Communication

Welcome! According to the National Communication Association, “The discipline of communication focuses on how people use messages to generate meanings within and across various contexts, cultures, channels, and media. The discipline promotes the effective and ethical practice of human communication.”

In studying communication, students learn about the way humans talk, cooperate and resolve conflict. Whether verbal or nonverbal, the way we create, send and receive messages is essential to how people are distinct among animals. Our use of media, from pencils to cell phones, drums to drones, is based in our meaningful (and occasional seeming meaningless) message making, sending and receiving.

 

At MCC, several degree programs in communication are offered:

Interpersonal and Organizational Communication, A.A.

The interpersonal and organizational communication associate in arts degree is designed to introduce students to the theoretical concepts, ethical dimensions and practical abilities and limitations of human communication and to develop student competency in interpersonal and organizational communication processes. The degree emphasizes how language and communication symbols interact in the social world. It prepares students for transfer to a bachelor’s degree program in communication and to communicate effectively and appropriately in personal, civic or career contexts.

Communication: Media, A. S.

The communication: media associate in science degree, along with the focused journalism option for students seeking a career in print journalism, combines a challenging curriculum with courses that teach the practical skills used in media outlets and business environments across the country. This program is designed to ready students for a variety of positions and careers in radio, television, print journalism and public relations.

Communication Studies: CSCU Pathway Transfer, A.A.

For students who plan to transfer to complete the requirements for a bachelor of arts degree in communication at one of the four Connecticut state universities or Charter Oak State College, enrolling in the college’s Communication Studies Transfer Ticket degree pathway program is a good choice. By entering this program, students are able to start their course work at MCC and take advantage of its high-quality instruction and more affordable community college tuition and fees. Upon completion of the CSCU Pathway Transfer: Communication Studies associate degree, students are guaranteed full junior status and can complete a bachelor’s degree in their major without losing any credits or being required to take extra credits or incur additional expenses.

These degree programs provide a solid foundation for students who are planning on transferring to a four-year college or university. Students who are thinking of transferring are encouraged to meet with their academic advisors to discuss their plans and how MCC courses transfer to other institutions. More information on the transfer options available at MCC can be found in the Transfer Planning portion of the website.  For students who wish to quickly enter the job market or enhance their skills, certificate programs in electronic publishing, media technology and public relations are offered.

Internships, which provide students with opportunities to learn by applying their classroom training in a professional environment, are an integral part of these programs, as is the opportunity for students to practice and develop their skills by working for the college’s student newspaper, Live Wire; the college’s award-winning campus radio station, ICE, 1620 AM/ICE Radio, or the college’s student club for creating fun video projects, ICE TV.

Degree Programs

Certificate Programs

Career Information and Student Showcase

Learn about a career in communication and its various sub-specialties.
View examples of student work. 

Contact

Stephania Davis
Department Chair
860-512-2694

Last updated .