Communications
The Degree
Associate in Science (A.S.)
The Outlook
According to a U.S. Department of Labor report on the fastest growing careers, communication skills are among the most sought after by employers. Surveys of Fortune 500 executives and human resource managers identified communication skills as valuable for both obtaining employment and successful job performance. The A.S. Communications degree program at Finger Lakes Community College provides you with the solid foundation and hands-on experience needed for a career in broadcasting, journalism, or advertising. In addition, the marketable skills you will develop can be applied to a career in almost any area you choose.
The Program
The Associate in Science degree in Communications is the start of a rewarding career in the growing communications field. Internships and exposure to the areas of television production and scriptwriting; journalism; advertising; and interpersonal, oral, and mass communication prepare students for a variety of occupations.
Technology: Facilities for the program include a new digital media lab, two computerized editing rooms equipped with analog and digital editing systems, a 900-square-foot television studio, digital camcorders, teleprompters, and digital studio cameras.
Honors Courses: In addition, the College offers honors courses that provide enhanced educational experiences for students who have demonstrated outstanding academic ability. Enrollment in honors courses is open to qualified students enrolled in this degree program, as well as all other qualified FLCC students. Successful completion of honors courses or an Honors Certificate may increase student transfer options to four-year institutions.
The Experience
Field experience and hands-on learning are major components of this program, allowing you to “learn by doing.” The program offers two areas of advisement, one in broadcasting and one in communication, that prepare students for employment or transfer to a four-year program, depending on their academic and career goals.
Broadcasting advisement area: Students learn all aspects of broadcast production, including planning and writing scripts; performing as a program anchor or host; and recording, editing, and airing programs. Students also assist in all aspects of the production of community programming for Finger Lakes Television, cable channel 12, including coverage of a range of events from government meetings to college sports.
Communication advisement area: Students prepare for careers in advertising, journalism, and public relations, among others.
Internships: Internship opportunities are available at television stations and production houses, newspapers, radio stations, advertising and public relations firms, the Rochester Broadway Theater League, and Finger Lakes Television.
Field trips: Excursions to a variety of locations such as CNN, WOKR-TV, Post Central Productions, Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, Clear Channel Radio Stations, and NBC enrich your experience in the Communications degree program. You can also become involved with our campus Communications Club and College radio station.
The Graduates
Graduates of the Communications degree program have transferred to four-year colleges and universities including the Park School of Communications at Ithaca College, Hofstra University, Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, St. John Fisher College, Emerson College, and SUNY Colleges at Fredonia, Oswego, Brockport, Buffalo, New Paltz, Cortland, Plattsburgh, and Geneseo.*
Graduates work in a variety of careers in the communications field, including associate producer at R-News, news videographer at WHEC, community relations specialist for GEVA Theater, reporter at The Finger Lakes Times, assistant director of the Rochester Finger Lakes Film Office, and in radio, advertising, and public relations.
* This is a sampling of some of the four-year colleges
and universities to which our students have transferred. Please
consult your advisor or the Center for Advisement and Personal Development
for a complete listing of transfer agreements between Finger Lakes
Community College and four-year institutions.
The Faculty
Professors in the Communications program hold master’s degrees from such institutions as Boston University and Indiana State University. They bring with them over twenty years experience as news and sports reporters, editors, and anchors for various television and radio stations. The faculty includes conference speakers and presenters, as well as a published playwright and a published novelist. They hold distinguished offices in various organizations including the Faculty Council of Community Colleges. The college’s Student Appreciation Award was recently presented to one of the Communications faculty. The adjunct faculty are successful professionals in such fields as radio broadcasting, career development, theatre, management and education.
