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Program Details
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Program Details

Liberal Arts: Communication Studies Specialization, A.A.

Associate of Arts
Northern Virginia Community College

This program is designed for students who wish to study speech communication at the college level or who wish to transfer to a four-year institution for a baccalaureate degree.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
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External Link
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
Considerations When Selecting Courses

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Northern Virginia Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights
Program Credit Requirements
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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.

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.
Requirements
Required Credits
Liberal Arts: Communication Studies Specialization, A.A.
60
Liberal Arts / Communication Studies, AA
60
6482 Plan GPA/Cum GPA 202425
60
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 45 credits may be applied to this program.
SDV Requirement
1
SDV 100
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
English Requirements
9
ENG 111
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ENG 112
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ENG 200 level Literature
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Math Requirements
6
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
May substitute any higherlevel mathematics course. See transfer requirements. Credit will not be awarded for both MTH 262 and MTH 264
MTH 154 or Higher
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
MTH 245 or higher
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
CST Requirement
9
CST 100
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
CST Eclective
6
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Select from the following: CST 100, CST 110, CST 114, CST 115, CST 126, CST 201, CST 227, or CST 229.
HIS Requirement
6
HIS elective
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
World Language Requirements
12
World Language
12
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
101, 102, 201, 202 language level required Languages available: Arabic, Chinese, French, Germany, Japan, Russian, Spanish
Social/Behavioral Science Elective Requirement
6
Social/Behavioral Science Elective
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Category list:
Physical or Life Science Elective with Lab Requirements
8
Physical or Life Science Elective with Lab Elective
8
Earn 8 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Humanities/Fine Arts Requirement
4
Humanities/Fine Arts Electives
3
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Elective should be selected with advice of a counselor or academic advisor to meet requirements of the transfer institution. This elective is not required if World Languages total more than 15 credits.
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category list:
HUM requirement
1
HUM 298
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Students who have graduated with at least an associate or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited United States institution of higher education are considered to have fulfilled NOVA's SDV requirement. Any other course transfers are evaluated based on the student's transcript, https://www.nvcc.edu/cro/transfercredit/index.html

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School Students who have graduated with at least an associate or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited United States institution of higher education are considered to have fulfilled NOVA's SDV requirement. Any other course transfers are evaluated based on the student's transcript.
Credit for Prior Learning NOVA strives to provide students with opportunities to receive credit for prior learning while still maintaining the integrity of our academic programs. Credit for prior learning (CPL) generally refers to the process of granting college credit for learning gained in nontraditional. ways; https://www.nvcc.edu/prior-learning/
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Northern Virginia Community College
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
Visit our transfer site for more information
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
43891
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 also offer courses that will transfer to colleges all over Virginia and the nation. In fact, NOVA has guaranteed admission agreements with more than 40 colleges and universities for students who meet specific requirements.
Transfer Student Catalog Year Catalog year is determined by first semester of program placement.
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog year is determined by first semester of program placement.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions https://www.nvcc.edu/gaa/
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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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.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Science - General Studies (Professional Communication)AssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person
Wytheville Community CollegeAssociate of Science in Social Science Degree Communications MajorAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in Social Sciences: Communication MajorAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAssociate of Arts Degree in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAssociate of Art Degree in Liberal Arts Major in ArtAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAssociate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts - Major in TheatreAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Liberal Arts - Major in MusicAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Mountain Empire Community CollegeAssociate of Arts Degree in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Eastern Shore Community CollegeAssociate of Arts Degree in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate in Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Liberal Arts - American Sign Language/Deaf Studies MajorAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Arts Degree in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Art degree in Liberal Arts: Fine Arts MajorAssociateAssociate of Art2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
New River Community CollegeAssociate of Art in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
New River Community CollegeAssociate of Art in Liberal Arts-Fine Arts MajorAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
New River Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Liberal Arts-Visual Communication Design MajorAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Piedmont Virginia Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Arts - Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearOnline
Mountain Gateway Community CollegeAssociate of Arts Degree in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
25-1122.00Communications Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach 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
27-3043.05Poets, Lyricists and Creative WritersCreate original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
11-2032.00Public Relations ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.Management Occupations
27-3043.00Writers and AuthorsOriginate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
27-3041.00EditorsPlan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
27-3023.00News Analysts, Reporters, and JournalistsNarrate 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
27-3011.00Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc JockeysSpeak 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
27-3031.00Public Relations SpecialistsPromote 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
25-1199.00Postsecondary Teachers, All OtherAll postsecondary teachers not listed separately.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
11-3121.00Human Resources ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.Management Occupations
11-3131.00Training and Development ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization.Management Occupations
13-1151.00Training and Development SpecialistsDesign or conduct work-related training and development programs to improve individual skills or organizational performance. May analyze organizational training needs or evaluate training effectiveness.Business and Financial Operations Occupations
27-3099.00Media and Communication Workers, All OtherAll media and communication workers not listed separately.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
13-1131.00FundraisersOrganize 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
11-2033.00Fundraising ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.Management Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 60 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Liberal Arts: Communication Studies Specialization, A.A. at Northern Virginia Community College
These costs are based on an estimated 4 semesters or 2 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $219 Per Credit $13,140 $0 $13,140
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.
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