Communication Studies
Associate Degree

Back To Program Search

Why NCC’s Associate in Communication Studies Program?

Lay the groundwork for a creative and impactful career in advertising, politics, journalism, public relations, healthcare and so much more! The Associate in Arts (AA) in Communication Studies degree program at Northampton Community College (NCC) forms a solid foundation on which you can build an exciting career.

You can select the flexible, fully online program option or study on campus in Bethlehem, PA in this program that mirrors the first two years of a bachelor’s degree program at a fraction of the cost.

 

Convenient Online Learning Available

Choose between dynamic on-campus classroom settings or immersive online communications associate degree courses that suit your schedule. The fully online communications program option enables you to earn your degree from wherever you are and at a pace that works with your pre-existing commitments.

 

Customizable Curriculum to Fit Your Career Goals

Open up your future potential through your choice of 25+ electives in mass communications, business, communication technology and the performing arts. Our flexible course offerings empower you to prepare for a career in business, marketing, stage directing, game design and just about any other communications path you can imagine.

 

Transfer With Confidence

Jump-start your education in one of the most successful community college transfer programs in Pennsylvania. Our communications associate degree is nearly identical to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree program—and empowers you to save up to $40,000!

NCC holds over 100 signed transfer agreements with four-year colleges and universities across the country, and your academic advisors can help you navigate the requirements and deadlines for your desired transfer program.

Learn more about transferring from NCC

 

What You’ll Learn in the Communications Degree Program

Develop coherent perspectives and critical thinking techniques for communication theory and practice in individual and group contexts. NCC’s communication studies major equips you to communicate vital concepts in healthcare, education, media, radio and TV broadcasting settings. Gain practice in diverse specialty areas, from technology and business to the performing arts, as you plan for studies at a four-year institution and your career beyond.



Program Details

Semesters: 4

Credits: 62

College Catalog: View Curriculum

Program Map: Download PDF

Locations: Bethlehem | Fully Online

Program Overview:

Build up the general knowledge and subject expertise typical of the first two years of a communications-related bachelor’s degree program, including fundamentals of communication and core courses in psychology, statistics, science and sociology. With the help of your academic advisor, choose further communications electives to prepare for your intended transfer program.

CMTH215 Intercultural Communication
CMTH231 Small Group Communication
CMTH230G Introduction to Communication Theory
CMTH104 Mass Media and Society
CMTH126 The Communication Arts
CMTH220 Introduction to Film
CMTH225G Scriptwriting
CMTH180 Multimedia Production
CMTH182 Multimedia Graphics & Animation
ARTA130 Web Design I
ARTA170 Computer Graphics
JOUR101 Journalism and Society
JOUR102 News Editing
BUSA101 Introduction to Business
BUSA115 Introduction to International Business
BUSA137 Principles of Selling
BUSA152 Business Law I
THEA211G Plays: Classical to Contemporary
THEA111 Acting I
THEA206 Directing
THEA189 Stage Voice and Movement



Tuition and Financial Aid

Study at NCC to get ahead in your education at an affordable cost. The tuition and fees for the associate degree are among the lowest for communications programs in Pennsylvania, and you have access to our impressive scholarship fund and database—one of the largest in the state.



Resources to Support Your Learning

Find support from your first days on campus to graduation! Northampton Community College’s robust student services support your communications associate degree through online and on-campus tutoring and academic success programs, individualized advising with faculty experts, peer support groups and our future-focused Career Services team.

smiling student holding books

What Can You Do With a Degree in Communication Studies?

Exercise your creativity in media and communication roles that range from corporate marketing and advertising to journalism, DJing, photography, film and more. This field remains in consistent demand even as the media and communications landscape rapidly shifts—some jobs evolve over time, but they don’t disappear!

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for media and communication workers is over $66,000, and media and communication equipment workers average over $52,000 per year—both higher than the median annual wage for all occupations. Some communication studies career paths include:

  • Broadcast Technician
  • Sound Technician
  • Video Technician
  • News Analyst
  • Editor
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Camera Operator
  • Copywriter
  • Journalist
  • Photographer
  • Marketing Specialist
  • Videographer

Student Spotlight

NCC quickly became my home because of its unique atmosphere and amazing faculty and staff. Going to NCC might’ve been one of the best decisions that I could’ve made. I originally chose NCC because I wanted to play soccer, which I did, but I quickly found that there is a lot more that Northampton offers.

Hannah Seltzer, Alumna
Communication Studies

Hannah Seltzer

Need Help Deciding?

Our helpful teams of academic and career experts can answer your questions about the communication studies degree, other programs and opportunities on campus, and life at NCC!


Contact a Career Counselor Connect with an Academic Advisor

Explore Related Programs

placeholder
Communication Design

Develop creative, conceptual, and technical skills in all types of modern media. Building on a foundation in topics like drawing, art history, computer graphics, and website design.

Learn More
placeholder
Marketing

Make your mark as a creative thinker and analyze real business portfolios, create real marketing plans and present your ideas to real executives! Prepare for a career in sales, advertising, social media, public relations, or digital marketing.

Learn More
placeholder
Media Production

Inspire yourself and your audiences through your creative expression and technical expertise. Make magic happen as you communicate abstract ideas with fellow creatives, design set-ups and scenes, operate production equipment, edit and produce recorded material, and more.

Learn More

Learn More About NCC’s Communication Studies Major

Apply today to cultivate strong communication and interpersonal skills that are applicable in all kinds of professional contexts. The Associate in Arts in Communication Studies at NCC allows you to complete the first two years of a four-year bachelor’s degree at an affordable cost—and with the flexibility to study online or on campus, choose the electives that most appeal to you and join a vibrant community of learners!



Next Steps

With 120+ high-quality programs at a highly affordable cost, you can build specialized skills to advance in your career path — fast. And with flexible class formats and convenient locations, it's never been easier to join us.