Communications Major
Contact Information
Pamela Xanthopoulos
731-424-3520 ext. 219
pxanthopoulos@jscc.edu
Program and Career Description
The communication major is a two-year program for students planning to continue their education to earn a bachelor’s degree in the field. Students pursuing careers in electronic or print journalism; the television or film industry; public relations or advertising; or theatre should consider this degree. Learning about communication technologies and practices, participating in campus theatre productions, and working in practicum positions are some opportunities this program offers. Below are a few examples of careers and local salaries.
| Career | Beginning Salary Range with a Bachelor’s Degree | Experienced Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Actor/Performer | $37,630 | $45,664 |
| Account Executives Advertising | $55,839 | $61,423 |
| Advertising Coordinator | $38,670 | $45,320 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $35,729 | $74,416 |
| Reporter | $26,305 | $47,077 |
Salaries are based on information found at http://hotjobs.salary.com/salarywizard. Salaries are not guaranteed.
Transfer Options
At Jackson State, we assist you so you graduate with your associate’s degree and arrive at a university prepared to start junior-level courses. That’s why we have special agreements with Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) schools that allow students completing the Associate of Science in Communication to transfer as juniors. TBR universities with communication degrees include:
- Austin Peay State University
- East Tennessee State University
- Middle Tennessee State University
- Tennessee State University
- Tennessee Tech University
- The University of Memphis
Other schools in West Tennessee with communication degrees include the University of Tennessee at Martin, Lambuth University, Freed Hardeman University, Lane College, and Union University. Students transferring to one of these colleges may require additional courses before becoming a junior.
Accreditation Information
Jackson State Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Requirements
(Students may require additional Basic and Developmental courses.)
Communication Requirement (All required)
ENGL 1010 English Composition I
ENGL 1020 English Composition II
SPE 211 Fundamentals of Speech
Required Humanities Course
COM 1030 Introduction to Film
Choose TWO Humanities Courses (One must be a literature Course)
ART 1010 Art History I
ART 1020 Art History II
ART 1030 Art Appreciation
ENGL 2111 American Lit: Pre-Colonial - 1865
ENGL 2121 American Lit: 1865 - Present
ENGL 2210 British Lit: Beginnings - 1785
ENGL 2220 British Lit: 1785 - Present
ENGL 2310 World Lit: Beginnings - 1650
ENGL 2320 World Lit: 1650 - Present
HUM 1010 Introduction to the Humanities I
HUM 1020 Introduction to the Humanities II
MUS 1030 Music Appreciation
PHIL 1030 Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 2110 Introduction to Ethics
THEA 1030 Introduction to Theatre (Recommended)
Choose TWO Social and Behavioral Science Courses
ECO 211 Principles of Macroeconomics
ECO 212 Principles of Microeconomics
GEO 201 Survey of World Regions
PHED 2050 Health and Wellness
POLS 1100 U.S. Government and Politics I
POLS 1200 U.S. Government and Politics II
PSY 101 General Psychology I
PSY 102 General Psychology II
SOC 201 Introduction to Sociology
SOC 202 Social Problems
Choose TWO History Courses (American History is required for TBR Schools.)
HIST 1110 Survey of World Civilizations I
HIST 1120 Survey of World Civilizations II
HIST 2010 Survey of American History I
HIST 2020 Survey of American History II
Choose TWO Natural Science Courses
BIOL 1110 General Biology I
BIOL 1120 General Biology II
BIOL 2010 Human Anatomy & Physiology I
BIOL 2020 Human Anatomy & Physiology II
CHEM 1110 General Chemistry I
CHEM 1120 General Chemistry II
PHYS 2010 Non-Calculus Based Physics I
PHYS 2020 Non-Calculus Based Physics II
PSCI 1010 Survey of Physical Science I
PSCI 1020 Survey of Physical Science II
Choose ONE Mathematics Course
MATH 1010 Math for Liberal Arts
MATH 1410 Topics in Contemporary Math I
MATH 1420 Topics in Contemporary Math II
MATH 1530 Statistics and Probability
MATH 1630 Finite Mathematics
MATH 1710 Pre-Calculus Algebra
MATH 1720 Trigonometry
MATH 1830 Applied Calculus
MATH 1910 Calculus I
Major Required Courses
COM 120 Survey of Mass Communication
COM 210 Voice and Diction
COM 220 Media Writing
COM/THEA 2232 Practicum
Major Electives: Choose THREE
COM 201 Introduction to Electronic Media
COM 251 Special Topics in Communication
SPE 214 Oral Interpretation
SPE 231 Interpersonal Communication
THEA 1113 Acting I
THEA 1115 Advanced Acting
THEA 2213 Stagecraft
The Associate of Science Communication Major requires 60 college level credits. Some courses have prerequisites and co-requisites. See JSCC Academic Catalog and Student Handbook for further information.
Sample Schedule
| First Year | Fall Semester | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COM 120 | Survey of Mass Comm. | 3 |
| ENGL 1010 | English Composition I | 3 |
| MATH | Mathematics Course | 3 |
| Natural Science Course | 4 | |
| Social & Behavioral Science Course | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 16 |
| First Year | Spring Semester | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 1020 | English Composition II | 3 |
| SPE 211 | Fundamentals of Speech | 3 |
| Major Elective | 3 | |
| Natural Science Course | 4 | |
| Social & Behavioral Science Course | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 16 |
| Second Year | Fall Semester | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COM 1030 | Intro. to Film | 3 |
| ENGL | Literature Course | 3 |
| HIST | History Course | 3 |
| SPE 214 | Oral Interpretation | 3 |
| Major Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 15 |
| Second Year | Spring Semester | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COM 232 or THEA 2232 | Practicum | 1 |
| HIST | History Course | 3 |
| SPE 231 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| Humanities Course | 3 | |
| Major Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 13 |