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 Department Page

Forensics Program

The MSJC Forensic Team is comprised of students, on all campuses, competing in a broad range of oratory events, both individually and as a team. Students compete against other colleges and universities. Major forensic events include debate, extemporaneous speaking (informative and persuasive), and oral interpretation (prose and poetry ). It is very challenging, tons of fun and a tremendous academic advantage to students in transferring. Contact the Director of Forensics, Ron Newman (rnewman@msjc.edu for details)

Transfer Preparation

MSJC offers a wide range of course work that prepares students for the workforce or for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. All four-year institutions prescribe their own standards for course evaluation and admissions. Courses that fulfill major requirements for an associate degree in a program at MSJC might not be the same as those required for transfer into a similar major at a four-year university. Please meet with a Counselor to confirm transfer requirements.  

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’s or UC’s 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
Dr. Michele Weber, Ph.D. - Journalism Program Coordinator
mweber@msjc.edu

Menifee Valley Campus
(951) 672-MSJC (6752)
1-800-452-3335
Dr. Basemeh Rihan, Ed.D. 
brihan@msjc.edu
Dr. Suzanne Uhl, Ph.D. 
suhl@msjc.edu 
Dr. David Moss, Ph.D. 
emoss@msjc.edu

Temecula Valley Campus
Dr. Ron Newman, Ed.D. - Director of Forensics 
rnewman@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 (B) $102,751 2,869
Marketing, Public Relations, & Advertising (B) $126,763 34,478
Journalist (B) $48,926 626

(degree required: SM some college, C: Certificate, A: Associate degree, B: Bachelor’s degree, M: Master’s degree, D: Doctorate)