This recommended pathway meets the requirements of the AAS/DTA degree and prepares you for a university major in communication studies. But you can customize your plan even more. Talk with your advisor about adapting it for your individual goals.
Scroll to the end for course suggestions.
Quarter 1 (15 credits)
CMST& 101 Intro to communication (5 credits)
ENGL& 101 English composition I (5 credits)
Humanities (5 credits): a course with "H" at the end of the course description, but not a CMST course
Career exploration:
- Find your people! Attend area-of-study activities and connect with clubs related to your career goals. Find out where students in your pathway go to study.
- Learn about careers in communications as part of CMST& 101.
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor to build your degree plan in Starfish.
- Have your transfer-in credits officially evaluated.
- Visit the Intercultural Center, the Learning Center and the library.
Quarter 2 (15 credits)
CMST& 210 Interpersonal communication (5 credits)
or CMST& 220 Public speaking (5 credits)
or CMST& 230 Small group communication (5 credits)
or CMST 245 Intro to organizational communication (5 credits)
PSYC& 100 General psychology (5 credits)
Quantitative/symbolic reasoning (5 credits): a 100-level MATH course or PHIL& 117
If you're not ready for 100-level math, start the math sequence leading to it.
Career exploration:
- Compare the different communications majors at universities you're interested in.
- Start keeping a portfolio of your best work.
Quarter 3 (15 credits)
CMST& 210 Interpersonal communication (5 credits)
or CMST& 220 Public speaking (5 credits)
or CMST& 230 Small group communication (5 credits)
or CMST 245 Intro to organizational communication (5 credits)
Humanities (5 credits): a course with "H" at the end of the course description, but not a CMST course
Lab science (5 credits): a physical or biological science with "MS l" at the end of the course description
Career exploration:
- Ask your instructors about nearby conferences you might attend next year.
- Look for a summer job or internship related to your career goals.
Action items:
- Check the GPA and other entry requirements for your future major. Are you on track?
Quarter 4 (15 credits)
CMST 225 Intercultural communication (5 credits)
Social science (5 credits): a course with "SS" at the end of the course description, but not a CMST course
Science (5 credits): a physical or biological science with "MS" or "MS l" at the end of the course description
Career exploration:
- Listen to podcasts about the communications industry or kind of communications career you're aiming for.
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor about applying to universities. Start your transfer applications.
- Apply for next year's financial aid.
Quarter 5 (15 credits)
CMST& 210 Interpersonal communication (5 credits)
or CMST& 220 Public speaking (5 credits)
or CMST& 230 Small group communication (5 credits)
or CMST 245 Intro to organizational communication (5 credits)
English composition (5 credits): a 200-level English course with "CC" at the end of the course description
Math/science (5 credits): a course with "MS" or MS l" at the end of the course description. It can be a science, an additional 100-level math, or a programming course.
Action items:
Quarter 6 (15 credits)
CMST 250 Communication theory (5 credits)
or any elective
Take CMST 250 if it's offered in your Quarter 6. It's required before you can enter a communications major at some universities, including Western Washington University.
Social science (5 credits): a course with "SS" at the end of the course description, but not a CMST course
Elective (5 credits): any non-CMST course
Action items:
- Attend the spring job fair.
Course suggestions
Humanities
- ART 107 Art in world cultures
- DRMA& 101 Intro to theatre
- IDS 180 Visual media and culture
- MUSC& 105 Music appreciation
- MUSC 110 Intro to world music
- PHIL& 101 Intro to philosophy
- PHIL 140 Intro to world religions
Social sciences
- ANTH& 206 Cultural anthropology
- GEOG& 200 Human geography
- HIST 124 Environmental history of the United States
- POLS& 203 International relations
- PSYC 211 Social psychology
- SOC& 101 Intro to sociology
Sciences
- BIOL& 100 Survey of biology
- BIOL& 175 Human biology with lab
- ENVS& 101 Intro to environmental science with lab
- GEOL& 101 Intro to physical geology