Communications Degree

The communications program at Gavilan 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 California colleges that offer communications degrees.

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Gavilan College

321 E Chapman Avenue, Fullerton, CA

About
Gavilan College, located in Gilroy, California, was founded in 1919 and originally known as San Benito County Junior College. The school's service area was made to include San Benito County and southern Santa Clara County through the establishment of a community college district. The school moved to its main location in 1966, adding satellite campuses in Morgan Hill and Hollister over the years. The school provides high quality educational opportunities for residents of its service area through programs that are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure they meet modern standards and are relevant for current and future students.


Academics
Gavilan College is a comprehensive two year institution that offers academic and career training opportunities that allow students to accomplish their goals. Academic transfer programs offer students the opportunity to complete the first two years of a four year education, followed by applying for transfer to a four year institution in order to complete one's education and pursue a bachelor's degree. Transfer to UC and CSU system schools is made easier through agreements in place that guarantee admission if certain academic requirements are met. Career training programs are for individuals who wish to receive a specialized education in a high demand industry or field with the intention of pursuing long term employment upon completion. Programs are taught by experienced professionals and take between one and two years to complete, and upon completion result in a degree or certificate that demonstrates competency.


Programs offered include:

• Biology
• Business Administration
• Communications
• Computer Programming
• Cosmetology

Admissions and Financial Aid
Gavilan College is an open enrollment institution that admits any individuals that are interested in enrolling by completing the application for admission, paying fees and tuition, and providing transcripts and test scores if available. Applicants must be at least eighteen years of age or have a high school diploma or equivalent for most programs. Students may be required to take a placement exam prior to enrollment. Additionally, students are encouraged to participate in orientation and to meet with a counselor to discuss program enrollment prior to their first semester.


Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Aid is awarded based on need which is determined by the information the student provides through their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which the school's financial aid department uses to construct an aid packet. Aid must be reapplied for each academic year due to potentially varying financial circumstances for a student and his or her family, and applications should be submitted prior to posted deadlines to ensure that funds are disbursed in a timely fashion.


Athletics
Gavilan College participates in intercollegiate athletics through the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA). Individuals participating in intercollegiate athletics have the opportunity to develop valuable skills, such as leadership, teamwork, and discipline while pursuing personal and team excellence against others. Interested individuals should submit the required forms necessary to tryout for a given team, and team members are expected to maintain a minimum passing GPA in order to participate.


Athletic programs offered:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Football
• Soccer
• Softball
• Volleyball

Students Enrolled in the Communications Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Gavilan College has offered the following academic levels for students:

• Less Than One Year Certificate
• Associate's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (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

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