Communication Studies (FOS)
Program Description: The Field of Study in Communications (Associate of Arts degree in Communication Studies) is intended to match, within the constraints of the Core Curriculum, the course of study for the first two years of a typical communication studies program at a four-year college or university. It also provides the flexibility for students desiring only an associate degree to specialize the program to individual interests.
Use this Program Map as an advising guide to choose courses with your advisor and track progress toward milestones and completion of the degree program. The map provides students a suggested course sequence to timely program completion.
SEMESTER-BY-SEMESTER PROGRAM PLAN FOR FULL-TIME STUDENTS
Plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students by adding more semesters
Semester 1
| Course | Min Credits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SPCH 1311 Introduction to Speech Communication | 3 | Communications (FOS) Discipline Foundation Course |
| Communications Core Course | 3 | Select a course from the Communication section of the Core Curriculum. |
| Life and Physical Science Core Course | 4 | Select a course from the Life and Physical Science section of the Core Curriculum. |
| American History Core Course | 3 | Select a course from the American History section of the Core Curriculum. |
| Core Component Area Option | 3 | Select a course from the Component Area Option section of the Core Curriculum. |
Program Semester Hours: 16
Meet with your advisor.
Semester 2
| Course | Min Credits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SPCH 1315 Public Speaking | 3 | Communications (FOS) Discipline Foundation Course |
| Communications Core Course | 3 | Select a course from the Communication section of the Core Curriculum. |
| Mathematics Core Course | 3 | Select a course from the Mathematics section of the Core Curriculum. Math 1324 is recommended; if a student plans to transfer to Texas A&M University, MATH 1332 is recommended. |
| Life and Physical Science Core Course | 4 | Select a course from the Life and Physical Science section of the Core Curriculum. |
| American History Core Course | 3 | Select a course from the American History section of the Core Curriculum. |
Program Semester Hours: 16
Meet with your advisor.
Semester 3
| Course | Min Credits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SPCH 1318 Interpersonal Communication | 3 | Communications (FOS) Discipline Foundation Course |
| Directed Elective Communications (FOS) | 3 | Select from: SPCH 2333 Discussion & Small Group Communication; SPCH 2335 Argumentation & Debate; COMM 1307 Mass Communication; or COMM 2311 Communications. Review the Directed Electives for multiple Texas academic institutions at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board website. |
| Social and Behavioral Science Core Course | 3 | Select a course from the Social and Behavioral Sciences section of the Core Curriculum. |
| Creative Arts Core Course | 3 | Select a course from the Creative Arts section of the Core Curriculum. |
| GOVT 2305 Federal Government | 3 |
Program Semester Hours: 15
Meet with your advisor.
Semester 4
| Course | Min Credits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SPCH 1321 Business and Professional Communication | 3 | Communications (FOS) Discipline Foundation Course |
| Directed Elective Communication (FOS) | 3 | Select from: SPCH 2333 Discussion & Small Group Communication; SPCH 2335 Argumentation & Debate; COMM 1307 Mass Communication; or COMM 2311 Communications. Review the Directed Electives for multiple Texas academic institutions at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board website. |
| KINE 1164 Introduction to Physical Fitness and Wellness | 1 | |
| Language, Philosophy, and Culture Core Course | 3 | Select a course from the Language, Philosophy and Culture section of the Core Curriculum Course List. |
| GOVT 2306 Texas Government | 3 |
Program Semester Hours: 13
Achievement
Completion of Associate of Arts degree.
Total Program Hours
60
Advising Information
Please meet with a Blinn College District academic advisor to determine which courses would be best to take for completion of this program.
If you plan to transfer, also check with your intended transfer college or university prior to beginning this program to verify course transferability.
Attention: Students must visit with an advisor when they have completed 30 hours toward the degree plan (typically the end of the second semester).
Marketable Skills
- Communication Skills
- Critical Thinking Skills
- Teamwork Skills
- Personal Responsibility
- Social Responsibility
- Empirical and Quantitative Analysis
- Ability to research, develop, and deliver presentations with effective verbal and nonverbal techniques
- Ability to explain the relevance of cross-cultural, gender, and age influences on human communication
- Ability to utilize small group communication skills
Transfer Information
This COMS degree provides a pathway to transfer to a four-year college or university where students can earn a baccalaureate degree. Students are strongly encouraged to select a transfer destination by the time they have completed 30 semester credit hours. Students should consult with their chosen transfer institution regarding recommended courses that will transfer and be applied to their baccalaureate degree program.
Note: Overflow hours from Life and Physical Sciences Core Curriculum Courses can be applied to the Component Area Option hours.
*An asterisk (*) indicates a Field of Study course. “A Field of Study (FOS) is a selection of lower-division courses that are guaranteed by state law to transfer and apply to a degree program.”