US History and Civic Engagement Gen. Ed. Course    3
Semester Total Credits 15

Semester 3

Course Credits

COMM 102 - Interpersonal Communication  OR COMM 111 - Voice and Diction  

3
COMM 115 - Group Discussion and Decision Making   3
Major Elective 3
Natural Sciences (and Scientific Reasoning) Gen. Ed. Course with Lab   4
World History and Global Awareness Gen. Ed. Course   3
Semester Total Credits 16

Semester 4

Course Credits
Any General Education Course   3
COMM 203 - Creative Media Capstone   3
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Gen. Ed. Course   3
Major Elective 3
The Arts Gen. Ed. Course   3
Semester Total Credits 15

Minimum Total Credits: 61

Transfer Opportunities


Westchester Community College is committed to facilitating a smooth transfer process to ensure that graduates of the college are prepared to transfer with junior status, and are able to complete a bachelor’s degree within two years of full-time study upon transfer. View 4-year institutions’ transfer agreement information by program here.

Career Opportunities


Visit Career Coach to explore career paths, job descriptions, salary trends, and job trends.

Visit the Career Services page for more career resources.

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