Communications Degree

The communications program at South Texas 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 Illinois colleges that offer communications degrees.

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South Texas College

Also known as South Texas Community College

451 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL

South Texas College (STC) is community college serving McAllen, Rio Grande City and Weslaco, Texas. STC is one of three community colleges in Texas accredited to offer a Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) degree. It is the only one accredited to offer two bachelor's degrees. It also offers associate's degrees, professional certificates, continuing education, developmental studies, and online education. Hybrid courses that combine classroom instruction with online learning are also available, and students may follow transfer study programs to transfer courses to other institutions.

The more than 100 degree and certificate programs offered at South Texas College cover topics that range from art and science, to technology and health care. Eight associate's degrees are offered through the online learning program. There are two Bachelor of Applied Technology degrees offered at STC - one win Technology Management, and one in Computer and Information Technology.

As a service to the community, STC offers dual enrollment opportunities to local high school students. These programs allow eligible students to take college courses while attending high school. For high school students in their junior or senior year who are interested in pursuing a degree in medicine or engineering, there is a Dual Enrollment Medical Science Academy and a Dual Enrollment Engineering Academy. These academies offer concentrated two-year programs of study and internship opportunities that culminate in an Associate of Science degree.

History

The South Texas College District was established by the Texas Legislature in 1993, to serve the Hidalgo-Starr County area's population of half a million people.

Within the district, South Texas College, Brazosport College and Midland College all received accreditation to offer the bachelor's degree.

Academics

The academic calendar for South Texas College follows a semester format with fall and spring semesters, and three shorter summer sessions.  Additionally, there are shorter "minimesters" of 6-, 8-, and 12-week durations offered through the spring and fall for working students who need a more flexible schedule.  The nursing program offers "minimester" flex scheduling throughout the year for busy students.

Colleges and Schools

STC offers a Core Curriculum of general education courses that prepares all students for Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees, and also for those students who plan to continue their education by completing a bachelor's degree at STC or by transferring to another institution.  The Core Curriculum helps students develop their competencies in mathematics, critical thinking, reading, writing and speaking.

Study areas at South Texas College are divided into Academic Divisions, as follows:

• Bachelor Programs and University Relations
• Business and Technology
• Developmental Studies
• Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
• Math and Science
• Nursing and Allied Health

Student Life

The STC Department of Student Life provides students with a full calendar of activities and student organizations to choose from, as well as helpful information about departments, health services, and professional associations.  Some of the professional associations available for student participation or assistance include the American Student Government Association (ASGA), and the National Association of Veterans' Program Administrators (NAVPA).

Financial assistance is available, and many of the student services are free, including tutoring, Internet access, career counseling, job placement services, and more. 

The Office of Intramural Sports and Wellness Programming offers students a variety of recreational sports and health programs to encourage social interaction and improve overall wellness.

Athletics

South Texas College does not participate in intercollegiate athletics.

Satellite Campuses

STC has satellite campuses and workforce training centers located throughout the Hidalgo-Starr counties:

• Mid-Valley Campus
• Nursing & Allied Health Campus
• Pecan Campus
• Starr County Campus
• Technology Campus

Community Life

Known as the Rio Grande Valley and Coastal Bend, the South Texas region is south of San Antonio and west of the Gulf of Mexico. The south and west boundaries of this region are formed by the Rio Grande River. Padre Island is a popular tourist destination in this region.  South Texas has a largely Hispanic community.

Students Enrolled in the Communications Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. South Texas 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

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 270
  • Average Hourly Rate: $25.77
  • Average Annual Salary: $53600

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

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 4
  • Average Hourly Rate: $30.79
  • Average Annual Salary: $64040
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 280
  • Average Hourly Rate: $20.93
  • Average Annual Salary: $43540
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 260
  • Average Hourly Rate: $33.07
  • Average Annual Salary: $68780

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