Communication Studies

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Program Spotlight

Communication Studies focuses on verbal and nonverbal communications, critical thinking and research, and multicultural communication, concentrating on the ways humans interact with one another and how this affects the world around them.

Students enrolled in the Communication Studies Program at Skyline College can expect to become proficient in multiple areas of communication, including public speaking, interpersonal communication, small group communication, intercultural communication, and argumentation and debate.

student takes notes in a notebook

In order to succeed in Communications, students will develop strong interpersonal and critical thinking skills as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills. Students enrolled in the Communication Studies Program at Skyline College can expect to become proficient in multiple areas of communication, including public speaking, interpersonal communication, small group communication, intercultural communication, and argumentation and debate. The College offers one Associate Degree and two Associate Degrees for Transfer in Communications that provide a clear path for transfer to a four-year educational institution.

Career Outlook

Studying Communications provides a foundation of interpersonal, writing and critical thinking skills essential in almost any career from the sciences or finance to marketing or public relations.

A degree in Communications can be a gateway to a variety of career trajectories including journalism, law, advertising, public relations, marketing, communications, sales, real estate, technical writing and much more. Salary ranges for jobs within these trajectories vary greatly. Public Relations Specialists in California make an average of $81,840 per year according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Real Estate Sales Agents in California make an average of $76,440 per year.

Check out the Communication Studies classes offered in upcoming semesters.

Check out the class schedule

Program Type Total Units
Communication Studies for Transfer 2.0 AA-T 60 Units
  • Effective Communication: Deliver a message using strategies that adapt appropriately to the purpose of a situation; including the specific audience and cultural & psychological climate.
  • Effective Communication: Describe the effects of communication, including listening skills, on the perception of human relationships in social & cultural contexts
  • Critical Thinking: Demonstrate effective problem-solving communication that leads to successful conflict management by researching verifiable information that supports logically organized main points and claims in a message.
  • Citizenship: Communicate ethical core values and individual cultural identity in a variety of academic, personal, vocational and civic situations. 
Office Information
Location: Building 8
Email: ruizk@smccd.edu
Phone: (650) 738-4202

Dean & Division Assistant

Kennya Ruiz
Kennya Ruiz (Division Assistant)
Language Arts-Language Arts Division
ruizk@smccd.edu More details »
Chris Gibson
Chris Gibson (Dean, Language Arts Division)
Language Arts-Language Arts Division
gibsonc@smccd.edu More details »

Communication Studies Faculty

Danielle Powell
Danielle Powell (Professor)
Language Arts-Communication Studies
powelld@smccd.edu More details »
Seleena Harkness Lee
Seleena Harkness Lee (Professor)
Language Arts-Communication Studies
harknesslees@smccd.edu
More details »
Lindsey Ayotte
Lindsey Ayotte (Associate Professor)
Language Arts-Communication Studies
ayottel@smccd.edu More details »
Patrick McDonnell
Patrick McDonnell (Assistant Professor)
Language Arts-Communication Studies
mcdonnellp@smccd.edu
More details »
Oli Mohammadi
Oli Mohammadi (Adjunct Professor)
Language Arts-Communication Studies
mohammadio@smccd.eduMore details »
Cherakah Cunningham
Cherakah Cunningham (Instructor)
Language Arts-Communication Studies
cunninghamch@smccd.eduMore details »
Pablo Ramirez
Pablo Ramirez (Instructor)
Language Arts-Communication Studies
ramirezp@smccd.eduMore details »
Sage Russo
Sage Russo (Communication Studies Instructor)
Language Arts-Communication Studies
russos@smccd.eduMore details »
Joanne Babin
Joanne Babin (Adjunct Instructor)
Language Arts-Communication Studies
babinj@smccd.eduMore details »
Ryan Lescure
Ryan Lescure (Associate Professor)
Language Arts-Communication Studies
lescurer@smccd.eduMore details »