Communications Degree

The communications program at Montgomery 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 Maryland colleges that offer communications degrees.

Learn more by requesting information now!

Montgomery College

8736 Arliss St, Silver Spring, MD

Montgomery College (MC) is a three-campus, two-year institution of higher learning, offering more than 130 areas of study in both credit and noncredit programs. It also offers Workforce Development & Continuing Education Programs for students who are in career transition, reentering the workforce, maintaining cur­rent technical skills, or seeking continuing educational enrichment.

Students may work towards an Associate of Arts degree in Arts degree in liberal and fine arts, business, computer sciences and technologies and general studies. Studies in engineering, sciences or nursing can lead to an Associate of Science degree. Other programs of study at MC are designed to prepare students to transfer to four-year universities to complete their bachelor's degree. Professional certificates and letters of completion are awarded to students completed one of MC's many workforce development programs.

A Bioscience Education Center and a 40-acre Science and Technology Park are soon slated for construction. To support its programs in health sciences and visual and performing arts, Montgomery College has opened new health sciences facilities and a performing arts center with a 500-seat theater and a dance studio.

Other programs at MC include an Honors Program for high-achieving students, Renaissance Scholars for honors students who wish to earn credit for work or travel experience, and Montgomery Scholars for outstanding high school graduates, among others.

History

The first classes were held at Montgomery College in the evenings at a local high school in1946. The initial student enrollment was 186 men and women. Over the years, the college expanded to become a multi-campus institution serving thousands of students.

Academics

The academic calendar for Montgomery College follows the semester format, with fall and spring semesters. It also offers a short winter "Intersession," and two short summer sessions.

Colleges and Schools

The academic units at Montgomery College are divided into departments that cover study areas ranging from accounting and anthropology, to business and science, or engineering to music and theatre.

Student Life

Montgomery College offers many student clubs and organizations for involvement, with particular focus on groups that encourage students to explore the world around them. MC has a very diverse student body, and is committed to supporting all students through a variety of campus events, including World Peace Day, International Student Week, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, Arab American Heritage Month, the World Arts Festival, and more.

Intramural sports and athletics are available, as are opportunities for service learning and volunteerism.  Students have plenty of access to arts and entertainment through performances produced at the Cultural Arts Center at Silver Spring, the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center, the Black Box Theatre, Summer Dinner Theatre, a College Music Concert Series, a variety of music ensembles, and a selection of art galleries on all three MC campuses.

Athletics

The athletics teams at Montgomery College are represented as both the "Knights" and the "Gryphons." These teams participate in several intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Soccer
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball

Satellite Campuses

Montgomery College is comprised of three campuses:

• Germantown Campus
• Rockville Campus
• Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus (MC's first campus)

Community Life

Montgomery College is located in the center of the Washington, D.C. metro area, in a very diverse community. All the history, culture, recreation and entertainment offered by a major metropolitan city is within easy distance. The student body of MC also reflects a diverse community, with the students representing a wide range of ages and origins.

Students Enrolled in the Communications Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Montgomery College offers an associate's degree program in communications.

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

Salary & Wages

• Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 50
  • Average Hourly Rate: $29.64
  • Average Annual Salary: $61640

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

• Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 18
  • Average Hourly Rate: $46.20
  • Average Annual Salary: $96090

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