CNM Online Communication AA Degree

All classes related to the CNM Online Communication AA degree are designed to be completed online and courses are predetermined for you.

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The CNM Online Communication AA degree program is designed to fulfill the freshman and sophomore course requirements for admission to bachelor’s degree programs in Communication at colleges and universities. The degree's general education curriculum is accepted for transfer by many colleges and universities throughout New Mexico.

Throughout this program, you'll gain an understanding of how people use messages to generate meaning within and across all kinds of contexts, cultures, channels, and media. This pathway provides introductory exposure to Communication Studies, which can aid students in choosing an area of study that best suits their interests and goals. This program prepares students for transfer to a four-year program in Communication or Speech. 


Career Outlook

Please Note: Some jobs require education or training beyond the CNM degree/certificate.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, you will:

  • Have met the associate of arts degree general education outcomes.
  • Be able to transfer to a four-year program to continue studies toward a bachelor’s degree in communication.
  • Demonstrate communication competence with diverse audiences in multiple contexts to achieve intended goals.
  • Critically analyze communication elements of processes and messages in various contexts and relationships.

Required Coursework

CNM Online degree programs consist of two 7-week terms per semester. It is recommended that full-time students take six credit hours per term, for a total of 12 credit hours per semester. The following classes are listed in an order recommended by CNM Online program directors. 

Courses from other accredited institutions can be transferred and used to earn your degree. CNM Online Associate degrees transfer to participating four-year colleges in the State of New Mexico. Some restrictions apply.

Communication Program Requirements

BCIS 1110 - Fundamentals of Information Literacy and Systems - 3 credit hours

You will examine systems and their impact on commerce, education, and personal activities, as well as the utilization of productivity tools for communications, data analysis, information management, and decision-making. 

COMM 1115 - Introduction to Communication - 3 credit hours 

This survey course introduces the principles of communication in the areas of interpersonal, intercultural, small group, organizational, public speaking, and mass and social media.

COMM 1130 - Public Speaking - 3 credit hours 

This course introduces the theory and fundamental principles of public speaking, emphasizing audience analysis, reasoning, the use of evidence, and effective delivery. Students will study principles of communication theory and rhetoric and apply them in the analysis, preparation, and presentation of speeches, including informative, persuasive, and impromptu speeches.

ENGL 1110 - Composition I - 3 credit hours

In this course, you will develop reading and writing skills that will help with the writing required in their fields of study and other personal and professional contexts. Students will learn to analyze rhetorical situations in terms of audience, contexts, purpose, mediums, and technologies and apply this knowledge to their reading and writing.

ENGL 1120 - Composition II - 3 credit hours - Prerequisite: ENGL 1110

You will explore argument in multiple genres. Research and writing practices emphasize summary, analysis, evaluation, and integration of secondary sources. The emphasis of this course will be on research methods.  


Communication Program Electives

Students in the CNM Online Communication Program must complete: 

  • Six credit hours of program-approved electives and
  • 10 credit hours of Arts and Sciences electives.

Visit the CNM Online Coursework page to view a list of the courses that can be used as CNM Online Communication Program electives. 

Please speak with your advisor about additional options. Not all courses listed are offered every semester and some have pre or corequisites that need to be completed. 


General Education Core Requirements

Creative and Fine Arts Requirement - 3 credit hours

View the Creative and Fine Arts classes offered through CNM Online.

Humanities Requirement - 6 credit hours

View the Humanities classes offered through CNM Online.

Laboratory Science Requirement 

  • Lab Required - 4 credit hours
  • Lab Optional - 3 credit hours

View the Laboratory Science classes offered through CNM Online.

Mathematics Requirement - 3 credit hours

View the Mathematics classes offered through CNM Online.

Modern Language Elective - 4 credit hours

View the Modern Language classes offered through CNM Online.

Social and Behavioral Science Requirement - 6 credit hours

View the Social and Behavioral Science classes offered through CNM Online.

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