Communications
Strong communication skills open doors to many career opportunities. The ability to write clearly, speak effectively, and present ideas confidently is essential in every workplace—from resumes and interviews to reports, teamwork, and professional dialogue.
- Career Path
- Liberal Arts & Humanities
Programs
Communications, A.A.
The Associate of Arts in Communications is intended primarily for students planning on transferring to a senior college or university to receive a baccalaureate degree.
To be eligible for an Associate in Arts (AA), an Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT), or an Associate in Science (AS) degree from HCC, a student must successfully:
Complete at least 60 semester hours of credit as follows: (a) for the AA degree, 43 hours of required core courses and 17 hours of transferable electives, usually focusing on the student's transfer major (b) for the AAT degree, 44 hours of required core courses plus 16-18 hours of required pre-teaching courses (c) for the AS degree, 43 hours of required core courses plus six additional hours of mathematics, four additional hours of natural science, and 7 hours of transferable electives, usually focusing on the student's transfer major.
A student who has received an associate degree or higher from an accredited institution must meet specific requirements to earn an additional degree from HCC.
- The student must complete a minimum of 18 semester hours at HCC for each additional degree. These hours may not repeat credit applied from a previous HCC degree. These hours may not be satisfied through credit by exam.
- All additional hours must be applicable toward the additional degree. If the student has prior credit in required courses, appropriate substitutions may be arranged.
- All courses required by the specific HCC program of the additional degree must be completed.
- A grade point average of at least 2.0 must be earned on all hours since the previous degree.
- Academic courses from previous degrees may be applied to an additional AAS degree required academic core where equivalent and appropriate, which waives the need for approval, except where program restrictions prevail.
- If the first degree was an Associate in Arts, an Associate of Arts in Teaching, Associate in Science, a bachelor degree, or higher degree from an accredited educational institution in the United States, the student will be considered to be “Core Complete”, thus needing to complete only the requirement of 18 additional semester hours at HCC toward a new associate degree.
- Each additional academic associate degree obtained from HCC must be of a different type. Thus, a student may only obtain one Associate in Arts, one Associate of Arts in Teaching, and/or one Associate in Science from HCC. For example, if one degree from HCC was an AA, then any additional degrees must be an AAT, AS, or AAS.
- Multiple Associate of Applied Science degrees may be earned from HCC if all AAS program requirements are met including earning at least 18 additional semester hours at HCC, 12 of which must be earned in the major program of the additional degree. In most cases, however, there is only one AAS degree allowable per workforce program. See counselor or program chair for clarification.
- Multiple workforce Certificates of Completion may be earned from HCC if all program requirements are met for each certificate including earning at least 9 additional unique semester hours at HCC toward the major program of the additional certificate.
- All other state and institutional graduation requirements, including TSI policies and financial obligations, must be met.
Program Outcomes
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
-
Recognize and/or evaluate the input of digitization on communications.
-
Demonstrate an understanding of media literacy.
-
Describe Communication Principles and theories.
-
Communicate appropriately and effectively to various audiences.
-
Apply elemental competency in the operation of selected media.
-
Understand and explain the term mass communication (also referred to as media communication).
-
Describe the development of print media, radio, television, and film.
-
Provide a chronology of some milestones relevant to the advancement of media from their onset.
Have Questions?
We are here to help.
Danielle Stagg
- Duration
- 2 years (full time)
- Program Format
-
- In-Person
- Hybrid
- Campus Location
- Total Minimum Credits: 60
-
View the Communications, A.A. Program degree plan to see the total credit hours required.
- Cost
-
Enter the semester credit hours into the Tuition & Cost Calculator to estimate tuition.
Advertising/Public Relations - Specialization
The Advertising/Public Relations - Specialization is part of the Communications, A.A. degree Field of Study Curriculum. Students may earn one Associate of Arts in one of the specializations. The specialization requirements must be completed in addition to the degree requirements.
To be eligible for an Associate in Arts (AA), an Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT), or an Associate in Science (AS) degree from HCC, a student must successfully:
Complete at least 60 semester hours of credit as follows: (a) for the AA degree, 43 hours of required core courses and 17 hours of transferable electives, usually focusing on the student's transfer major (b) for the AAT degree, 44 hours of required core courses plus 16-18 hours of required pre-teaching courses (c) for the AS degree, 43 hours of required core courses plus six additional hours of mathematics, four additional hours of natural science, and 7 hours of transferable electives, usually focusing on the student's transfer major.
A student who has received an associate degree or higher from an accredited institution must meet specific requirements to earn an additional degree from HCC.
- The student must complete a minimum of 18 semester hours at HCC for each additional degree. These hours may not repeat credit applied from a previous HCC degree. These hours may not be satisfied through credit by exam.
- All additional hours must be applicable toward the additional degree. If the student has prior credit in required courses, appropriate substitutions may be arranged.
- All courses required by the specific HCC program of the additional degree must be completed.
- A grade point average of at least 2.0 must be earned on all hours since the previous degree.
- Academic courses from previous degrees may be applied to an additional AAS degree required academic core where equivalent and appropriate, which waives the need for approval, except where program restrictions prevail.
- If the first degree was an Associate in Arts, an Associate of Arts in Teaching, Associate in Science, a bachelor degree, or higher degree from an accredited educational institution in the United States, the student will be considered to be “Core Complete”, thus needing to complete only the requirement of 18 additional semester hours at HCC toward a new associate degree.
- Each additional academic associate degree obtained from HCC must be of a different type. Thus, a student may only obtain one Associate in Arts, one Associate of Arts in Teaching, and/or one Associate in Science from HCC. For example, if one degree from HCC was an AA, then any additional degrees must be an AAT, AS, or AAS.
- Multiple Associate of Applied Science degrees may be earned from HCC if all AAS program requirements are met including earning at least 18 additional semester hours at HCC, 12 of which must be earned in the major program of the additional degree. In most cases, however, there is only one AAS degree allowable per workforce program. See counselor or program chair for clarification.
- Multiple workforce Certificates of Completion may be earned from HCC if all program requirements are met for each certificate including earning at least 9 additional unique semester hours at HCC toward the major program of the additional certificate.
- All other state and institutional graduation requirements, including TSI policies and financial obligations, must be met.
Program Outcomes
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
-
Recognize and/or evaluate the input of digitization on communications.
-
Demonstrate an understanding of media literacy.
-
Describe Communication Principles and theories.
-
Communicate appropriately and effectively to various audiences.
-
Apply elemental competency in the operation of selected media.
-
Understand and explain the term mass communication (also referred to as media communication).
-
Describe the development of print media, radio, television, and film.
-
Provide a chronology of some milestones relevant to the advancement of media from their onset.
Have Questions?
We are here to help.
Danielle Stagg
- Duration
- 2 years (full time)
- Program Format
-
- In-Person
- Hybrid
- Campus Location
- Total Minimum Credits: 60
-
View the Advertising/Public Relations - Specialization to see the total credit hours required.
- Cost
-
Enter the semester credit hours into the Tuition & Cost Calculator to estimate tuition.
Broadcast/Production - Specialization
The Broadcast/Production-Specialization is part of the Communications, A.A. degree Field of Study Curriculum. Students may earn one Associate of Arts in one of the specializations. The specialization requirements must be completed in addition to the degree requirements.
To be eligible for an Associate in Arts (AA), an Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT), or an Associate in Science (AS) degree from HCC, a student must successfully:
Complete at least 60 semester hours of credit as follows: (a) for the AA degree, 43 hours of required core courses and 17 hours of transferable electives, usually focusing on the student's transfer major (b) for the AAT degree, 44 hours of required core courses plus 16-18 hours of required pre-teaching courses (c) for the AS degree, 43 hours of required core courses plus six additional hours of mathematics, four additional hours of natural science, and 7 hours of transferable electives, usually focusing on the student's transfer major.
A student who has received an associate degree or higher from an accredited institution must meet specific requirements to earn an additional degree from HCC.
- The student must complete a minimum of 18 semester hours at HCC for each additional degree. These hours may not repeat credit applied from a previous HCC degree. These hours may not be satisfied through credit by exam.
- All additional hours must be applicable toward the additional degree. If the student has prior credit in required courses, appropriate substitutions may be arranged.
- All courses required by the specific HCC program of the additional degree must be completed.
- A grade point average of at least 2.0 must be earned on all hours since the previous degree.
- Academic courses from previous degrees may be applied to an additional AAS degree required academic core where equivalent and appropriate, which waives the need for approval, except where program restrictions prevail.
- If the first degree was an Associate in Arts, an Associate of Arts in Teaching, Associate in Science, a bachelor degree, or higher degree from an accredited educational institution in the United States, the student will be considered to be “Core Complete”, thus needing to complete only the requirement of 18 additional semester hours at HCC toward a new associate degree.
- Each additional academic associate degree obtained from HCC must be of a different type. Thus, a student may only obtain one Associate in Arts, one Associate of Arts in Teaching, and/or one Associate in Science from HCC. For example, if one degree from HCC was an AA, then any additional degrees must be an AAT, AS, or AAS.
- Multiple Associate of Applied Science degrees may be earned from HCC if all AAS program requirements are met including earning at least 18 additional semester hours at HCC, 12 of which must be earned in the major program of the additional degree. In most cases, however, there is only one AAS degree allowable per workforce program. See counselor or program chair for clarification.
- Multiple workforce Certificates of Completion may be earned from HCC if all program requirements are met for each certificate including earning at least 9 additional unique semester hours at HCC toward the major program of the additional certificate.
- All other state and institutional graduation requirements, including TSI policies and financial obligations, must be met.
Program Outcomes
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
-
Recognize and/or evaluate the input of digitization on communications.
-
Demonstrate an understanding of media literacy.
-
Describe Communication Principles and theories.
-
Communicate appropriately and effectively to various audiences.
-
Apply elemental competency in the operation of selected media.
-
Understand and explain the term mass communication (also referred to as media communication).
-
Describe the development of print media, radio, television, and film.
-
Provide a chronology of some milestones relevant to the advancement of media from their onset.
Have Questions?
We are here to help.
Danielle Stagg
- Duration
- 2 years (full time)
- Program Format
-
- In-Person
- Hybrid
- Campus Location
- Total Minimum Credits: 60
-
View the Broadcast/Production - Specialization Program degree plan to see the total credit hours required.
- Cost
-
Enter the semester credit hours into the Tuition & Cost Calculator to estimate tuition.
Mass Media Specialization
The Advertising/Public Relations - Specialization is part of the Communications, A.A. degree Field of Study Curriculum. Students may earn one Associate of Arts in one of the specializations. The specialization requirements must be completed in addition to the degree requirements.
To be eligible for an Associate in Arts (AA), an Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT), or an Associate in Science (AS) degree from HCC, a student must successfully:
Complete at least 60 semester hours of credit as follows: (a) for the AA degree, 43 hours of required core courses and 17 hours of transferable electives, usually focusing on the student's transfer major (b) for the AAT degree, 44 hours of required core courses plus 16-18 hours of required pre-teaching courses (c) for the AS degree, 43 hours of required core courses plus six additional hours of mathematics, four additional hours of natural science, and 7 hours of transferable electives, usually focusing on the student's transfer major.
A student who has received an associate degree or higher from an accredited institution must meet specific requirements to earn an additional degree from HCC.
- The student must complete a minimum of 18 semester hours at HCC for each additional degree. These hours may not repeat credit applied from a previous HCC degree. These hours may not be satisfied through credit by exam.
- All additional hours must be applicable toward the additional degree. If the student has prior credit in required courses, appropriate substitutions may be arranged.
- All courses required by the specific HCC program of the additional degree must be completed.
- A grade point average of at least 2.0 must be earned on all hours since the previous degree.
- Academic courses from previous degrees may be applied to an additional AAS degree required academic core where equivalent and appropriate, which waives the need for approval, except where program restrictions prevail.
- If the first degree was an Associate in Arts, an Associate of Arts in Teaching, Associate in Science, a bachelor degree, or higher degree from an accredited educational institution in the United States, the student will be considered to be “Core Complete”, thus needing to complete only the requirement of 18 additional semester hours at HCC toward a new associate degree.
- Each additional academic associate degree obtained from HCC must be of a different type. Thus, a student may only obtain one Associate in Arts, one Associate of Arts in Teaching, and/or one Associate in Science from HCC. For example, if one degree from HCC was an AA, then any additional degrees must be an AAT, AS, or AAS.
- Multiple Associate of Applied Science degrees may be earned from HCC if all AAS program requirements are met including earning at least 18 additional semester hours at HCC, 12 of which must be earned in the major program of the additional degree. In most cases, however, there is only one AAS degree allowable per workforce program. See counselor or program chair for clarification.
- Multiple workforce Certificates of Completion may be earned from HCC if all program requirements are met for each certificate including earning at least 9 additional unique semester hours at HCC toward the major program of the additional certificate.
- All other state and institutional graduation requirements, including TSI policies and financial obligations, must be met.
Program Outcomes
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
-
Recognize and/or evaluate the input of digitization on communications.
-
Demonstrate an understanding of media literacy.
-
Describe Communication Principles and theories.
-
Communicate appropriately and effectively to various audiences.
-
Apply elemental competency in the operation of selected media.
-
Understand and explain the term mass communication (also referred to as media communication).
-
Describe the development of print media, radio, television, and film.
-
Provide a chronology of some milestones relevant to the advancement of media from their onset.
Have Questions?
We are here to help.
Danielle Stagg
- Duration
- 2 years (full time)
- Program Format
-
- In-Person
- Hybrid
- Campus Location
- Total Minimum Credits: 60
-
View the Mass Media Specialization Program degree plan to see the total credit hours required.
- Cost
-
Enter the semester credit hours into the Tuition & Cost Calculator to estimate tuition.
Speech Communication- Specialization
The Speech Communication - Specialization is part of the Communications, A.A. degree Field of Study Curriculum Students may earn one Associate of Arts in one of the specializations. The specialization requirements must be completed in addition to the degree requirements.
To be eligible for an Associate in Arts (AA), an Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT), or an Associate in Science (AS) degree from HCC, a student must successfully:
Complete at least 60 semester hours of credit as follows: (a) for the AA degree, 43 hours of required core courses and 17 hours of transferable electives, usually focusing on the student's transfer major (b) for the AAT degree, 44 hours of required core courses plus 16-18 hours of required pre-teaching courses (c) for the AS degree, 43 hours of required core courses plus six additional hours of mathematics, four additional hours of natural science, and 7 hours of transferable electives, usually focusing on the student's transfer major.
A student who has received an associate degree or higher from an accredited institution must meet specific requirements to earn an additional degree from HCC.
- The student must complete a minimum of 18 semester hours at HCC for each additional degree. These hours may not repeat credit applied from a previous HCC degree. These hours may not be satisfied through credit by exam.
- All additional hours must be applicable toward the additional degree. If the student has prior credit in required courses, appropriate substitutions may be arranged.
- All courses required by the specific HCC program of the additional degree must be completed.
- A grade point average of at least 2.0 must be earned on all hours since the previous degree.
- Academic courses from previous degrees may be applied to an additional AAS degree required academic core where equivalent and appropriate, which waives the need for approval, except where program restrictions prevail.
- If the first degree was an Associate in Arts, an Associate of Arts in Teaching, Associate in Science, a bachelor degree, or higher degree from an accredited educational institution in the United States, the student will be considered to be “Core Complete”, thus needing to complete only the requirement of 18 additional semester hours at HCC toward a new associate degree.
- Each additional academic associate degree obtained from HCC must be of a different type. Thus, a student may only obtain one Associate in Arts, one Associate of Arts in Teaching, and/or one Associate in Science from HCC. For example, if one degree from HCC was an AA, then any additional degrees must be an AAT, AS, or AAS.
- Multiple Associate of Applied Science degrees may be earned from HCC if all AAS program requirements are met including earning at least 18 additional semester hours at HCC, 12 of which must be earned in the major program of the additional degree. In most cases, however, there is only one AAS degree allowable per workforce program. See counselor or program chair for clarification.
- Multiple workforce Certificates of Completion may be earned from HCC if all program requirements are met for each certificate including earning at least 9 additional unique semester hours at HCC toward the major program of the additional certificate.
- All other state and institutional graduation requirements, including TSI policies and financial obligations, must be met.
Program Outcomes
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
-
Recognize and/or evaluate the input of digitization on communications.
-
Demonstrate an understanding of media literacy.
-
Describe Communication Principles and theories.
-
Communicate appropriately and effectively to various audiences.
-
Apply elemental competency in the operation of selected media.
-
Understand and explain the term mass communication (also referred to as media communication).
-
Describe the development of print media, radio, television, and film.
-
Provide a chronology of some milestones relevant to the advancement of media from their onset.
Have Questions?
We are here to help.
Danielle Stagg
- Duration
- 2 years (full time)
- Program Format
-
- In-Person
- Hybrid
- Campus Location
- Total Minimum Credits: 60
-
View the Speech Communication- Specialization Program degree plan to see the total credit hours required.
- Cost
-
Enter the semester credit hours into the Tuition & Cost Calculator to estimate tuition.