Program Codes:
LACOM.AA
Associate in Arts Degree
Explore careers, salaries, and local job opportunities >
This program provides graduates a foundation for lifelong intellectual development and college transfer following associate’s degree completion. A Liberal Arts degree also develops a set of critical thinking skills students may use over the course of their professional careers.
Below are required courses for program completion.
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.
RDG-011 may be taken as a co-requisite if not previously completed with a grade of "C" or better.
Surveys the field of communication studies, including the production, transmission and reception of messages among persons, groups, organizations and cultures.
Choose one 3-credit Mathematics course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST).
Select one of the following History sequences:
HIS-121 and HIS-122 OR HIS-131 and HIS-132 OR HIS-221 and HIS-222
This course explores the ways people interact verbally and nonverbally and introduces the basic theories and modes of interpersonal communication as well as relationship development. Interpersonal contexts will be examined including initial encounters, friendships, marriage, family and professional settings. Activities include participation in groups, pairs and interactive communication situations.
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
Select one of the following History sequences:
HIS-121 and HIS-122 OR HIS-131 and HIS-132 OR HIS-221 and HIS-222
Introduction to the theory and practice of public address; the study of representative public addresses and the preparation and delivery of short speeches.
The development of clear, logical and effective speech communication is the goal of this basic discussion and debate course. The focus will be on reasoned decision making with the context of a free society. Topics will draw upon social values, personal responsibility and/or ethical behavior. Speech presentations will include large group discussions, panel discussions and debates that emphasize the ability to work in a team environment.
Choose one 3-credit Science course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST).
A survey of the institutions, history and technology of the mass communication media, concentrating on radio, television, film and other electronic and print media forms. Topics include the growth of print and electronic media and the relationship among government, media and the public, including the social responsibility and ethics of mass communication.
A comprehensive introduction to the historical development and regulatory policies of radio and television broadcasting and the implications of social media on the industry. An emphasis is placed on the cultural, economic and ethical impact of radio brands, television programming and digital downloads on society.
Students learn about the business of radio by preparing various broadcast materials including commercials, newscasts, weather/traffic reports, public service announcements and celebrity gossip. Students develop a comprehensive understanding of programming strategies, radio sales, promotions, news protocol in addition to general studio operations. The emphasis is on effective communication and ethical and aesthetic values in the production setting.
Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).
Choose courses designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
Choose one 3-credit Mathematics or Science course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST).
This introductory course explores the field of public relations, emphasizing the evolution, role, function and scope of public relations in American society. The course will include organizing programs and using the print and electronic media to implement such programs. Students will be exposed to staple writing activities such as news releases, brochures and pitch letters.
A cooperative program whereby the student may gain experience in a communication-related position in radio, television or public relations in order to gain some of the practical experience necessary for growth and success. Supervision of this departmentally approved position is provided by the College through on-the-job visits and individual progress review related to the position in order to effect the attainment of specific competencies. Students attend a bi-weekly two-hour seminar on campus and work a minimum of 180 hours per semester.
Written permission of both the department chairperson and Career and Transfer Services located on the 2nd Floor of West Hall.
This course provides a general orientation to and overview of the communication between cultures. The emphasis will be upon offering insight into how cultural differences and similarities impact upon the relationship between culture and communication. The focus will deal with the challenges of communication in a culturally diverse society and offer techniques for improving communication between members of different cultures.
Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).
Choose courses designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
Choose courses designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE HUM).
Contact Name: Annie Hogan, department chair
Contact Phone: 732.906.2589
Contact Email: ahogan@middlesexcc.edu
Department Web:https://www.middlesexcc.edu/vpma/
A Liberal Arts education helps students develop strong and ordered minds as they explore the world’s collected wisdom in literature, history, mathematics, science, philosophy and the arts. It teaches them to recognize and construct arguments, to appreciate diverse cultures and perspectives, and to have a sense of scholarship about the lives and events that have gone before. Liberal Arts emphasis on language helps students broaden their cultural perspective and become more aware of their own identity. Courses comprising a Liberal Arts education at Middlesex County College are the core of all liberal arts programs at the bachelor’s level. Students may select the general degree, the most flexible of all our Liberal Arts programs, or one of the many specialized options.
Algebra I is a prerequisite for all majors. Competency in Algebra I may be verified with a passing score on the College’s placement test or by completion of the appropriate course. Students must also have a grade of “C” or better in one year of high school laboratory science.
Once students complete required developmental coursework (if any), the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. Students may shorten the amount of degree completion time by taking courses in the summer and winter sessions.