The programmes offered by the Department of Communication Studies are designed to explore the historical development of communication and its role and functions in modern society. They examine the various methods and tools of communication and their impact on politics and culture. Graduates of the Mass Communication degree are trained to be specialists in communication who can communicate effectively in a globalized environment. Conversely, graduates of the Graphic Arts programmes will be able to visually communicate with a variety of audiences through the effective organization and layout of graphics and information.
The Department of Communication Studies offers the following degree programme options:
Bachelor’s Degree Programmes |
Associate Degree Programmes |
| BA Mass Communication | AAS Graphic Design |
| BA Graphic Design | AA Graphic Design |
Bachelor of Arts Mass Communication
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication is designed to create synergies among the various disciplines that comprise the field of mass communication, such as media studies, public relations and advertising. Students acquire an understanding of current communication theories, complemented by practical experience in real world media and public relations and the development of critical thinking, analytical and research skills and capabilities. Students are kept abreast of changes and shifts within the communication industry and advances in relevant technologies.
Graduates of COSTAATT’s Associate in Applied Science Degree in Journalism and Public Relations will be awarded transfer credits for relevant courses in the bachelor’s degree programme.
Graduation Requirements: Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication
To be awarded the BA in Mass Communication, students must successfully complete 121 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0, according to the following distribution:
Required courses in the major area of study: 49 credits
Four elective courses in major area of study: 12 credits
Total credits in major area of study: 61 credits
Core curriculum courses: 48 credits
Support courses: 3 credits
Guided elective courses: 9 credits
Total credits required for graduation: 121 credits
Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design is intended to meet the needs of the industry and create work-ready graduates capable of effecting change. The programme utilizes current technology specific to design and is inclusive of traditional art and design while incorporating basic theories of advertising, layout, type, colour and illustration. Alongside specialised courses, students are required to complete the core curriculum with the aim to graduate students who are proficient in the College’s competencies. Internship opportunities and the creation of a professional portfolio (both physical and digital) upon graduation are also essential features of this degree.
Graduates of COSTAATT’s Associate in Applied Science Degree in Graphic Design will be awarded transfer credits for relevant courses in the bachelor’s degree programme.
Graduation Requirements: Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design
To be awarded the BA in Graphic Design, students must successfully complete 123 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0, according to the following distribution:
Required courses in the major area of study: 75 credits
Total credits in major area of study: 75 credits
Core curriculum courses: 48 credits
Total credits required for graduation: 123 credits
Career Options
- Production artists
- Graphic Designers
- Computer artists
- Web Designers
- Corporate Communications Coordinators
- Assistant Art Directors
Associate in Arts Graphic Design
The Associate in Arts Degree in Graphic Design is intended to offer students the best in the latest graphic design technologies, paired with a strong commitment to traditional art and design. It offers creative, diligent people an opportunity to focus on the use of electronic technology while incorporating the basic theories of advertising, layout, type, colour and illustration.
The combination of conventional and electronic techniques, in addition to a foundation of general education coursework, provides a balance of knowledge that is essential in preparing students to perform and communicate within the graphic design industry.
Graduation Requirements: Associate in Arts Graphic Design
To be awarded the Associate in Arts degree in Graphic Design, students must successfully complete 60 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0, according to the following distribution:
Required courses in the major area of study: 36 credits
Core curriculum courses: 24 credits
Total credits required for graduation: 60 credits
Career Options:
Entry level in a range of occupations requiring good design skills, such as those listed below:
- Advertising
- Illustration
- Web design
- Package design
- Publishing
- Film and television
- Photography studios
Associate in Applied Science Graphic Design
The Associate degree in Applied Science in Graphic Design is a comprehensive graphic arts programme which develops students’ skills in the latest graphic arts degree technologies while building a solid foundation in traditional art and design.
Students learn the basic theories of advertising, layout, type, colour and illustration and become proficient in the use of electronic technologies for graphic communication.
To be awarded the Associate in Applied Science degree in Graphic Design, students must successfully complete 66 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0, according to the following distribution:
Required courses in the major area of study: 39 credits
Core curriculum courses: 24 credits
Support courses: 3 credits
Total credits required for graduation: 66 credits
Career Options:
Entry level in a range of occupations requiring good design skills, such as those listed below:
- Production artists
- Graphic Designers
- Computer artists
- Web Designers
- Corporate Communications Coordinators
- Assistant Art Directors
These job positions (above) can be pursued in any of the following occupational areas:
- Advertising agencies
- Design studios
- Printing companies
- Marketing companies
- Fine Arts
- Television/media
- Newspapers
- Magazines
- Photography studios
- Freelance graphic designs
Faculty Information
Sophia Edwards
Department Chair (Ag)
Senior Lecturer – Mass Communications, Journalism/PR
MA, AAS
Research Interests: Alternative forms of media (online, music and film) and their impact on the Caribbean audience
Kayode James
Senior Lecturer, Communication, Journalism
MA, BA
Research Interests: New media and society
Sharleen Joefield
Senior Lecturer, Communication
MA, AAS
Research Interests:
Influence of Emerging Technology on PR
The Relationship between Journalism and Accountability
Mass Media Effects
PR & Journalism Ethics
Julie Gouveia-Ferguson
Lecturer – Graphic Design
BFA
Research Interests: Technological advancements in visual arts
Lynette Sampson
Senior Lecturer, Communication, Journalism
Pg. Cert. Ed., BA
David Hugh Spicer
Senior Lecturer – Graphic Design
MFA, BFA
Research Interests: Contemporary Typography – the development of logos in the Southern Caribbean