Associate's Degree
When you pursue an Associate of Science in Communications at Hesser College, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of communications and public relations. This includes developing a news release and working with the media, creating programs that will benefit the community, interacting with consumers and investors, managing communications during a crisis, and event planning.
In addition, your hands-on training can allow you to develop skills in radio and video production, advertising, and marketing. With the knowledge and technical skills you acquire, you could increase your appeal to potential employers.
Upon successful completion of the communications program, graduates are awarded an associate of science degree.
Communications Program Features
- Opportunity to develop creative skills in programming, news, music selection, media writing, and video presentation
- A real-world, career-oriented focus
- Instructors working in various fields of communications
- Available externships to gain valuable hands-on experience
Potential Communications Career Opportunities
As a graduate of this program, you may seek future entry-level employment opportunities such as:
- Public relations assistant
- Radio promotions assistant
- Marketing assistant
Communications Courses and Typical Length of Study
The approximate length of study for the communications degree program is 60 semester credit hours.
| Career Courses and Electives |
Semester Credit Hours |
| COMM111 |
Introduction to Mass Media |
3 |
| DGME240 |
Digital Audio Production |
3 |
| COMM201 |
Introduction to Journalism |
3 |
| DGME211 |
Media Writing |
3 |
| COMM221 |
Media and Public Relations |
3 |
| DGME280 |
Digital Media Management |
3 |
|
Communications Externship –OR– |
|
| |
Approved elective |
3 |
| ECON110 |
Microeconomics |
3 |
| MRKT110 |
Principles of Marketing |
3 |
| MRKT221 |
Advertising |
3 |
General Education Courses |
| GNED111 |
First Semester Seminar |
3 |
| GNED211 |
Critical Thinking Workshop |
3 |
| ENGL103 |
English Composition |
3 |
| ENGL106 |
English Composition II |
3 |
| ENGL110 |
Oral Communication |
3 |
| |
Mathematics elective (100 level or higher) |
3 |
| |
Natural Science elective (100 level or higher) |
3 |
| |
Social Science elective (100 level or higher) |
3 |
| |
Humanities elective (100 level or higher) |
3 |
| |
Humanities or Social Science elective
(200 level or higher) |
3 |
Total Credit Hours |
60 |
Communications Program Outcomes
The communications degree program is designed to prepare graduates to meet the following outcomes:
- Understand the field of public relations, its history, its current practices and problems, and the shape of its future
- Learn to identify key publics and develop strategies to communicate with different publics
- Understand the job opportunities available in the ever-changing communication industry
- Learn to recognize the power and influence the media has on our perceptions, attitudes, values, knowledge, and actions
- Develop the ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure
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