Communication Studies
Program Description
The Communication Studies program is designed to develop knowledge and skills used in interpersonal, rhetorical, organizational, and public contexts within the challenging global environment. Successful students will cultivate listening, speaking, and critical thinking skills required for effective communication. Effective communication skills empower students in their understanding of interpersonal relationships, intercultural interactions, and group dynamics. In addition, our program allows students to maximize their skills and abilities learned in other disciplines to realize their full potential as communicators and members of a diverse society.
Topics of interest to the communication scholar include: public speaking, interpersonal, argumentation & debate (forensics), small group, intercultural, media, organizational, persuasion, performance and competition.
Communications Studies Department Page
Forensics Program
The MSJC Forensics Team is composed of students from all campuses who compete in a broad range of oratory events, both individually and as a team. Students compete against other colleges and universities. Major forensics events include debate, extemporaneous speaking, informative and persuasive speaking, and oral interpretation, including prose and poetry. Participation is challenging, engaging, and offers students a strong academic advantage as they prepare to transfer. For details, contact Jennifer Baney, Director of Forensics, at jbaney@msjc.edu.
Transfer Preparation
Transfer students are advised to do research on prospective majors and careers. The MSJC Transfer Center and MSJC catalog can be helpful tools. Students interested in transferring to CSU or UC campuses can access major preparation by visiting ASSIST. All students are advised to meet with a counselor at least once a semester to create or update their comprehensive education plan.
Contact Information
San Jacinto Campus
(951) 487-MSJC (6752)
1-800-624-5561
Dr. Michael Fleming, Ed.D. (951) 487-3625
mfleming@msjc.edu
Menifee Valley Campus
(951) 672-MSJC (6752)
1-800-452-3335
Dr. Basemeh Rihan, Ed.D.
brihan@msjc.edu
Dr. Dave Moss
emoss@msjc.edu
Dr. Michele Weber
mweber@msjc.edu
Temecula Valley Campus
Dr. Ron Newman, Ed.D
rnewman@msjc.edu
Jennifer Baney, M.A. Director of Forensics
jbaney@msjc.edu
- Recognize and discuss the ways in which communication, both verbal and nonverbal, affects lives in various social contexts (e.g., intrapersonal, interpersonal, intercultural, group, organizational, mass, and mediated communication among others).
- Locate, read, and critically evaluate research (traditional and electronic), comparing and contrasting research methodologies used in the discipline.
- Construct and responsibly present different types of speeches both individually and group, demonstrating effective communication practices (e.g., active listening, self-presentation).
- Explore, compare and evaluate the basic communication theories of small group, public, organizational and mass communication, the ways in which technology affects communication, as well as the rhetorical foundations of the field of Communication Studies.
Discover in-demand careers and education options based on your interests! See the list of careers below or explore further by searching for Careers or Programs.
Note: There are no guaranteed positions for students completing these programs. Education and work experience required will vary by employer. The salary and benefits for specific occupations will be dependent on work experience, education, background, and employer. Labor market statistics are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Census Bureau, O-NET, EMSI.
| Career/Industries | CA Annual Median Salary or Range | Employment Demand or Opening CA |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative Service Managers (SM, A, B) | $107,282 | 3,414 |
| Public Relations Manager (B, M) | $155,687 | 758 |
| News Analysts, Reporters and Journalists (SM, A, B) | $76,824 | 785 |
| Public Relations Specialist (B) | $81,615 | 2,980 |
| Labor Relations Specialist (A, B, M) | $105,318 | 776 |
| Media Programming Directors (SM, B) | $11,277 | 3,683 |
(degree required: SM some college, C: Certificate, A: Associate degree, B: Bachelor’s degree, M: Master’s degree, D: Doctorate)