Communications Degree

The communications program at Central Arizona College prepares the student to enter the fields of advertising, marketing, organizational communication, public relations, publishing, human resources, law, criminal justice, politics, public administration, and more. The program focuses on the scientific, humanistic, and critical study of human communication in a variety of formats, media, and contexts. Program courses include: intercultural communication, speaking and listening, verbal and nonverbal interaction, rhetorical theory and criticism, argumentation and persuasion, technologically mediated communication, and popular culture. Get more details below including other Arizona colleges that offer communications degrees.

Learn more by requesting information now!

Central Arizona College

Also known as Pinal County Community College

2525 N Country Club Rd, Tucson, AZ

About
Central Arizona College, located in Coolidge, Arizona, was founded in 1961 to provide education to residents of Pinal County. The school is a public two year institution providing service and educational opportunities to over 12,000 students annually. In addition to the Coolidge campus, the school operates the Aravaipa campus in Winkelman and the Superstition Mountain campus in Apache Junction.

The school also operates six education centers providing additional services in its expanded service area. The school prides itself on its quality education and diverse population of students, allowing for intellectual and cultural exchange.

Academics
Central Arizona College provides students a large number of programs that may result in either a degree or certificate. Students may pursue academic transfer of career training opportunities in a field that best suits one's goals. Academic transfer programs allow students to complete the lower division portion of a four year education, typically taking two years to complete.  Upon successful completion, students can submit an application for transfer to a four year institution to continue their education and earn a bachelor's degree.

Four year institutions have varying transfer requirements, and it is recommended students meet with an academic advisor to develop a curriculum that best assists in transfer to a student's desired school or schools.

Career programs provide the development of skills and abilities necessary for entry into the workforce as professionals. Through a combination of practical and classroom courses students will develop valuable experience and knowledge useful for seeking employment.

Programs take between one and two years to complete, resulting in a certificate or degree which demonstrates competency and allows graduates to obtain work immediately after graduation. Such are usually reflective of the needs of the community and are often for high demand fields.

Programs offered at CAC include:

• Fine Arts
• Accounting
• Nursing
• Graphic Design
• Early Childhood Education

Admissions and Financial Aid
CAC is an open enrollment institution allowing any student who submits a completed application and meets the minimum requirements for admission to enroll. Students must provide transcripts from previous schools as well as take a placement exam, which may be waived if standardized test scores are provided. First time students are encouraged to visit student orientation, as well as meet with a guidance counselor to outline a curriculum and discuss goals. Registration for classes takes place prior to the start of each semester and tuition due shortly thereafter.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and work study programs. Students in need of financial assistance must submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information provided from which will be used to determine financial need, aid program eligibility, and monetary awards. Financial aid must be reapplied for prior to the start of each academic year. Students may be asked to provide additional financial information to ensure that the FAFSA is accurate and verified prior to the disbursement of funds. This selection is federally required and the students are selected randomly. Students in need of assistance regarding the application process may make an appointment with a financial aid counselor.

Students Enrolled in the Communications Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Pinal County Community College has offered the following programs for students:

• Less Than One Year Certificate
• Less Than Two-Year Award

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Radio and Television Announcers

Description

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio or television. May announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Public Address System and Other Announcers

Description

Make announcements over public address system at sporting or other public events. May act as master of ceremonies or disc jockey at weddings, parties, clubs, or other gathering places.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, public address system and other announcers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 2.9% from 2014 to 2024

Public Relations Specialists

Description

Engage in promoting or creating an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, public relations specialists employment is expected to grow at a rate of 6.2% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Tucson, AZ
  • Total Employment: 410
  • Average Hourly Rate: $20.57
  • Average Annual Salary: $42790

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).