Media, Communication, and Design, Associate in Science
Program Description
The Associate in Science (A.S.) in Media, Communication, and Design is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in communication, media studies, film, graphic design, digital media, or a related field.
This program explores how ideas are communicated through visual media, storytelling, and digital technologies. Students develop skills in writing, media analysis, visual communication, and digital content creation while examining how media shapes culture, public discourse, and creative expression. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, communication strategy, and hands-on media production.
Students are encouraged to choose a concentration to guide their studies and align their coursework with their intended transfer major. Concentrations in Communication Studies, Film Studies, Graphic Design, and Media Production allow students to focus their academic pathway while completing the appropriate prerequisites for upper-level study.
Transfer Information
The A.S. in Media, Communication, and Design is structured to align with bachelor’s degree programs in communication, media studies, film, graphic design, digital media, and related disciplines.
Students are encouraged to work closely with faculty and Advising & Transfer Services to ensure coursework aligns with the requirements of their intended transfer institution. Students planning to transfer within New Jersey should explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer (www.njtransfer.org) to review articulation agreements and institutional requirements.
Because many media and design programs require portfolios or project-based experience, students are encouraged to begin developing creative work early in their academic studies.
Career Information
The A.S. in Media, Communication, and Design is designed primarily for transfer. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for professional roles in media, communications, and creative industries.
With further education, graduates may pursue careers such as:
- Media or Communications Specialist
- Digital Content Creator
- Film or Video Producer
- Graphic Designer
- Marketing or Social Media Manager
- Broadcast or Media Production Professional
Students are encouraged to consult with faculty and Career Services early in their academic journey to explore transfer pathways, internships, and career opportunities in media and creative industries.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Communications | ||
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| Humanities | ||
| Humanities Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Social Sciences | ||
| Social Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Humanities and Social Science | ||
| Humanities or Social Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Mathematics-Science-Technology | ||
| Mathematics Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Lab Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 4 | |
| Technology Gen. Ed. Requirement 1 | 3 | |
| Additional General Education Credit | ||
| Any Course from the Gen. Ed. Course List | 6 | |
| Program Requirement | ||
| Any STSC - Student Success Seminar course 2 | 2 | |
| Department Concentration | ||
| To satisfy the Major concentration, students must earn 18 credits from the academic area of Communication, Arts, and Design. Course prefixes for the concentration are: COEM, COMM, CSIT, GRPH, FILM, or PHOT. 3 | 18 | |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Electives to meet 60 credits | 9 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |
- 1
Students may attempt to “test out” of the technology requirement. If they succeed, they must take an additional course(s) in math or science from the List of Approved General Education Courses.
- 2
A variety of STSC -Student Success Seminar courses are available.
- 3
CSIT 110 and CSIT 123 cannot be applied to the department concentration requirement.
The Associate in Science (A.S.) in Media, Communication, and Design provides a multidisciplinary foundation in film/TV, media production, communication, and visual design. Students develop critical thinking, media literacy, and technical skills while exploring how art and texts are created, designed, and distributed across various platforms. The program offers concentrations in Communication Studies, Film Studies, Graphic Design, and Media Production, allowing students to tailor their coursework to academic and career interests. Graduates are prepared for transfer to four-year institutions or entry-level opportunities in media, communication, design, and related fields.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles, concepts, and terminology within Media, Communication, and Design
- Apply creative, aesthetic, and technical skills to produce original work in visual, performing, or digital media that communicates ideas effectively.
- Use written, oral, and visual communication skills to convey ideas clearly and appropriately for diverse audiences and purposes.
- Analyze, interpret, and evaluate artistic and media works using critical thinking and creative problem-solving strategies.
- Utilize relevant tools, technologies, and software to support creative expression, design, and communication in multimedia fields.
- Recognize and reflect upon the cultural, social, and ethical contexts that shape artistic and communicative practices.
- Work effectively in collaborative and interdisciplinary settings, demonstrating professional conduct, respect, and teamwork.
- Develop a portfolio or body of work that demonstrates readiness to transfer into a baccalaureate program or pursue entry-level opportunities in media, communication, or design.