Communication Skills for the Business Professional - Certificate of Achievement

This program map only provides one possible pathway for degree and/or certificate obtainment and is for reference only. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor to develop your individualized Student Education Plan.

This program is designed for current or future business professionals.  This certificate will provide students the foundational concepts to enhance one's overall communication abilities. Students in this program will learn how to establish relationships, mitigate conflict, articulate their ideas effectively, work effectively in groups, and gain confidence and skill in a variety of communication situations.  Course work will also prepare students majoring in Communication Studies for transfer. 

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

Demonstrate knowledge of communication theories.

Demonstrate competent communication behaviors to be used in the field of business.

Program Map

Requirement
GE General Education
E Elective

Fall Year 1

6 units
COMM 103
Interpersonal Communication

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the social and behavioral sciences through the lens of interpersonal communication; encouraging students to explore the complexities of human interaction within culturally constructed frameworks. Students will engage with theory and research findings to understand how communication shapes and is shaped by diverse cultures, genders, and other identity dynamics. This course is not open to students who have received credit for  SPCH 103.

        1. Category 4A: Social and Behavioral Sciences
        2. Category 7: Living Skills
        1. Interdisciplinary, Social & Behavioral Sciences
        COMM 110
        Intercultural Communication

        This course provides a comprehensive exploration of intercultural communication within the context of the social and behavioral sciences. It focuses on how human behavior, societal structures, and communication are shaped by culture, perception, and identity. Through theoretical frameworks and empirical research, students will critically examine communication dynamics across diverse cultural groups, assess the socio-psychological impacts of culture on communication and analyze the historical and contemporary factors influencing intercultural relations. This course is not open to students who have received credit for SPCH 110.

              1. Category 4A: Social and Behavioral Sciences
              1. Interdisciplinary, Social & Behavioral Sciences

              Spring Year 1

              3 units
              COMM 102
              Small Group Communication

              Provides an introduction to effective public speaking in a democratic society and an overview of group communication theory. Students will learn how to research, organize, outline, and effectively deliver faculty-supervised, faculty-evaluated oral presentations to a live audience. Through practice and research, students will explore concepts of group dynamics, leadership, decision-making, verbal/nonverbal communication, and conflict management.  The course is not open to students who received credit for SPCH 102. As per CalGETC requirements, this course is taught in English. 

                    1. Category 1B: Oral Communication and Critical Thinking
                    1. 1C - Oral Communication (CSU only)