Award: Associate of Arts Degree
No. of credits required: 60
For more information:  Contact Dean Kim Davis at, 443-412-2291,  kidavis@harford.edu or Admissions, 443-412-2109.

Program Description

Students of this program will develop an understanding of core communication concepts and apply them in a wide variety of many different careers, relationships, and settings. Because skilled communicators are highly desired by business and industry, students may go on to hold a variety of positions in a wide range of fields and/or to a four year Communication Studies Degree Program.

Students will have knowledge of foundational theories of communication; prevailing communication research paradigms; roles and functions of communication in interpersonal, group, and public contexts; and the impact and ethics of communication in a diverse and global society. Students will also have the ability to think critically; conduct and evaluate communication research; communicate effectively in interpersonal, group, and public contexts; and create and deliver effective and ethical messages via oral, print, and electronic modes.

Program Goals

Upon completion of the Communication Studies AA Degree Program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to communicate ethically and effectively with others in a variety of oral and written contexts and situations.
2. Demonstrate the application of communication theories in various life situations.
3. Monitor, analyze, and adjust personal communication behavior.
4. Demonstrate intercultural sensitivity.

Transfer Information

Students should be aware that each transfer institution has unique curricular requirements. Certain transfer institutions, for example, may require foreign languages. To facilitate transfer, students should consult with an academic advisor early in their studies at HCC and before selecting elective courses.  Students earning this degree are able to transfer all credits to Towson University and earn their B.A. of communication at Towson University Northeast. 

Employment Information

The ability to communicate is one of the most highly sought skills by employers. The 2022 National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) survey of 151 top employers found that the knowledge and skills taught in Communication courses, including the ability to verbally communicate with others, the ability to create and/or edit written documents, and the ability to work as a team, are essential to being hired regardless of one’s major. See also the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report for the field of Communications.

Degree Requirements

Recommended Course Sequence

General Education Degree Requirements

Note: The following codes identify courses which satisfy the General Education Degree Requirements:

Behavioral/Social Science (GB)
English Composition (GE)
Arts/Humanities (GAH)
Interdisciplinary and Emerging Issues (GI)
Biological/Physical Laboratory Science (GL)
Mathematics (GM)
Biological/Physical Science (GS)

Part-Time Progression Plan

The part-time progression plan for programs of study has been developed as a helpful example for students to guide their academic journey. This plan outlines a likely sequence of courses and milestones over three years to help students visualize their academic path. It is important to note that this progression plan is based solely on the core requirements outlined in the approved program of study and does not include any additional requirements. Each student’s experience may vary based on their specific interests, course availability, and academic history. Therefore, students are encouraged to work closely with their academic advisor.

Part-Time General Education Electives

To earn an Associate degree, students must complete at least 60 college-level credits, including a required number of General Education (Gen Ed) credits:

• AA, AS, and AAT degrees require 28–36 General Education credits as part of the 60 total. This includes a minimum of:
  • 6 credits of Arts/Humanities (GAH)
  • 6 credits of Behavioral/Social Sciences (GB)
  • 3 credits of English Composition (GE) - satisfied by ENG 101 English Composition (GE)
  • 4 credits of Biological/Physical Laboratory Science (GL)
  • 3 credits of Mathematics (GM)
  • 3 credits of Biological/Physical Science (GS)
• AAS degrees require at least 18 General Education credits, including one course from each of the following categories: GAH, GB, GE, GL, and GM.

General Education courses must be selected from the college’s approved list and may be further specified by individual degree programs. Unless a General Education course is specifically required by a program, the elective General Education courses listed in the recommended sequence are intended as suggestions, not mandatory selections.

General Education Degree Requirements

Note: The following codes identify courses which satisfy the General Education Degree Requirements:

Behavioral/Social Science (GB)
English Composition (GE)
Arts/Humanities (GAH)
Interdisciplinary and Emerging Issues (GI)
Biological/Physical Laboratory Science (GL)
Mathematics (GM)
Biological/Physical Science (GS)

 Recommended Part-Time Sequence

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