Delivery: A mix of daytime, evening, Saturday, and online courses.
Start: Fall or Spring Semester, Summer Session, Full- or Part-Time.

About the Program

Communication examines the creation, transmission, analysis, and ethics of the messages we receive each day. Its scope is vast — stretching from the time of the ancient Greeks to the frontiers of cyberspace. Communication skills are equally important in our personal lives. Research indicates that being able to manage conflict, listen effectively and reveal thoughts and feelings are critical to fostering satisfying relationships. Our multicultural society and global economy also require the knowledge and appreciation of diverse communication styles. In addition, a democratic citizenry depends on participants who can communicate effectively and ethically with others.

Communication Studies Transfer Pathway AA Degree

The Communication Studies Transfer Pathway AA degree offers students a powerful option: the opportunity to complete an associate degree whose course credits will directly transfer to designated Communication Studies bachelor’s degree programs at Minnesota State universities. The entire curriculum has been carefully designed so that you can complete a specific associate degree at a Minnesota State College and transfer to a Minnesota State University to earn a bachelor’s degree. Transfer Pathways can be a great resource for saving time and money as you work toward graduation.

Minnesota State universities include Bemidji State University, Metropolitan State University, Minnesota State University, Mankato; Minnesota State University, Moorhead; Southwest Minnesota State University; St. Cloud State University; and Winona State University.

Transfer Pathway degrees may transfer to colleges and universities outside of the Minnesota State system, such as private and out-of-state schools. It is highly recommended that students interested in this possibility contact their intended transfer school, advisor/counselor, and program instructors for academic planning assistance.

Certificate in Communication Studies

The Certificate in Communication Studies is intended to prepare students for the demands of communication-rich workplaces. While there is no specific occupation that this certificate serves, employer surveys indicate that oral communication, teamwork, and leadership skills are crucial to success in the workplace. Additionally, the Certificate in Communication can build a foundation for further studies in Communication for students who plan to transfer to four-year institutions to complete a Bachelor’s degree.

Potential Transfer Bachelor’s Degrees

  • Communication Studies
  • Mass Communications
  • International Relations
  • Intercultural Communication
  • Journalism
  • Public Relations

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Cost & Financial Aid

As a two-year public community and technical college, Century College receives funding from the State of Minnesota, keeping tuition rates significantly lower than private colleges and universities. With affordable tuition rates and financial aid and scholarship opportunities, our students avoid student loan debt.

Financial Aid

Century College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and our programs qualify for financial aid including grants, loans, and college work-study. Eligibility for financial aid is determined annually based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Century College’s Federal School Code is 010546.

Scholarship Opportunities

Each year, the Century College Foundation awards more than $300,000 in scholarships to Century College students involved in several areas of study. Students are encouraged to create an account and apply for scholarships online.

Tuition Cost per Credit Comparison: Century College $206.41, University of MN - TC $555.13, Priva...

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    Program Faculty

  • John Anderl
    Faculty/Chair
    Communication Studies
    W 1114
    651-747-4058
  • Experience: Charlie Castro has dedicated her entire career to education, encompassing volunteer work, corporate roles, and formal teaching positions. Her passion lies in exploring how the art of rhetoric can shape historical outcomes and shape narratives for the future. For over a decade, she has primarily concentrated on instructing courses in Public Speaking and Interpersonal Communication. In addition, Charlie has shared her expertise through adult education workshops in the Metro Area.
    Teaching Approach: “I hold the belief that students achieve optimal learning outcomes through experimentation and by establishing secure environments within the classroom where they can explore areas outside their comfort zones and engage in challenging discussions. It is my conviction that students thrive when they can extend classroom discussions and concepts into their daily lives, fostering ongoing conversations with friends and family. I also maintain the perspective that each of my students, regardless of the classroom format (whether hybrid, asynchronous, or otherwise), brings a rich array of experiences that consistently enriches my own learning each time we convene. Teaching is a captivating dynamic that continually ignites my creativity.”
    Education: M.A. in Communication Studies, Bethel University, St. Paul, MN
    Hobbies: 80’s music, Cooking and Baking, Enjoying each season with my husky, Reading
    Charlie Castro
    Faculty
    Bio
    Communication Studies
    W 1118
    651-779-3225
  • Jermaine Davis
    Faculty
    Communication Studies
    W 1105
    651-748-2639
  • Experience: Davis has 10 years experience as an Instructor of Communication Studies and also teaches English and Student and Career Success in the Minn State system.
    Education: Masters Degree in Communication Studies, Minnesota State MankatoMasters Degree in Technical Communication, Metropolitan State UniversityBachelors Degree in Organizational Communication, Winona State University
    Notable: “Learning is universal. It is inclusive and not exclusive. Everyone is invited to learn from the instructor and from each other. A relaxed, respectful, and vigorous educational environment draws the most out of the students (and the instructor). Advanced preparation, meaningful dialogue, active participation, and demonstrated life application done with a healthy sense of self-awareness, humility, interdependence, and empathy enhance the educational experience. When we bring our stories, our insights, and our voices as (real human beings) to class, we further shape and stretch our learning. I facilitate an instructional environment that focuses on personal responsibility, communication, positive risks, interaction, critical thinking, and kindness. I have a multi-modal, student-centered instructional style that addresses the various and valid learning styles in the classroom. Teachi ng is its own reward. It is an honor to do so each day. It gives me energy!”
    Hobbies: Walking, enjoying nature, camping, listening to live music, singing karoke, watching professsional sports, collecting sports, movie, gaming and pop culture memorabilia, writing (journalistic and creative), and having conversations about things that matter.
    Lance Davis
    Faculty
    Bio
    Communication Studies
    W 1101
    651-779-3230
  • Jason Isaacson
    Faculty
    Communication Studies
    W 1112
    651-779-3499
  • Experience: Robert Jersak has been teaching Communication coursework in the Minnesota State college and university system for over 15 years. His professional areas of interest and study include cross-cultural empathy, deliberative dialogue and audio documentary interviewing. He is currently pursuing a certificate in documentary studies at the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University in Durham, NC. Robert has also taught storytelling, creative writing and podcasting workshops across the Twin Cities metro area.
    Teaching Approach: “I believe that Communication Studies is a field of praxis - with roots in the Humanities and the Social Sciences - and that all students benefit from an understanding of theory as well as how these theories actually function in our personal and professional lives. That means that I’m always learning as I teach, and that my students are often teaching me (and others) as they learn. I believe in support, guidance, mentoring and potentially-transformative active learning experiences.”
    Education: MA, Communication Studies, Minnesota State University - Mankato
    Hobbies: Filmmaking, Podcasting and Writing
    Robert Jersak
    Faculty
    Bio
    Communication Studies
    W 1121
    651-747-4038
  • Experience: Professor Nicola has been teaching Communication skills for over 15 years. Before going into Academia, he worked in Corporate Marketing and Advertising, Radio, and Television.
    Teaching Approach: “My responsibility, as an educator, is to foster the learning and development of each student through diverse educational resources. Through dialog, humor, and encouragement, I seek to foster a student-centered learning environment that promotes discussion and self-reflection, where students can help each other learn in a non-competitive way. To appeal to diverse learning styles, I actively explore and use a variety of technology and pedagogies to enhance teaching and student learning.”
    Education: Masters Degree in Communication Studies from Bethel University; Bachelors Degree in Communication Studies from Minnesota State University Moorhead
    Notable: Nomination for Excellence in Teaching.Research as been published in Peer Reviewed Journals and Textbooks.
    Hobbies: Composing music and Performing Stand-up Comedy.
    Joseph Nicola
    Faculty
    Bio
    Communication Studies
    W 1116
    651-747-4008
  • Experience: Dr. Olson has worked as an educator since she was a teenager - first discovering her love for teaching as a ski instructor at Hyland Hills in Bloomington, MN. As a self-described “optimistic extrovert,” she has blended her love of communication with her talents in the classroom to help students build strong skills in relationships, find confidence in front of an audience, and advocate for their needs and interests in a variety of settings.
    Teaching Approach: “I know that students learn best when they are able to engage with course concepts in ways that match their learning style, and are presented with reasonable challenges and the tools, skills, and support to succeed. I teach with compassion, flexibility, and a positive attitude to help all students build strong communication skills and move forward with their educational goals.”
    Education: B.A. in Communication from University of Minnesota, Duluth; M.A. in Rhetoric from Kansas State University; Ph.D. in Communication Theory from Ohio University
    Notable: 2017 MNState Board of Trustees Outstanding Educator2018 Century College LGBTQIA Center PRIDE Award
    Hobbies: Running, Knitting, Camping, Spending time with family
    Amanda Olson
    Faculty
    Bio
    Communication Studies
    W 1109
    651-779-3939
  • Amy Rawson
    Faculty
    Communication Studies
    W 1113
    651-748-2635
  • Mark Smeltzer
    Faculty
    Communication Studies
    W 1115
    651-779-3239

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