COMMUNICATION STUDIES 2.0
Associate in Arts for Transfer Communication Studies · Cuesta College · 2026-2027 Catalog
The Associate in Arts in Communication Studies for Transfer degree 2.0 (AA-T in Communication Studies) prepares students for a major or minor in Communication Studies at four-year institutions and guarantees admission with junior status at a campus of the California State University (CSU) system in a similar major. The AA-T in Communication Studies degree is grounded in a thorough examination of how language is used in specific social contexts. All courses focus on cultural communication and take a language and social interaction perspective. Working in small and large groups, making presentations, and using a variety of communication modes will prepare students to participate effectively in their communities and at their workplace.
The Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) is a special degree offered at California Community Colleges. Students who earn an AA-T or AS-T degree are guaranteed admission to a campus within the California State University (CSU) system, although not necessarily to a specific campus or major. Students who complete an AA-T or AS-T are given priority consideration when applying to a particular program that is similar to the student’s community college major and will be given a special GPA advantage when applying to CSU impacted campuses or majors. Students who are planning to pursue an AA-T or AS-T are strongly advised to meet with a counselor for additional information about this transfer program.
The Cuesta College AA-T/AS-T degree requires:
(1) Completion of 60 semester units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following: (A) California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC).
(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
(3) Earning a “C” or better grade in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is an acceptable grade for courses in the major.
Learning Outcome(s):
- Distinguish between verbal and nonverbal communication.
- Apply communication theory to evaluate communication approaches.
- Communicate and listen effectively in a variety of situational contexts.
- Articulate communication’s role in society.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core: Two courses (6 credits) | 6 | |
| COMM C1000 | INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC SPEAKING | 3 |
| COMM 230 | INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION | 3 |
| List A: Three courses (9 credits): | 9 | |
| COMM 210 | SMALL GROUP SPEAKING AND COMMUNICATING | 3 |
| COMM 212 | INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION | 3 |
| COMM 215 | ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE | 3 |
| COMM 280 | FUNDAMENTALS OF HUMAN COMMUNICATION | 3 |
| JOUR 200 | INTRODUCTION TO MASS COMMUNICATION | 3 |
| orFTVE 221 | INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONIC MEDIA | 3 |
| List B: One course (3-4 credits) | 3-4 | |
| Any List A course not used above. | 3 | |
| ANTH 203 | CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY | 3 |
| ENGL C1001 | CRITICAL THINKING AND WRITING | 4 |
| orENGL C1003 | CRITICAL THINKING AND WRITING THROUGH LITERATURE | 4 |
| JOUR 201 | NEWS WRITING AND REPORTING | 3 |
| PSYC C1000 | INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
| SOC 201A | INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY | 3 |
| Total | 18-19 | |