School of Communication, Humanities & Languages

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Communication Studies

Communication studies is an academic discipline that deals with processes of human communication. The discipline includes verbal and written communication, and encompasses a range of topics, from face-to-face conversation to mass media outlets such as television broadcasting.

Contact

Chair
Ana-Marie Olaerts
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Dean
Quinton Bemiller
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Instructional Department Specialist
Yolanda Stanley
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Admin. Assistant to the Dean
Eileen Cechini
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Full-Time Faculty
Mark Lewis
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Full-Time Faculty
Tim Mount
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Full-Time Faculty
Sara Nafzgar
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Full-Time Faculty
Ana-Marie Olaerts
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Academic Programs in Communication Studies

The academic maps below will give you an idea of the classes you need to take. However, please meet with a counselor to personalize your education plan.

School Trailhead for Arts & Humanities Suggested Initial Coursework - TRAILHEAD
Associate of Arts (AA) Degree - Area of Emphasis (AOE) in Communication, Media and Languages - CSU Pathway - MAP
Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) to a CSU or UC School - Communication Studies - MAP
Pathway Map for ADT to a CSU or UC School - Communication Studies - MAP

Additional Resources

What can I do with this major? (Communication Studies) - INFO
Riverside Community College District General Education (RCCD GE) Requirements (PLAN A) - INFO
California State University General Education (CSU GE) Requirements (PLAN B) For students who would like to transfer to a campus in the California State University (CSU) system - INFO
Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) Requirements (PLAN C) For students who would like to transfer to a campus in either the California State University (CSU) or University of California (UC) system - INFO

Career Options

Career options for students who get a degree in communication studies include: journalist, public relations specialist, speech writer, event planner, social media manager, human resources specialist, business reporter, broadcast engineer, video/audio producer, and radio/podcast host.

Student Voice

Adriel Chavez-Sherman

Adriel Chavez-Sherman graduated from Norco College in 2017 with four different associate’s degrees in Communications, Math and Science, Humanities, and Social and Behavioral Studies. In 2011 she applied for two associate’s degrees but was missing two classes required for graduation. At this point, however, she decided to focus on joining the workforce and didn’t complete her degrees. It wasn’t until five years later, in 2016, that Adriel decided it was time to finally complete the associate’s degrees she had attempted several years before. After meeting with a counselor from Norco College, she realized she had enough units to graduate with not just two, but four degrees, as long as she completed the required classes in the 2016-2017 academic year.

Adriel was the Commencement Student Speaker for 2017. She hopes to parlay the different educational backgrounds she’s gained from Norco College towards a future career in her field of study.

To read more of Adriel's story, click here.