Communication
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is my advisor?
Teresa Gerber is the advisor for all Communication majors. Your advisor can answer questions about required courses, graduation requirements, transferring to a 4-year school, and career information.
How do I contact my advisor?
Teresa Gerber
Taylorsville Redwood Campus
STC 240P
(801) 957-4294
Teresa.Gerber@slcc.edu
What can I do with a degree in Communication?
There are many career opportunities available at the entry-level position upon completion of our two-year program. Check out our Career Information page to view what you can do with a degree in Communication. Some of these career opportunities may require a four-year or advanced degree.
How long will it take to complete my degree?
An Associate's Degree in Communication can be earned by taking a full-time load of courses (15-17 credit hours) over four regular semesters or two years. This includes general education requirements. Each student’s unique circumstances will influence the time it takes to complete the degree.
What school has the best Communication Program?
Well, we might be slightly biased, but we think that Salt Lake Community College has an awesome Communication Program. Classes are taught at many campuses and online. Full-time communication faculty and the communication advisor are friendly and willing to answer any questions as they help you toward graduation. The Department provides a hands-on approach and an excellent student-teacher ratio. The Department sponsors and directs a vibrant Globe Student Media Center that provides valuable instruction and real-world, hands-on experience in print journalism, radio, and television. The Globe Student Media Center prints a bi-weekly newspaper, sponsors a student literary magazine, and broadcasts over a web-based radio station and over Valley TV's Channel 17.
If you want to continue on with your education, you are in luck because several universities and colleges in Utah have great undergraduate and graduate programs in Communication. Most SLCC students who continue their education pursue a bachelor’s degree in Communication at the University of Utah, which has a very strong Communication program. Communication is a very popular major at the University of Utah; however, Salt Lake Community College has articulation agreements with the other major institutions as well. For more information about transferring to a 4-year institution, read our 4-Year Transfer page.
What are the areas of emphasis that Communication majors can choose?
At SLCC there are two general communication sequences or emphasis areas: Mass Communication and Speech Communication. These general communication sequences are intended to enable a more successful transfer to a four-year college or university.
At most four-year colleges and universities, there are more specific areas of study that would fall under the two general communication sequences offered by SLCC. Typical areas of study might include:
How can I prepare to major in very specific areas of emphasis at a university while studying at SLCC?
If you are interested in a specific areas of study in communication, choose classes at Salt Lake Community College that would serve as introductory courses in the area of focus of your choice. Your advisor can assist you in determining which SLCC sequence is best based on your interests and the transfer institution.
Here is a short description of some of the areas of study from the list above. Many of these areas of study will be available in bachelor’s programs at a number of colleges and universities. The information below is fairly typical of areas of study at most four-year institutions.
General Speech Communication - At many colleges and universities, a student can still pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in General Speech Communication, which makes it possible to custom design a program. The student can then prepare themselves for specific career interests and/or for graduate school.
Having a general background in Speech Communication will make you valuable to almost any employer, and it will give you the skills to be able to contribute in every aspect of your life--families and friends, the workplace, the local community and the larger national and global community.
Argumentation and Decision-Making - Majoring in argumentation and decision-making is often the major for students planning to enter into business management or law.
Non-profit organizations and government organizations often hire students with a degree emphasis in Argumentation and Decision-Making; however many options are available in law and the corporate world as well.
Communication Technology - The area of study is for students with an interest in digital media and technology. Students are prepared for a variety of full-time or freelance employment through a blend of classroom and hands-on experience. Technology orientation to electronic and digital media is provided for students planning careers in broadcasting, radio, television, and the Internet. Courses introduce students to the complexities of programming, production, regulation, economics, management, and the social and psychological impact of radio, television and the Internet.
Interpersonal Communication - Majors gain understanding of the practical and theoretical aspects of communication in one-on-one and group relationships. Students learn how people interact.
Students in Interpersonal Communication often choose careers in social work or human relations. Some choose to consult or work for non-profit or government organizations.
Public Communication- Majors in Public Communication will gain and understanding of Communication in public situations--media, politics and legal arenas.
Media outlets, research firms, newspapers, public relations firms, legal offices, advertisers and marketers are only a few examples of those who hire Communication majors that have emphasized Public Communication.
Organizational Communication - Students study communication within organizations and how communication creates and defines organizations and influences the people within organizations. Students study how culture develops within organizations. They study leadership communication, up-and-down and peer-to-peer communication, including some group communication.
Students who major in Organizational Communication are often hired in government and non-profit organizations. They also work in human resources and consulting. Very often students ultimately end up in management. Organizational Communication is a very solid major to prepare for many possible career fields.
Training and Teaching major in Speech Communication - Majors in Communication who emphasize Training and Teaching develop specific skills that are required to teach the subject of Communication.
Students go on to teach in secondary and primary education settings. Many also move into private industry where they provide training programs to help employees communicate more effectively.
News Editorial
Majors prepare themselves to work in careers in the newspaper and magazine industry. Students take classes that help them learn how to gather and write news. They learn to analyze public affairs and make commentary. They learn to produce print media.Students often find work in the print media as well as broadcasting. Many find valuable work in Internet work.
Public Relations - In addition to learning the theories of communication, students learn to solve problems in public relations. Majors take courses in research, building a communication campaign, planning and executing a message, selecting media etc.
Students can do almost anything with a Communication emphasis in Public Relations. Many get jobs with public relations firms or with public affairs offices for large companies. Some work in human resources. Others work in entertainment.
Can I substitute one class for another?
The Department Coordinator is the only person who can approve this action. Some substitutions are possible and some are not depending on the specifications of the program sequence. Each request is considered on its own merits and unique circumstances.
I think there might be a problem with my grade. How do I resolve this problem?
The first step is always to speak with the course instructor as soon as possible. Most grade problems are resolved in this way.
However, if the problem cannot be resolved, then you should meet with the Department Chair to see what can be done. The next step would be to appeal the the Dean of the College. Grades can only be changed by the course instructor through the Registrar’s Office. Most grade problems can be and are resolved by working with the course instructor.
I have a complaint about an instructor or course. Where can I go to get help?
Students should be familiar with the course syllabus and schedule or outline. The next step is always to speak with the course instructor as soon as possible. Most grade problems are resolved in this way. However, if the problem cannot be resolved, then you should meet with the Department Chair to see what can be done. The next step would be to appeal the the Dean of the College.
Why is there so much writing in Communication classes?
Writing is one of the most common communication processes. In almost every career field, the ability to communicate effectively in writing is as essential as being able to communicate effectively verbally. Great writing skills are one of the most requested skills by employers.
Is there practical application for what I am learning?
Almost everything you learn in communication has practical application. Communication is one of the most common and universal activities in which we all participate. As you apply yourself to your coursework and become more aware of your own communication behaviors, as well as those of others, you will see the obvious practical application of everything you learn in communication classes. You will see practical application in your home environment, in your relationships, in your community and especially in the workplace. Past practical projects include the following:
- A requirement of COMM 1020 students is to give one speech that they could use in their workplace or in a class they are taking. One student created a persuasive speech about why guided hikes should be allowed in the Grand Canyon. She presented the speech to the Park Service, and they actually granted her permission to start up a small hike guiding business. Before this, they had staunchly refused such activities.
- A requirement of COMM 1010 students is to solve a group communication problem. One student had her group help her apply the decision-making sequence to brainstorm suggestions for communication among her rock band members. Later she tried this process with the band members with positive results.
What is the difference between the Broadcasting degree through the Comm. Department and the AAS degree in Broadcast Video/Audio Production?
The AAS degree in Broadcasting Video/Audio Production develops skills for immediate entry into the fields of broadcasting production. The AAS degree program is taught as a terminal degree program. This means that we, in the department, assume that students in the program want to prepare themselves for immediate entry into the workforce with a set of specific skills. The A.A.S. program takes longer to complete than an A.S. degree in Communication. The A.S. degree in Communication prepares students for continued study at the university level.
How do I get an internship?
For details on arrange your internship, contact the Student Employment and Cooperative Education Department. You can also review your internship goals with Art Kanehara, Internship Coordinator for the Communication Department.
Some internship opportunities are available through the Department; however, most students find their own internship employer and design their own internship experience. The Internship Coordinator can help you to be sure that the internship is right for you. Students must also contact the Student Employment and Cooperative Education Department to register for their internship and attend a short orientation.
How necessary or useful are internships?
Internships provide valuable opportunities to practice what you have learned in the classroom. They provide opportunity for networking and developing working relationships. They also make it possible for you to gain experience working in the field you are interested in.