What You Will Learn
Effective communication is the cornerstone of personal and professional success. The Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree program in Communication at CCM begins with a strong foundation of basic skills that are then applied to advanced studies in communication and media theory.
From culture and entertainment to public relations, advertising, journalism and media production, this program prepares students for excellent career opportunities, including:
- Advertising & Marketing (Sales & Campaign Development)
- Film (Film History, Screenwriting, & Production)
- Multimedia Journalism (Multimedia Writing, Reporting, & Editing)
- Public Relations (Promotion, Strategic Communication, Political Communication & Crisis Management)
- Social Media Management (Network Development & Viral Marketing)
Why Study Communication at CCM?
All program-specific courses in the Department of Communication are taught by full-time faculty with outstanding credentials and noteworthy professional achievements. Our professors regularly present their work at academic conferences, publish in peer-reviewed journals, edited books and other scholarly sources. They bring a wealth of experience to the program that translates into workforce preparedness for students.
In addition, newly renovated student facilities and workspaces provide students with professional experience right in the classroom. Students work in a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose journalism classroom with access to the full Adobe suite.
All Communication students have the opportunity to work in the Alex DeCroce Media Center. The facility features high-definition technology, a digital media editing classroom, a scenery work room, two studio control rooms, a “green room” for guests, and separate teaching and professional studio spaces, each equipped with green screen cycloramas to create a variety of background images for video.
CCM students are already working on campus in professional environments that mirror the industry. However, internship opportunities in the second year of study at CCM are a valuable extension of the hands-on experience students gain in the Communication program at CCM. Whether in broadcasting, public relations, journalism, or digital media, internships provide critical exposure to the fast-paced demands of the communication industry and help students explore their specific areas of interest.
Curriculum
The Communication program features a 15-credit core with courses in communications, mass media and journalism, plus six credits for electives, also depending upon the desired track.
Electives in the Public Relations track include An Introduction to PR and Advertising and Society. Film track electives consist of An Introduction to Film and Screenwriting.
Careers in the Field
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 6% growth in employment for public relations specialists over the next ten years, a rate faster than the average for all occupations. A degree in Communication will prepare students for the following careers.
Associate Degree:
- Event Coordinator
- Social Media Coordinator
- Marketing Assistant
- Community Engagement Assistant
- Public Relations Assistant
Bachelor’s Degree & More:
- Broadcasting Journalist
- Market Coordinator
- Market Research Analyst
- Public Relations Specialist
Where You Can Go!
Graduates with an A.A. in Communication from CCM benefit from New Jersey’s Statewide Transfer Agreement. This means that the general education requirements will be waived at New Jersey public colleges and universities, allowing students to transfer in with junior standing. In addition, many out-of-state institutions also accept CCM credits.
CCM Communication students frequently transfer to the following colleges and universities.
In State:
- Kean University Montclair State University
- Ramapo College
- Rutgers University – New Brunswick
- William Paterson University
Out of State:
- East Stroudsburg University
- Florida International University
- University of Rhode Island
Visit CCM Transfer Services for more information.
Paying for Your Communication Education
Earning an associate degree is a powerful investment that will pay off over the course of your life, in both increased earnings and job satisfaction. But what is the upfront cost, and how do you afford it?
There’s good news: Money is available to help you pay for school! Our Financial Aid staff can provide lots of information about the process of finding funds to help pay for your education.
Featured Courses
Advertising & Society
A survey course that follows the advertising industry from the early days of the Industrial Revolution through modern social media campaigns. There will be a strong emphasis on the cultural and societal effects of advertising messages on mass markets, and a focus on advertising as a form of social communication, which has embedded impacts on socio-economic, political, and global communication. Students will acquire skills in media literacy and ethical reasoning with respect to advertising campaigns, and be able to identify the current challenges to consumers and the advertising industry.
Interpersonal Communication
Students in this course discover how to communicate effectively in everyday relationships through the study of both theoretical frameworks and practical application. Topics include self-perception, cultural influences, verbal and nonverbal messages, conflict management, as well as an in-depth look at communication within the family unit, friendships, romantic partners and the workplace.
Television Production I and II
This two-semester course introduces students to the basic operation of a television studio and the production process. Students learn techniques and develop skills in various studio functions including camera, switching, sound, lighting, teleprompter, scriptwriting and directing. Advanced skill include studio and remote producing, remote-location video shooting, digital editing, advanced special FX generation and switching, and set design via a “live on tape” production of an actual television program. Collaboration and teamwork are emphasized.
