Communications Degree

The communications program at Northampton County Area Community 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 Pennsylvania colleges that offer communications degrees.

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Northampton County Area Community College

Also known as Northampton Community College

4117 Pulaksi Road, New Castle, PA

About
Northampton Community College, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was founded in 1967 and was originally known as Northampton County Area Community College. The school also maintains a second campus in Pocono Township as well as multiple satellite locations in Hawley, Bartonsville, and Mount Pocono. The school serves over 11,000 students annually, yer maintains a relatively low student to teacher ratio allowing for more direct attention and assistance from instructors. The school was establishment through the encouragement of local businesses and community leaders who desired workforce training opportunities and local post-secondary education options to be available for residents.

Academics
Northampton Community College offers a variety of programs and services in order to meet the needs of the residents of its service area. Academic transfer offer a curriculum that mirrors the first two years of a four year program, after which students may apply to a four year college or university in order to continue their education and earn a bachelor's degree. Transfer to four year institutions in Pennsylvania are facilitated through agreements in place that ease requirements for admission, though individuals wishing to transfer to private or out of state schools should meet with a counselor to discuss transfer and curriculum options due to varying requirements.

Career training programs offer students an education in a high demand field or industry with the purpose of assisting them with entry into the workforce as qualified professionals. Students will participate in traditional and practical courses as  defined by the program curriculum, with practical courses providing training and development in a controlled environment under the supervision of professionals. These programs take between one and two years to complete, and give the student an associate degree or certificate which demonstrates competency upon graduation.

Programs offered include:

• Communications
• Business Administration
• Practical Nursing
• Criminal Justice
• Culinary Arts

Admissions and Financial Aid
Individuals interested in attending Northampton Community College may do so if they are a high school graduate or at least eighteen years of age.Completion of the application for admission and payment of associated fees is required for enrollment. Students are also asked to supply transcripts and test scores if available, and may be required to take a placement exam prior to registration. Participation in new student orientation and a meeting with a counselor to discuss program enrollment and curriculum prior to the selection of courses is also encouraged.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information provided by which will be used by the school's financial aid department to determine the extent of a given student's need and their aid program eligibility when constructing his or her financial aid packet. Aid must be applied for prior to each academic year and it is recommended that the application be completed in a timely fashion.

Students Enrolled in the Communications Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Northampton County Area Community 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

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).