Communications Degree

The communications program at Santa Monica 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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Santa Monica College

500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA

Santa Monica College (SMC) is a leading two-year community college located in Santa Monica, California.  SMC has an award-winning faculty and ranks number one in California for community colleges that successfully transfer students to the University of California, University of Southern California or other four-year institutions. SMC also has a large international student population as compared to other community colleges.

SMC ranks high in its career preparation and certification programs in nursing, solar technology, new media, computer technology, early childhood education, business, graphic design and many other occupations.

The 38-acre main campus of SMC has state-of-the-art facilities and several highlights such as the John Drescher Planetarium, the Broad Stage for performing arts, and the Academy of Entertainment & Technology.  The award-winning public radio station, KCRW (89.9 FM) is also part of SMC's main campus.

History

Santa Monica College was established in 1929 with just over 150 students.

Academics

Santa Monica College offers the Associate in Arts Degree, as well as Certificates of Achievement in several departments, which can be completed online.  There are also "pre-professional" courses at SMC that students may take for certain careers that may require further specialized study. The Pre-Professional programs include such careers as Pre-Chiropractic, Pre-Dental/Dental Hygiene, Pre-Law, Pre-Medical, Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-Veterinary and Teacher Preparation.

Students hoping to transfer to a four-year institution can follow the Transfer programs offered at SMC.

SMCOnline offers education in many disciplines on the Internet for students who are working or otherwise cannot study on campus.  There is 24/7 technical support available for online students.

Colleges and Schools

Santa Monica College offers degree and certificate programs in many of its different departments, which are:

• Art
• Business
• Chemistry 
• Communication
• Computer Science and Information Systems
• Cosmetology
• Counseling
• Dance
• Design Technology
• AET
• Graphic Design
• Interior Architectural Design
• Earth Science
• Education/ECE
• Engineering
• ESL
• English
• Fashion Design and Merchandising
• Health Sciences
• Nursing
• Respiratory Therapy 
• History
• Kinesiology and Athletics
• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Modern Languages
• Music
• Photography
• Physical Sciences
• Physics
• Psychology
• Philosophy and Social Sciences
• Theatre Arts

Student Life

There are many cultural and recreational activities offered at Santa Monica College including athletics, concerts, plays, art exhibits and lectures.

Student activities and clubs are offered through the Associated Students.  There are many student resources on campus including computer labs, counseling, the Health Services Center, Child Care Services, Student Employment, and many others.

Athletics

The Santa Monica "Corsairs" teams compete in 16 different sports throughout the year.  The sports that Santa Monica teams compete in are:

Men's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Football
• Swimming
• Track & Field
• Volleyball
• Water Polo

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Volleyball
• Water Polo

Satellite Campuses

Santa Monica College has several satellite campuses near its main campus, including classes offered in community facilities in downtown Santa Monica.

Community Life

Santa Monica College offers its Emeritus College classes to seniors and Continuing and Community Education Programs to all community members.

The Corsair is a student-run newspaper that is supervised by faculty and open to all registered students.

Students Enrolled in the Communications Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Santa Monica 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

• San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
  • Total Employment: 30
  • Average Hourly Rate: $20.58
  • Average Annual Salary: $42800

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

• San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
  • Total Employment: 1
  • Average Hourly Rate: $45.22
  • Average Annual Salary: $94060

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