Communication

Program Statement

The Communication Program prepares students to understand and apply the principles of human communication, think critically about the role of mass and emerging media in a diverse global society, and build strong practical communication skills. We support students in completing the foundational coursework while earning an associate’s degree in communication and preparing to transfer to a baccalaureate communication program. 

Program Information

• This program is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to complete their baccalaureate program to pursue a career in communication including public relations, social media, journalism, film, politics and more.
• Students are required to take 20 courses for a total of 61-62 credits. Courses include communication and foundational disciplines such as history, math, science, and behavioral and social sciences.
• The program includes four core communication courses in which students gain marketable and transferable skills from professors who engage them in project-based learning providing tangible examples from industry and international experience.
• Students also take a required internship or practicum course where they gain practical experience through field-based learning in the community or on campus with the student newspaper or television news program.
• Through courses and co-curricular activities, students have access to work on a student newspaper, in a professional TV studio and create their own podcast in a designated recording studio.
• Based on advising and assessment of individual needs and direction, students select three communication-related elective courses.
• Students should follow the recommended course sequence and meet with their Communication faculty advisor to discuss transfer and career goals, progress, courses and opportunities as needed throughout the semester.

After Bristol

• Qualified Communication students transfer to four-year schools and may choose from among a variety of careers to pursue that are related to the communication field.
• Bristol participates in the statewide MassTransfer program and has developed many program-to-program transfer articulation agreements which guarantee admission and credit transfer. For a complete listing of eligible MassTransfer programs, current Bristol articulation agreements, and to complete an A2B Program Search, visit the Transfer Services website to review which credits will be transferred and applied to your degree. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Apply concepts of human communication to specific contexts to facilitate effective communication.
2. Analyze how mass media and digital technologies shape society.
3. Demonstrate effective communication skills (oral, written, and mediated) for diverse audiences and purposes.
4. Evaluate ethical and legal issues in communication.
5. Create and execute credible information to support communication initiatives and decisions.
6. Collaborate effectively to plan and produce communication projects.