A.S. Communications
60
Credit Hours
67%
Max Transfer Credit
Class Type
100% online, 6 & 12-week courses
Next Start Date
May 15, 2023
Cost Per Credit

Unlock your potential with an associate degree in communications

Thanks to the digital economy and the rise of social networks, technology has changed the way business communicates, but not every business knows when and how to effectively do it. Enter the fast-growing field of communications with help from an online associate degree from Franklin. Here you’ll learn how to apply creative, technical and organizational skills to create professional communications solutions.

With an emphasis on interpersonal, organizational, and media communications, you’ll be prepared to help businesses find -- and use -- their voice to deliver the right message at the right time to the right people, including clients, investors and employees.

Program Availability

On Site

Real-World Practitioners

Learn from veteran communication professionals.

100% Online Classes

Earn your degree around your schedule.

Gamification

Learn how and why to use applied games.

Program Overview

Create and deliver clear communication

With Franklin’s 60-hour A.S. Communications degree program and 100 percent online classes that you can take at your convenience, you’ll develop an in-demand skill set that spans all phases of marketing across print, digital and social media.

At Franklin, you can earn an online associate degree in communications in just 24 months, giving you a fast-track path to professional jobs in one of today’s most high-octane fields. And, if you want to go on to earn your bachelor’s degree, this program provides a solid foundation and transferrable credits to help you complete your B.S. Communications degree at Franklin.

With our transfer-friendly communications associate degree, you'll be exposed to new technologies as they relate to interpersonal, organizational and media communications. You’ll also learn vital communication concepts and theories -- as well as how to apply them -- to produce a variety of communication products, including web pages, strategic summaries, case studies, presentations and social media campaigns.

Earn your degree from a university built for busy adults

Earn your degree on your terms by taking classes 100% online. Accredited and nonprofit, Franklin was built from the ground-up to satisfy the needs of adult learners. Our seamless transfer process and team of academic advisors will help ease your transition to becoming a student, while our flexible course schedules help to balance your education with work, family, and life. Get started on your future today.

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Future Start Date

Start dates for individual programs may vary and are subject to change. Please request free information & speak with an admission advisor for the latest program start dates.

Summer 2023
May
15
Recommended Register By:
May 5
Summer 2023
June
26
Recommended Register By:
Jun 16
Fall 2023
August
14
Recommended Register By:
Aug 4
Fall 2023
September
25
Recommended Register By:
Sep 15
Fall 2023
November
6
Recommended Register By:
Oct 27

Curriculum & Course Descriptions

60 Semester Hours
Fundamental General Education
English Composition
ENG 120 - College Writing (4)

In this course, students acquire the writing competence necessary for conducting and presenting research. A variety of assignments, beginning with personal reflections, build upon one another, as students develop ideas that respond to, critique, and synthesize the positions of others. Students systematize and organize knowledge in ways that will help them in all of their courses. The course also emphasizes the elements of good writing style, appropriate grammar and mechanics, clarity of language, and logical and cohesive development. It culminates in submission of a documented research paper.

Mathematics
MATH 215 - Statistical Concepts (4)

This course introduces the student to statistics with business applications. The course covers both descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics included are: measures of central tendency; measures of dispersion; graphical displays of data; linear regression; basic probability concepts; binomial and normal probability distributions; confidence intervals; and hypothesis testing. These topics will be covered using a basic knowledge of algebra and Microsoft Excel. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

OR MATH 280 - Intro to Probability & Statistics (4)

This course is designed to serve students in the Computer and Information Sciences majors. The topics covered are descriptive statistics in numerical & graphical methods, probability concepts, discrete and continuous probability distributions, estimation theory, hypothesis testing, simple linear regression and correlation, and linear programming. These topics will be taught with a rigorous Algebra content and using a statistical software such as Minitab. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

OR

Choose either MATH 140 Introduction to Quantitative Reasoning or MATH 150 Fundamental Algebra as the prerequisite. Course can count as a University elective.

Science

6 credits from the following types of courses:
Two courses from the Science discipline. One course must have a lab component.

Social and Behavioral Sciences

6 credits from the following types of courses:
Choose from the Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology disciplines. Choose course from two different disciplines to meet degree requirements.

Arts & Humanities

6 credits from the following types of courses:
Choose from the Art, English Literature, Fine Arts, Humanities, Music, Philosophy, Religion or Theater disciplines.

Additional General Education
PF 121 - Basic Learning Strategies (2)

This course introduces students to the Franklin University community and provides strategies for successful transition to and participation in that community. Topics include University resources and procedures, strategies for advancing communication skills, the use of electronic tools to participate in virtual environments, and the development of an academic and career plan.

OR PF 321 - Learning Strategies (2)

This course prepares students to be successful lifelong learners both academically and in their chosen careers. Franklin courses require a high level of self-directed learning and focus on skills required in the workplace and the classroom that are easily transferable between the two environments. The course includes strategies for advancing communication skills, including the use of electronic tools to participate in virtual environments. The assignments and activities in the course are created to closely simulate teamwork found in the workplace.

COMM 150 - Interpersonal Communication (4)

By using applied critical and creative thinking, students in this course will develop a set of communication skills that will enhance their personal and professional relationships and endeavors. This course will focus on skill development in key areas such as self, perception, listening, verbal messages, conversations, relationships, conflict management, persuasion, and public speaking.

OR SPCH 100 - Speech Communication (4)

This public-speaking course emphasizes the fundamentals of extemporaneous speaking. Skill-building activities and assignments focus on research, organization, reasoning, style and delivery of presentations as well as listening and audience engagement.

ENG 205 - Business & Professional Writing (4)

This is an intermediate composition course focusing on writing for business and professional purposes. Students will review the writing conventions commonly expected within business and professional environments, as well as strategies for analyzing rhetorical situations within those environments. Coursework includes analysis, revision, and research exercises, as well as substantial practice in composing business correspondence. The final project is an extensive, researched business proposal developed in stages and presented to the class. Students will be encouraged to relate course materials to their major programs and workplace experiences.

At least 4 credits from the following courses:

COMM 105 - Digital Design (1)

This course starts with principles of good design relevant for print and ends with active learning through the prepress creation of professional communication items like fliers, posters, and brochures. It includes digital prepress techniques and orientation to software used by industry practitioners for layouts. Please note that access to the Adobe Creative Cloud version of InDesign is required for this course.

COMM 241 - Media Design (3)

This course teaches the theories and practices associated with visual design principles, and layout for professional communication in traditional and new media formats. The focus of this course is on the creation of media content for use in promotion as well as a cursory overview of the Adobe image and web, creation and editing applications. Specifically, students will learn to utilize PhotoShop, InDesign, and Spark in the completion of these endeavors.

COMM 261 - Video Production (4)

This course focuses on the professional production of video content. Students learn the basics of the production process from start to finish, including writing scripts, lighting, audio, and camera basics as well as the process associated with directing and shooting content. Students also learn to use professional editing software as well as how to deliver their final work for use on television, mobile devices, internet and physical media.

GRPH 317 - Digital Photography (4)

Digital Photography is a course covering the basics of photography. The focus will be on taking and critiquing photographs with an emphasis on creating professional images for use on the Web. Topics covered include photography and camera basics on how a camera works, lighting, composition, and special types of photography, such as portraiture, nature, landscape, motion, etc. The goal is to shoot professional photographs without manipulation. The course will primarily consist of several focused photography shooting assignments requiring students to take, share, and critique images. The course will not cover digital imaging enhancement, editing, or modification of images (see WEBD 117 - Graphic Editing Software).

GRPH 200 - Digital Image Design, Editing, and Compositing (4)

This course provides students with instruction in graphic and image editing software that is widely used in the photography and graphic design fields. Hands-on projects will use image editing tools, layers, color adjustments, tonal adjustments, shapes, and filters to enable students to understand current postproduction techniques for both photography and graphic design applications. These skill sets are basic to digital 'literacy skills for today?s computer creative workers and will be necessary support for students majoring in IMD, WEBD, COMM, and other design-related majors.

Professional Core
COMM 202 - Introduction to Mass Media (3)

In this course students learn how to critically engage and make sense of the media around us and become media literate consumers who are knowledgeable and self-critical of mass media content. In addition to introducing students to the use of media, in both contemporary and historical contexts, this course will help students develop the analytical tools that they can use to examine media content, intent, context, and subtext in order to explore what and how we learn from the media, and how media shape our perceptions in regard to race/ethnicity, gender, class, sexuality, geography, and education as well as how media operate and exert their influence on individuals and society.

COMM 205 - Professional Communication (2)

In this course students will learn how to apply principles of intelligent visual design to professional communication and self-presentation. The focus will be on helping students reframe how to look outward to the professional world, and how to get professionals to view them as great employees and collaborators. How do you seek information to better understand organizations and professional opportunities? How do you present yourself to employers or prospective clients? Throughout the course students will receive professional mentoring and participate in an informational interview. Students will enhance their skills in impression management and communication through social media such as Linked In, blogs, and digital portfolios. Each assignment is tailored to fit the students? professional goals and career path. This course is intended for all academic majors.

COMM 211 - Theories of Communication (3)

This course serves as an examination of the theoretical foundations of the communication and media discipline. This includes the major approaches to the study of communication and media from the critical, cultural, and empirical foundations. In addition, students will receive an overview of the historical roots, major theory building perspectives and a review of contemporary theories and applications in the various communication contexts and their application in addressing major issues relevant to communication studies, and media content, audiences and effects.

Major Area Required
COMM 315 - Communication Ethics (4)

This course examines the strategies involved in effective, ethical communication in professional contexts. Students examine principles of ethical organizational communication and the temporal/cultural/social forces behind those principles, as well as apply reasoning and critical thinking in individual and group assignments. Comparing values and perspectives from diverse cultures, students will respond to cases in an intercultural professional environment.

COMM 335 - Communication in Groups and Teams (4)

The course examines current theories and best practices of working collaboratively in professional contexts. Students apply these concepts to analyze their own work experience, generating strategies for how to improve their performance in work groups. Students will learn basic project management skills and work in online virtual teams to complete a final communication project.

COMM 321 - Organizational Communication (4)

The course examines the role of communication in organizations. Students will learn the major theories of organizational communication, identifying and defining primary concepts, and applying them to discussions of real-world situations. The role of technology, corporate culture, leadership, teamwork, ethics, and diversity in communication is examined. Effective communication in global organizations and critiques of organization communication systems and structures are also presented.

OR COMM 400 - Intercultural Communication (4)

This course provides an overview of issues, processes, and theories involved with communicating with individuals from different cultures. Topics include thinking and communicating in global contexts and professional relationships in diverse environments.

Additional Requirements

All students are required to pass College Writing (ENG 120), and either Basic Learning Strategies (PF 121) or Learning Strategies (PF 321) prior to enrolling in any course at the 200 level or above. Students who enroll at Franklin with 30 or fewer hours of transfer credit are required to pass PF 121 Basic Learning Strategies in place of PF 321 Learning Strategies. Interpersonal Communication (COMM 150) or Speech Communication (SPCH 100) must be taken prior to enrolling in any course at the 300 level or above. Students must also meet the University algebra competency requirement.

Program Details

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Career Opportunities

Communications Associate

Communications associates assist with planning, developing and delivering messages to both internal and external audiences.

Marketing Coordinator

Marketing coordinators assist in creating, optimizing and delivering messages and information on behalf of advertising, sales and public relations in order to generate product, service or organizational awareness and interest.

Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists help create and communicate information to internal stakeholders, the public and the media on relevant topics and issues.

Copywriter

Copywriters create a variety of content, including direct mail, emails, advertisements, press releases and articles in support of marketing, advertising and public relations campaigns.

Interactive Communications Specialist

Interactive communications specialists assist with the planning, implementation, budgeting and resourcing of interactive projects. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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