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Associate of Science
Laurel Ridge Community College
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Program Details
Associate of Science Degree in Social Sciences: Communication Major
Associate of ScienceAssociate of Science Degree in Social Sciences: Communication Major
Laurel Ridge Community College
Designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to complete a degreeĀ in communications or related fields. Students in the communications program may wish to major in the following fields: communication, mass media, radio, telecommunications, or speech.
Program Overview & Guidance

Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Transfer Degree
Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Considerations for Selecting Degree | This degree is a great fit for students who are interested in pursuing a Communication degree - including, but not limited to, areas such as public relations, mass media / media studies, broadcasting, radio, television, etc. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
|
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | |
Program Successes & Highlights |
Related Programs & Certifications

Credential That Prepares You For This Program
Credential
Link
Program Credit Requirements

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You should consult an advisor or counselor to find courses you can take at your current institution that will transfer to this degree.
Please note that some courses may count towards more than one requirement such as meeting a general education requirement and a major specific requirement. The course will be listed under the first matching requirement. Please contact the institution with questions.
Please note that some courses may count towards more than one requirement such as meeting a general education requirement and a major specific requirement. The course will be listed under the first matching requirement. Please contact the institution with questions.
The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio
and the requirements for the selected program.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Associate of Science Degree in Social Sciences: Communication Major
60
Associate of Science Degree Social Sciences: Communications Major
60
Course Grad Req 882-03 (2024-25 Catalog)
60
Earn 60 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
1st Semester Requirements
13
Earn 13 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Student Development Requirement
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
ENG 111 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
CST 100 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
SOC 200 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Math Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
2nd Semester Requirements
15
Earn 15 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ENG 112 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Information Literacy Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
PSY 200 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
History Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
CST 114 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
3rd Semester Requirements
16
Earn 16 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Natural Science with Lab Elective
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Arts or Humanities Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category list:
Social and Behavioral Science Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
CST 126 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Communications Major Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
4th Semester Requirements
16
Earn 16 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Literature Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Natural Science with Lab Elective
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Social and Behavioral Science Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
CST 201 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Residency
60
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 45 credits may be applied to this program.
GPA
60
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Students transferring to Laurel Ridge with an Associate Degree or higher already completed will be able to transfer in applicable credits to their degree and will have SDV 100 waived. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Laurel Ridge does not distinguish between students earning an associate degree while in high school or after high school graduation. |
Credit for Prior Learning | https://laurelridge.edu/credit-for-prior-learning/ |
Did You Know That... |
|
College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Is This College Right For Me? | Our classes feature up-to-date technology and course content to prepare you for a competitive job market. We offer many courses that will transfer to colleges all over Virginia and the nation. Our student life team offers many ways for students to get involved including clubs, activities, and volunteer opportunities. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | The catalog year in effect at the time a student was formally admitted into their curriculum at Laurel Ridge. |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog placement is tied to semester start selected in the application. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://laurelridge.edu/transfer/ |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

This section displays VCCS degrees most closely related to this
program and to which you may be able to most efficiently transfer your
current course work. So, you can use this list to find a degree you can
complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program
page.
If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.
If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.
Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - General Studies (Professional Communication) | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Social Science Degree Communications Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | Liberal Arts: Communication Studies Specialization, A.A. | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Mountain Empire Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Eastern Shore Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate in Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | General Studies, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Sciences in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - General Studies (Theatre Arts) | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Education | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science: Computer Science Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science with a Specialization in Mathematics | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science with a Specialization in Veterinary Preparation | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Science in Social Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Central Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Central Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in Education | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Central Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Central Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Central Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in Science with a Specialization in Life Sciences | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Central Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in Science with a Specialization in Physical Sciences | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies with a Specialization in Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Danville Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Danville Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Danville Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences in Liberal Arts - Humanities Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Danville Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences in Liberal Arts - Social Science Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Danville Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Danville Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences in Science - Computer Science Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Business | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Education | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in K-8 Education | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies with Specialization in Psychology | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies - Specialization in Health & PE | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies - Specialization Pre-BSN | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies -Specialization in Criminal Justice | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Mountain Empire Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Education | Associate | Associate of Arts & Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Mountain Empire Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
New River Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering-Computer Sciences Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
New River Community College | Associate of Science in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | Liberal Arts, A.A. | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in Education | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person |
Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person |
Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Sciences in Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Business Administration Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Pre-Engineering Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Psychology/Social Work Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Criminal Justice Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Health-STEM Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Pre-BSN Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Pre-Teacher Preparation Elementary (PreK-6) Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies with a Specialization in Human Services | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in General Studies with a Specialization in Substance Abuse | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in General Studies Specialization in Community & Provider Services | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in General Studies Specialization Developmental Disabilities | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies with Spec in Communications & Media Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies Specialization in Health Sciences | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in General Studies Computer Information Systems Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in Education | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies-Human Services | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies-Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies-Agribusiness | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies-Health Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online, Hybrid |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Social Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Business Administration with Specialization in Outdoor Leadership | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Business Administration in Agribusiness | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts-Fine Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | Hybrid |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts Liberal Arts-Music | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | Hybrid |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts - Appalachian Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | Online |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Science Specialization in Pre-Medical | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Agribusiness | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online |
Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science Specialization in Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science with a Specialization in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Health Sciences | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree Veterinary Preparation Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
---|---|---|---|
25-1199.00 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | All postsecondary teachers not listed separately. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
27-3011.00 | Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
25-1122.00 | Communications Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
27-3041.00 | Editors | Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
13-1131.00 | Fundraisers | Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
11-2033.00 | Fundraising Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations. | Management Occupations |
27-3023.00 | News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
27-3043.05 | Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers | Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
11-2032.00 | Public Relations Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client. | Management Occupations |
27-3031.00 | Public Relations Specialists | Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
27-3043.00 | Writers and Authors | Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
Cost To Complete

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