Communication & Media Studies
- AS - Transfer Program
- Department of Visual and Performing Arts
Kick-start your career in communication and media
Countless communication and media professionals began their careers at Monroe Community College – and you can, too.
In our communication and media studies associate degree program, you can complete the first half of a bachelor’s degree in many communication and media fields. You’ll build a strong foundation for a career as a journalist, TV producer, public relations officer, media law expert, organizational communications manager, or other communication professional.
Monroe Community College’s communication and media studies program is led by communication professionals who’ve spent years in the industry. You’ll have the opportunity to get firsthand work experience in the media, performing internships at:
- TV stations
- Radio stations
- Newspapers
- Advertising firms
- Video and film production companies
You’ll also have many opportunities to build a personal media portfolio by working for MCC’s student-run newspaper Monroe Doctrine, radio station WMCC: The Pulse, and the MCC public speaking chapter of Toastmasters International.
Tell Stories from Every Angle with Our Communication and Media Studies Degree
You’ll get a broad liberal arts background in the communication and media studies program, with emphasis on writing, speaking, and communication. The communication and media studies degree includes more than 20 credits of electives, so you’ll have plenty of flexibility to focus on subjects that match your interests.
Your path into the exciting world of media and communications begins right here at MCC. Graduates from our communication and media studies associate degree program have gone on to earn bachelor’s degrees, and then excel in a wide range of careers. You may go on to work in jobs such as:
- Copywriter
- Journalist
- Market research analyst
- Media analyst
- Lobbyist
- Film director
- Speechwriter
- Press agent
- Technical writer
- News anchor
- Public relations specialist
- Corporate communications manager
To find out how our associate degree in communication and media studies can help you launch a career in communications, contact Monroe Community College’s admissions office at (585) 292-2200 or admissions@monroecc.edu.
Communication & Media Studies
A.S. Degree - Transfer Program
Department:Visual and Performing Arts
School(s): Arts & Humanities
MCC Program Code: CM01
Description
The Communication and Media Studies program provides a comprehensive study of communication for those interested in a wide range of communication professions. Students will develop skills in written and speech communication messages and apply a variety of media tailored to interpersonal, organizational, and mass audiences. Using the theories of communication, critical thinking, and persuasion, students will consider the impacts of communication on culture, society and relationships. This program prepares students for transfer in areas such as journalism, media, public relations, and organizational communication.
Program Learning Outcomes
1.Apply communication theories in a variety of personal and professional settings.
2.Apply effective oral communication skills in a variety of personal and professional settings.
3.Create formal written communication for a variety of audiences.
4.Evaluate media messages in a variety of forms.
5.Analyze the impact of mass media in shaping social constructs, values, or norms of society.
6.Apply ethical principles in a variety of personal and professional settings.
7.Apply a listening model within a variety of personal and professional communications.
8.Produce media messages for a variety of audiences.
9.Discuss the development of the various communication disciplines, as it relates to their historical context in areas such as trends, content, regulations, or economics.
Employment Potential
For related jobs: Career Coach
Occupational Resource: https://www.onetonline.org
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Distribution Requirements | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| FIRST SEMESTER |  |
| ENG 101 College Composition OR ENG 200 Advanced Composition | 3 |
| SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION MATHEMATICS (SUNY-MATH) ELECTIVE | 3-4 |
| COM 101 Introduction to Mass Media | 3 |
| COM 118 First Year Seminar in Communication* | 3 |
| SPC 141 Interpersonal Speech Communication | 3 |
First Semester Total: | 15-16 |
| SECOND SEMESTER | |
| COM 114 Communication Theory | 3 |
| SPC 142 Public Speaking | 3 |
| SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION WORLD LANGUAGES (SUNY-WLNG) ELECTIVE | 3 |
| SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION NATURAL SCIENCES AND SCIENTIFIC REASONING (SUNY-NSCI) ELECTIVE (BIO 116 OR CHE 110 recommended) | 3-4 |
| OPEN ELECTIVE** | 3 |
Second Semester Total: | 15-16 |
| THIRD SEMESTER | |
| COM 235 Media Literacy | 3 |
| SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION WORLD HISTORY AND GLOBAL AWARENESS (SUNY-WHGA) ELECTIVE OR SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION U. S. HISTORY AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT (SUNY-USCV) ELECTIVE | 3-4 |
| COM 241 News Reporting | 3 |
| OPEN ELECTIVE** | 3 |
Third Semester Total: | 15-16 |
| FOURTH SEMESTER | |
| SPC 208 Communication Advocacy, and Democracy | 3 |
| COM 244 Social Media Strategies | 3 |
| COM 150 Video Production I | 3 |
| COM 245 An Introduction to Public Relations | 3 |
| OPEN ELECTIVE** | 3 |
Fourth Semester Total: | 15 |
TOTAL CREDITS: | 60-63 |
**Students are encouraged to seek advisement regarding coursework for transfer if open electives have not already been fulfilled. COM 142 is recommended for transfer into broadcast/journalism programs. COM 211 is recommended for transfer into journalism programs. SPC 143 is recommended for transfer into traditional communication programs.
Revised 8/3/2026