Communication Studies, Ethnic Studies & World Languages
Expand your voice and perspective with Butte College’s Communication, Ethnic Studies, and World Languages programs. From public speaking and media studies to multicultural education and Spanish language fluency, our courses prepare you for success in a diverse and connected world.
Programs
Goal
Transfer or CareerLength
2 yearsFlexibility
- Main Campus
- Online
Associate Degree for Transfer in Communication Studies 2.0
The Associate in Arts in Communication Studies 2.0 for Transfer (AA-T) is designed for students planning to pursue a bachelorās degree in Communication Studies at a CSU campus. This degree guarantees admission to the CSU system, though not to a specific campus or major. Students transferring to a CSU that accepts this degree will be required to complete no more than 60 additional units after transfer to earn a bachelorās degree. This option may not be the best pathway for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a non-CSU institution.
Associate Degree in Communication Studies
This program meets the lower-division major preparation for Communication Studies at CSU, Chico. Students gain essential skills that are highly valued across professions, as effective communication is consistently cited as the top skill in demand in todayās workplace. The program emphasizes oral and written communication, critical thinking, interpersonal communication, gender and communication, intercultural awareness and sensitivity, and effective group interaction, providing a strong foundation for success in a wide range of careers.
Certificate of Achievement in Speech and Debate
The Certificate of Achievement in Speech and Debate provides students with advanced training in public speaking and debate, with a focus on performing in public and competitive settings. Students will gain essential skills in research, critical thinking, critical listening, and motivational, informative and persuasive writing and speaking. Students will also develop a strong foundation in communication theory that will enhance their communication competence more broadly. Forensics experience and advanced speaking skills are highly valuable in the workplace and in civic life, and this certificate enables students to highlight those skills in their applications for jobs, internships, and competitive programs.
Flexibility
Main Campus is the reliable choice for completing either Communication Studies program in this cluster, covering all required coursework in person. The AA-T degree offers an added option: it can also be completed fully Online. Chico Center and Glenn Center can help fill in general education or some coursework, but shouldn't be relied on alone for major requirements, so check with a counselor when planning your schedule.
Goal
Career or TransferLength
2 yearsFlexibility
- Online
Associate Degree in Multicultural and Gender Studies
The Associate in Arts in Multicultural and Gender Studies offers an interdisciplinary approach to cultural analysis within and across groups in the United States, with emphasis on the role of class, race, and gender in shaping cultural identities. The program highlights critical thinking, collaborative learning, activism, and advocacy, providing skills applicable to many careers. Graduates are prepared for opportunities in management, health and community services, public administration, government services, insurance, sales, and personnel fields, as well as in industry, higher education, nonprofit work, and public policy.
Flexibility
This program can be completed entirely Online, since all required courses are reliably offered there. Main Campus and Chico Center each offer part of the coursework but not all of it, so students who prefer in-person classes would need to combine one of those locations with Online to cover every requirement. A counselor can help map out the right course sequence.
Goal
TransferLength
2 yearsFlexibility
- Online
Associate Degree for Transfer in Spanish
The Associate in Arts in Spanish for Transfer (AA-T) is designed for students who plan to complete a bachelorās degree in Spanish at a CSU campus. This degree guarantees admission to the CSU system, though not to a particular campus or major. Students transferring to a CSU campus that accepts this degree will be required to complete no more than 60 additional units after transfer to earn a bachelorās degree. This option may not be the best pathway for students intending to transfer to a specific CSU campus or to a university outside the CSU system.
Flexibility
The Spanish program in this cluster can be completed fully Online, making that your most dependable path if flexibility matters most. Main Campus and the Chico Center cover a good portion of the required courses but not all of them, so you'd need to fill gaps using Online or another location. Glenn Center and Dual Enrollment offer only limited coverage, so plan on pairing those options with Online or a center, and work with a counselor to map out your schedule.
Full Time Faculty
Associate Faculty
Department Contacts
Office: LRC 304
Department phone: (530) 893-2409
Contact phone: (530) 895-2287
Looking For Something Else?
Other Departments in Social/Behavioral Sciences and Communication
Explore Other Communities of Interest
