To quote George Bernard Shaw: the single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place. There’s a whole lot of information out there, and almost as much misinformation. Communication sieves that information, pulling signals out of the noise, telling people what they should know and where they should direct their attention. If you’re someone who has a passion for storytelling and a knack for explaining things, communication could be your calling. Rio Salado College’s Associate of Arts (AA), Emphasis in Communication degree program can teach you how to take that gift of gab and transform it into a powerful professional talent.
What You’ll Learn
Our communication program will introduce you to the theories and practices of communication, giving you an understanding of how these principles can maintain and shape personal and professional relationships. You’ll learn about problem solving, ethical communication practices, scholarly research, media literacy, and information analysis. As a communication student, you’ll be given the tools to craft narratives for specific audiences across a variety of mediums. You will also understand how communication can shape discourse and society as a whole.
What can I do with a Communication Degree?
Completing a communication degree at Rio Salado can provide you with career-ready skills and subject matter expertise that will prepare you to take on roles that include:
- Marketing coordinator
- Brand strategist
- Social media manager
- Copywriter
- Managing editor
- Urban/city planner
- Health education specialist
- Web producer
- Public relations specialist
- Event planner
- Digital strategist
- Journalist
- Human resources manager
- Product marketing manager
- Broadcaster
- Fundraiser
- Legislative Assistant
As someone trained in communication, you can leverage your understanding of storytelling, interpersonal skills, and shaping the perceptions of others to make yourself an indispensable team member. In an increasingly digital world being reshaped by AI, the need for human voices to communicate with clarity and intention is stronger than ever.
What Does a Future in Communication Look Like?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, communication roles are not projected to grow at a higher rate than the average for all occupations. The upside to this slow growth is that communication jobs tend to offer a stable income and the barrier for entry is fairly low so long as you have a degree or some prior training. Communication provides a set of skills that could be applied to a wide variety of industries, so one’s professional horizons aren’t just restricted to media or traditional communication roles. Combining soft skills with strong critical thinking and analytical skills, a communication background can remain evergreen no matter where you end up.
Save Time and Money
Rio’s transfer credits are applicable to universities and colleges across the country. Make sure you check in with the school you plan to transfer to in order to make sure your Rio credits will be accepted. Our communication degree program can help you complete the general education requirements for many four-year institutions and is aligned to satisfy the degree requirements for our transfer partners at ASU, U of A, and NAU. Save time and money by getting a head-start on your first two years of college at Rio and take your prerequisites on a much lower tuition rate.
Learn More
Interested in learning more about our communication degree program? Check out our program page and complete the request for information at the bottom of the page.
Article by Austin Brietta