With the prevalence of digital technologies, it’s critical for organizations in all industries to have clear, concise, and strategic communication across multiple platforms. To meet this demand for communication professionals, universities offer flexible, traditional, and online communications degree programs, such as the best Associate Degrees in Communication.
If you want to gain the technical skills and certifications required for a career in communication, an Associate Degree in Communication is a good start. In this article, we will discuss the best communication associate degrees and the communication associate degree program requirements you need to prepare.
What Is Communication?
Communication is the use of information to convey messages through visual, written, or spoken media. Effective communication improves personal, social, cultural, and professional understanding and transferring of ideas between individuals, communities, and organizations. “Communication” is sometimes referred to as “communications” in academic contexts.
Where Can I Get an Associate Degree in Communication?
The best colleges where you can get an Associate Degree in Communication include Tulsa Community College and Cameron University. If you’re wondering where to get an Associate Degree in Communications, you must consider the price of tuition, course quality, and the distance from home. Consult the list below to discover where to get a communication associate degree.
What Schools Offer the Best Communication Associate Degrees?
- Cameron University
- Delaware County Community College
- Montgomery College
- San Jacinto College
- Tulsa Community College
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Associate Degree in Communication?
The admission requirements for an Associate Degree in Communication is a high school diploma or a general educational development (GED) diploma at the minimum. You may also have to meet GPA criteria before you can be considered for admission into the program. It’s important to note that Associate in Communication requirements may differ across colleges.
The required language for most Associate of Communication degrees is English. However, many programs offer courses that teach you how to read, write, and speak foreign languages.
Requirements for an Associate Degree in Communication can also be found on a school’s website.
Communication Associate Degree Admission Requirements
- High school diploma
- General educational development (GED) diploma
- Meet GPA criteria
- Short essay
- Online application form
How to Get an Associate Degree in Communication
You can get a communication associate degree by completing the full course requirements and meeting the school’s grade point average (GPA) requirements. Each program necessities a certain amount of credits to pass. If you want to get an Associate Degree in Communication, you should go over your program guide in great detail.
The best way to get a communication associate degree is to be prepared. Although it is not required, there are a few things you should know before starting a communication associate degree that will boost your education and contribute to your success. Having prior knowledge of global media and interpersonal skills will help you get into college for a communication associate degree.
How Many Credits Do You Need for an Associate Degree in Communication?
You need 60 credits for an Associate Degree in Communication, although the number may vary depending on your program. An associate degree is half the length of a bachelor’s, which is why you only need half as many credits. If you’re wondering how many credits you need for an Associate Degree in Communication, you can consult individual school requirements.
Communication Degree Requirements
- Complete 60 credits
- Attain a GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Complete two years of school
- Succeed in all your classes
- Complete an internship/intensive
Best Communication Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Cameron University | Associate of Arts in Strategic Communication | Higher Learning Commission |
| Colorado Christian University | Associate of Arts in Communication Studies | Higher Learning Commission |
| Delaware County Community College | Associate of Arts in Communication Studies | The Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Madison Area Technical College | Associate of Science in Visual Communications | Higher Learning Commission |
| Montgomery College | Associate of Arts in Communication Studies | The Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Northern Essex Community College | Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts Journalism/Communication | The New England Commission of Higher Education |
| San Jacinto College | Associate of Arts in Communications | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Scottsdale Community College | Associate of Arts in Communication | Higher Learning Commission |
| Southwestern College | Associate of Arts in Communication Studies | WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| Tulsa Community College | Associate of Arts in Communication Arts and Technologies | Higher Learning Commission |
Best Schools for Communication: Top Communication Associate Degree Programs
The best schools with the top communication associate degree programs are the ones that will equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in their field. Focusing on program length, required courses, and tuition fees will help you find the best communication associate degree programs for you.
Many colleges across the United States offer an Associate Degree in Communication that expand on your communication skills, journalism skills, and technological skills. Below is a brief description of the 10 best schools for an Associate Degree in Communication.
What Is a Communication Associate Degree?
An Associate Degree in Communication is a two-year degree program that prepares you for a variety of entry-level communication jobs. It helps you gain a broad understanding of the technical and creative aspects of various communication careers.
It prepares students for careers in a wide variety of professions such as journalism, mass communication, business communication, and marketing. A communication associate degree can also easily be transitioned to a bachelor’s degree, which will allow holders to work in higher positions and earn a higher income.
How Important Is an Associate Degree in Communication?
An Associate Degree in Communication is important because it fine-tunes your writing, speaking, and interpersonal skills. This type of degree can get you into entry-level jobs in careers such as marketing, journalism, and public relations. Certifications for communication associate degrees show employers you were properly trained at accredited institutions.
The main reasons why a communication associate degree is important are because it gives you the necessary life skills needed in any profession or social setting, and allows you to network with peers and professionals. The future career prospects and salaries available to graduates are a demonstration of how important an Associate Degree in Communication is.
What Types of Associate Degree Can You Get in Communication?
You can get the following types of Associate Degrees for Communication:
- Associate of Arts in Strategic Communication
- Associate of Arts in Communication Studies
- Associate of Science in Visual Communications
- Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts Journalism/Communication
- Associate of Arts in Communications
- Associate of Arts in Communication Arts and Technologies
There are many communication associate degree types, but the best ones depend on your future plans and long-term goals. You should pick the communication associate degree program that best aligns with your values. Visual communication is an excellent choice for those interested in 3D design, and communication studies are more suited for those interested in marketing.
Is It Better to Get an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree in communication?
It is better to get an Associate Degree in Communication because it takes half the amount of time and money as a bachelor’s and earns you the same skill set. The difference between an Associate Degree in Communication and a bachelor’s is mostly the length. An Associate Degree in Communication is better than no degree at all.
Credits from an associate degree can easily be transferred to a bachelor’s degree in the future, so you can keep your options open. If you already know you want to get a job in communications, it might be beneficial to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications instead of taking the extra step of an associate degree.
What Is the Difference Between a Communication Associate Degree and a Communication Certificate?
The main difference between a communication associate degree and a certificate in communication is that an associate degree is a more vast education program that covers subjects related to a specific career, while a sub-baccalaureate certificate program just trains you for one specific job. If you’re choosing between a communication certificate vs associate degree, pick the latter.
You should get a communication associate degree instead of a certificate because the acceptance requirements are much easier to meet. Sometimes certificate programs demand career experience or higher education before you can join, while an associate degree program just requires a high school diploma.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Associate Degree in Communication?
Communication associate degrees cost about $3,621, according to the two-year program numbers from National Center for Education Statistics. This is also far less than the tuition cost of a four-year degree at $16,647. However, an Associate in Communication cost still depends on the type of school, living conditions, and educational materials you’ll need.
Communication Associate Degree Financing Options: How to Pay for Your Communication Degree
If students can’t afford to pay the full cost of the communication associate degree upfront, many schools have financing options for paying in installments. They also offer fee waivers for financially disadvantaged students. Students can also consider financial aid for an Associate in Communication, including grants, loans, and scholarships.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Communication Associate Degree?
It takes two years to get an Associate Degree in Communication. The average Associate in Communication length is 60 credits or four full semesters. The classes are usually split up into two semesters per year, totaling two full years of school.
If you’re still worried about how long it takes to get an Associate Degree in Communication, it’s sometimes possible to finish in less or more than two years depending on how tightly packed your schedule is.
How Hard Is It to Get an Associate Degree in Communication?
An Associate Degree in Communication is very easy to get because it’s a much smaller time commitment than any other degree. If you already have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, projects involving public speaking or presentations will be much easier for you. The difficulty of the associate degree will depend on your existing skills.
However, a communication associate degree is hard because you have to be very attentive to detail and be able to maintain focus for a long time. This type of program tackles complicated subjects such as media, design, business applications, and computer technology. Getting a communication associate degree is hard if you’re not able to master these systems.
Why Should You Get a Communication Associate Degree?
The benefits of getting an Associate Degree in Communication are advancing your skill set, working alongside professionals, and preparing yourself to hop right into the work field after school. Job security and opportunities, advancement in your career, and higher earning potential are all benefits of an Associate in Communication.
The benefit of getting a second Associate Degree in Communication is getting the chance to specialize in a different topic without wasting years and money in school. Your first degree could be focused on liberal arts and journalism while your second degree covers technical media.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in an Associate Degree Program in Communication?
The required courses for a communication associate degree are focused on basic communication and interpersonal skills as well as expanding on specific technical skills. Associate in Communication courses vary depending on the program, but overall focus on the essential building blocks to help you succeed in any career path you chose.
The types of classes in an Associate in Communication course list range from seminar classes to in-person presentations and intensives. The following list highlights typical courses in an Associate in Communication degree.
Interpersonal Communication
This class typically breaks down the basic elements used while connecting with other human beings, such as facial and physical cues, tone of voice, conscious and unconscious codes of meaning, and verbal and non-verbal communication.
Public Speaking
Knowing how to speak in public effectively is necessary to complete your communication associate degree. This class teaches you how to overcome nerves and fears and goes over how to properly organize and prepare yourself for a speech.
Intercultural Communication
It is required for a communication graduate to have a diverse knowledge of language and cultures. Cultural intelligence and cross-cultural communication are subjects typically covered in this class. You’ll learn about varied systems of non-verbal message systems and rules.
Electronic Marketing
An electronic or digital marketing class familiarizes students with the current landscape of online business markets. In a class like this, you’ll learn the fundamentals of digital communication, master skills needed to engage an online audience, and learn how to use key technology.
Written Communication
Written communication courses cover the essential skills and techniques for writing clear, concise, and engaging texts. You’ll learn about commonly used rhetoric, grammar rules, and the flow of text. The knowledge learned applies to multiple writing genres.
Continuing Education Paths for Communication Associate Degree Graduates
The best path to take with a communication associate degree is to continue to a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication. If you’ve already completed your associate degree, you can easily transfer your credits to a bachelor’s program and avoid having to retake two years’ worth of courses.
Another path after an Associate Degree in Communication is to complete another associate degree. To get the highest level of education, you can pursue a master’s degree or even a PhD program. Having more training and degrees under your belt gives you higher-paying opportunities.
Related Communication Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Communication Associate Degree Programs
The best communication associate degree programs have a well-rounded course load, have reputable teachers, and meet your standards. You can expect flexibility from a communication associate degree that is top-quality. Above all, always refer to your goals and values when considering what to look for in a college for an Associate Degree in Communication.
Accreditation
If a school or program is accredited, it means it passed a review and meets certain educational standards of quality. It’s important to go to an accredited institution to ensure that the knowledge you’re receiving is appropriate and valuable.
Cost
Going to university or college is an expensive process, so it’s vital to consider the cost of your program. If you chose a pricey program and do not have the funds to cover it, you can overwork yourself trying to work part-time or find yourself in financial debt in the future. Chose a school within your price range or inform yourself about loans and scholarships.
Flexibility and Format
Associate degrees are perfect for students who need a bit more flexibility in their life. If your program only offers courses at one specific time or doesn’t offer online equivalence, it can become much harder for you to balance school and your personal life. Chose a program that allows you to follow your dreams and doesn’t restrict you.
Reputation of Program
Make sure your program has a good reputation to ensure you get the best education you can. If your teachers or classes are known for being too difficult, unfair, or unqualified, you might want to consider a different school. Going to a school with a bad reputation can set you back and might require you to go back and relearn the things you learned incorrectly.
Specialization Options
It’s important to consider your interests when choosing an Associate Degree in Communication. Certain programs offer specializations and concentrations to advance your skills in a specific field, so it’s important to consider in advance where you might like to end up. If you chose a program with a specialization you don’t care for, you’ll be wasting your own time and money.
What Is the Most Affordable Communication Associate Degree?
The most affordable Associate Degrees in Communication are as follows:
- Associate of Arts in Strategic Communication from Cameron University
- Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Journalism/Communication from San Jacinto College
- Associate of Arts in Communication Arts and Technology from Tulsa Community College
Salary and Job Outlook for Communication Associate Degree Graduates
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, media and communication professionals earn an average annual wage of $61,310. This Associate in Communication salary depends on many factors, such as specialization, experience, career path, technical expertise, and what communication associate degree jobs you chose.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Communication Associate Degree?
It is easy to get a job with a communication associate degree because many professions and career paths utilize these skills. If you’re wondering how hard is it to get a job with an Associate Degree in Communication, you shouldn’t be worried. A communication associate degree opens doors to many entry-level jobs, giving you the opportunity to work your way up.
What’s the Average Communication Associate Degree Salary?
According to PayScale, the typical average salary for an Associate Degree in Communication graduate is about $80,000 for someone working in corporate communication. The average salary for someone with an Associate Degree in Communication is dependent on the specific career path you chose.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Communication Associate Degree?
The jobs you can get with a communication associate degree are scattered throughout the business, marketing, journalism, or theatre fields. The highest-paying jobs with communication associate degree training are usually found in government or high-up corporations, although it’s always possible to work your way up in a company.
Communication Degree Jobs
- Content manager
- Human resources specialist
- Media journalist
- Political assistant
- Multimedia designer
Potential Careers With a Communication Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Associate Degree in Communication?
According to PayScale, you can make between $34,000 to $64,000 with an Associate Degree in Communication. If you’re wondering how much money can you make with an Associate Degree in Communication, the salary and hourly wages depend on your career path, job title, and position in the company.
These numbers are but the average money that communication majors make out of college, but you can work yourself up and make even more. For example, according to PayScale, a communications director can make up to $88,400 per year.
Highest-Paying Communication Associate Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Communication Associate Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Technical Writers | $74,650 |
| Social Media Communications Specialist | $65,429 |
| Public Relations Specialists | $62,810 |
| Announcers | $36,770 |
| Customer Service Representatives | $35,830 |
Best Jobs for Communication Associate Degree Grads
The best jobs for communication associate degree grads are the ones that pay well, highlight your training and skills, and nourish your passions. If you’re looking for the best-paying communication associate degree jobs, they are in the corporate, media, advertising, and public relations sectors.
Your degree gets your foot in the door, but it’s essential to put in the hard work to build your career and reputation as a young professional. A smart first step after graduation is to check job boards to help you find the best jobs for an Associate Degree in Communication graduate.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Associate Degree in Communication Worth It?
Yes, an Associate Degree in Communications program is ideal for you if you enjoy public speaking, writing, and sharing information and ideas with people. It’s also a fast-track career route, as an associate’s degree can be typically acquired in less than two years.
With an associate degree, you can become qualified for most job opportunities that require less than two years of experience. Following your heart, expanding your skill sets, and getting high-paying jobs are confirmation that an Associate Degree in Communication is worth it.
Additional Reading About Communication
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Communication Associate Degree FAQs
An associate degree is a type of degree that can be acquired after high school and just before university education. It aims to provide students with the fundamental academic and technical knowledge, as well as transferable skills, that they’ll need to pursue employment or further education in their chosen profession.
The average salary for a communication professional is $61,310 annually, according to PayScale. Your income will be determined by a number of factors, such as your level of experience, education, and the subfield of communications in which you work.
The average completion time is two years, but some colleges often permit students who desire to speed up their curriculum and complete it in less than two years.
With an Associate Degree in Communications, you can get a variety of well-paying entry-level roles in mass media, public relations, and marketing. It also provides a fast track to getting a bachelor’s degree with transferable credits.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
