Communications Degree

The communications program at West Hills College – Coalinga 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.

West Hills College – Coalinga

1271 North Main Street, Salinas, CA

West Hills College – Coalinga is located in Coalinga, California.  Coalinga is one of two campuses that together form West Hills College. The Coalinga campus was founded in 1932 to serve residents of the San Joaquin Valley. Throughout its history, the Coalinga campus has offered educational and vocational opportunities, and along with the Lemoore campus, has expanded1 as necessary to ensure community needs are met.

Academics

WHC Coalinga offers more programs than the Lemoore campus. The programs offered result in associate degrees or certificates. As a community college, WHC Coalinga offers transfer opportunities to four year institutions or prepare for a career through a vocational program.

Programs offered include:

• Early Childhood Education
• Humanities
• Liberal Arts
• Psychology
• Business Administration

Admissions and Financial Aid

To attend WHC Coalinga, students must satisfy one of the following criteria:

• High School Graduate
• GED or Equivalent
• 18 Years Old
• Principal Recommendation and Parental Permission (If a High School Student)

If a student satisfies any of the above criteria, he or she will be able to enroll by completing the application and paying any associated costs. Financial aid is available to eligible students. Eligibility is determined by obtaining a Federal PIN and submitting a completed Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The subsequent student aid report (SAR) will be used to determine which financial aid awards one qualifies for.

Athletics

The Coalinga campus of West Hills College offers sports programs in football, baseball, basketball, volleyball and softball.

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

Salary & Wages

• Salinas, CA
  • Total Employment: 150
  • Average Hourly Rate: $33.46
  • Average Annual Salary: $69590

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