Communication Studies

Associate in Arts DTA

Two-year Degree

Full-Time 6 Quarters, Units

Have you ever noticed how nearly all job descriptions ask for "exceptional oral and written communication skills"? That's precisely what a degree in Communication will enable you to do. This pathway is designed to meet the Associate in Arts degree requirements with a concentration in Communication Studies, allowing you to transfer at the 3rd year level into a Communication program at a four-year college or university. Students pursuing this pathway study the complex world of human communication, from interpersonal and small group dynamics to the media industry. As part of this degree, you’ll take a wide variety of courses that will provide you with foundational knowledge and skills in:

  • Public speaking
  • Critical media studies
  • Digital communication (including podcasting and social media)
  • Intercultural human relations.

Whether you want to improve your speaking and listening skills, or you're seeking a career in healthcare, leadership, business management, public relations, education, or the media industry, a degree in communication studies could be right for you.

Get Started

College Application Steps

Step 1: Apply and register at South Seattle College anytime (the application is always free).

Apply Today

Once you become a student, register for classes using the online class schedule (opens in new tab) and go to the academic calendar for registration dates and tuition deadlines.

Step 2: See an advisor to create a personalized educational plan by the end of your second quarter. Your plan will include prerequisites, graduation requirements, and transfer preparation if you plan to transfer to another college or university to earn a bachelor's degree.

College Tuition

Learn more about the estimated cost of attendance and general fees to attend college.

It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing either the FAFSA (opens in new tab) or the WASFA (opens in new tab).

Need help paying for college?

To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit South's Financial Aid Department for details. Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.

Program Information

The Communication Studies pathway can lead to various career opportunities.

Examples include:

Career titles and data are supplied by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For current employment and wage estimates, please visit O*NET OnLine (opens in new tab).

A Bachelor's degree or higher may be required for some careers listed above.

Once you complete this Associate degree, additional education opportunities include: 

  • A bachelor’s degree in communications or a related field at a four-year college or university.
  • A Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree at one of the Seattle Colleges. 

South Seattle College has direct transfer agreements with four-year institutions throughout Washington state, including University of Washington, Washington State University and Seattle University. Graduates from South have also transferred to out-of-state institutions. 

Program and admissions requirements vary from college to college. Contact an advisor to create an educational plan tailored to transfer to the institution of your choice.

South Seattle College offers several associate degrees designed for transfer students. Please review our transfer degrees page to find the degree requirements for your chosen pathway.

Units

A sample schedule and quarterly to-do list are below. The schedule and to-do list will help you explore courses and complete tasks on time. The guide assumes a fall quarter start, but you can begin in any quarter and start at any placement level. Classes are offered in various formats such as online (e-learning) and may not be offered each quarter.

Before you begin:

Quarter 1, 15 Units

Click course row to read description.
Course Course Title Units
ENGL& 101 English Composition I 5
CMST& 101 Introduction to Communication 5
MATH& 107 or MATH& 146 Choose a course 5

Quarter 2, 15 Units

Click course row to read description.
Course Course Title Units
Any ENVS course Choose a course 5
CMST 205 or CMST& 240 Choose a course 5
Elective Choose a course 5

Quarter 3, 15 Units

Click course row to read description.
Course Course Title Units
CMST& 220 Public Speaking 5
ENGL& 102 Composition II 5
Any ART, DRMA, ENGL, HUM or MUSC course Choose a course 5

Quarter 4, 15 Units

Click course row to read description.
Course Course Title Units
Any POLS, HIST, or SOC course Choose a course 5
CHEM 117, BIOL&160, or Natural World Lab Science course Choose a course 5
CMST& 210 or CMST& 230 Choose a course 5

Quarter 5, 15 Units

Click course row to read description.
Course Course Title Units
BIOL& 100 or ASTR& 100 or other Science course Choose a course 5
Any DRMA, HUM, ENGL, or MUSC course with Global Studies designation 5
CMST 245 or CMST 260 Choose a course 5

Quarter 6, 15 Units

Click course row to read description.
Course Course Title Units
Any PSYC, GEOG, ANTH, or SOC course Choose a course 5
HUM 105 or elective with US Culture & Integrated Studies designation Choose a course 5
Any CMST course Choose a course 5

Program data from ctcLink:

  • Academic Plan: LASDTAA
  • Degree: AA-DTA
  • Plan Transcript Description: Associate in Arts DTA
  • Academic Plan Currently Offered: Yes
  • Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP): 24.0101

To update degree or certificate information please start with how to make edits to academic program data.

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Programs

South Seattle College offers a variety of high-quality, affordable programs that will help you meet your educational and career goals. Opportunities include high school completion, ESL classes, career training, college transfer and applied bachelor’s degrees, short-term training, and personal enrichment courses.