Professional Communication, A.A.

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Professional Communication, Associate of Arts Degree

The Professional Communication program is offered at one or more centers of the College for Professional Studies, and all courses are offered totally online.

Professional Communication is a multi-disciplinary program for people with prior study, work experience, and/or interest in a number of professional communication-related fields. Students with prior study in communication, journalism, writing, graphic arts, web design, and marketing will particularly find this program to be a desirable degree completion option, although PCM complements myriad other fields. Emphasis is placed on enhancing students’ communication skills and competencies in the workplace, along with helping to further prepare students for careers in numerous fields in which professional communication is valued.

Associate of Arts Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the A.A. degree in Professional Communication, students will be able to:
1) Critically examine communication components of messages and processes in myriad relationships and contexts.

2) Analyze various texts to recognize and apply appropriate skills in different communication formats.

3) Evaluate intention and audience to develop clear, competent, and well-supported responses in written or verbal form.

4) Assess and apply evidence to support arguments made in verbal and written communication.

Prerequisites Required*

ENG 101 Reading And Writing I 3 credit hours
ENG 102 Reading And Writing II 3 credit hours

Course Requirements for Major

Program Requirements: 12 Credit Hours

PCM 301 Fundamentals Of Professional Communication 3 credit hours
PCM 310 Interpersonal Communication Skills 3 credit hours
PCM 330 Intercultural Communication 3 credit hours
PCM 340 Professional Speaking 3 credit hours

Approved Electives: 9 Credit Hours

Choose from courses in: BAM, CSV, HCM, MGT, MKT, PSA, PSY, SOC

Cognate Requirements: 12 Credit Hours

BAM 201 Business Communications 3 credit hours
MGT 302 Management Principles And Cases 3 credit hours
PHI 329 Technology And The Human Condition 3 credit hours
SOC 350 Conflict Resolution 3 credit hours

Total for Major: 33 Credit Hours

Liberal Arts: 21-22 Credit Hours (2.0 on a 4.0 scale or higher)

ENG 101 Reading And Writing I and ENG 102 Reading And Writing II : 6 Credit Hours
Three or four (3-4) credit hours of approved Mathematics (Statistics, Pre-Calculus or above) OR Lab/Science (4 credit hours): 3-4 Credit Hours
Social Science or Fine/Performing Arts: 3 Credit Hours
Math proficiency: College-leve Math (Intermediate Algebra, College Algebra or higher)
Religious Studies or Philosophy**: 3 Credit Hours
LAS 301 The Adult Learner **: 3 Credit Hours
LAS 401 Senior Seminar: Integrative Experience **: 3 Credit Hours

General Electives: 6 Credit Hours

Total for Degree: 60 Credit Hours

1. *ENG 101 Reading And Writing I (or equivalent) and ENG 102 Reading And Writing II (or equivalent) must be completed before beginning coursework in the PCM program, and must be completed at a 3.0 or higher.

2. **Course must be completed at Siena Heights University.

3. Admission to all PCM courses is at the discretion of the PCM Coordinator.

Siena Heights University Associate Degree Requirements:

1. Completion of at least 60 credit hours, 18 must be at Siena Heights University.

2. Completion of an approved major. Residency Note: 9 credit hours under Professional Communication Program Requirements and 3 credit hours under Cognate Requirements must be completed at Siena Heights University.

3. Completion of the Liberal Arts Studies Requirements. (Reading and Writing I, Reading and Writing II, College-level math or lab/science, Math Proficiency, and one Social Science or Fine/Performing Arts course transferred into or completed with SHU; Religious Studies or Philosophy course and LAS 301 completed with SHU.)

4. A minimum GPA of 2.0 out of 4.0 for entry and graduation.