Associate of arts in Communication

Overview of Associate of Arts in Pre-Communication

The Associate in Arts in Pre-Communication degree will provide you with a Bible-centered, general course of study preparing you for further undergraduate education at public and private 4-year colleges and universities. The degree is designed as a transfer degree so that students are able to complete a degree in communication and graduate on time.  Students who complete this degree will have met all of the MnSCU (Minnesota State Colleges and Universities) Liberal Education requirements; however, transferability is determined by the receiving institution.

Students in this program will have a strong foundation in biblical studies and interpretation. Another important characteristic of the program is that all general education courses (such as science, history, English, mathematics and philosophy) are taught from a distinctly Christian worldview, with the expectation that these courses will contribute to students’ growth in faith.
 
Who Should Apply

Individuals with an interest in communication, and those who value an education rooted in a biblical worldview.

Career Paths

You will be prepared for empoyment at organizations that require a 2-year degree. Many AA students transfer to other institutions in programs like education, nursing/health care, mass communications, social work, history, English, criminal justice, engineering, and many others.

Required Credits

60 credits required including: General Education (40), Biblical Studies (12), Christian Ministry (8). 

Curriculum

Each academic program of the college provides the context for whole life transformation through biblical life preparation. Students come to learn, learn to serve, and serve to change lives. Through the courses offered in each program, students will develop a Christ-centered worldview and be prepared to make a difference in the world through their lives, work and service to others.

The courses of study in each degree proceed from foundational to exploratory to immersion courses. Areas of study for each degree will include general education, biblical studies, Christian ministry and service, and core courses in the major.

Students will be challenged to grow in their knowledge of self, others, the world and the Bible. They will be challenged to grow in their critical
thinking, development of a biblical worldview and the integration of their faith and learning.

Foundational courses – 45 credits

General Education – 21 Credits
  • College Writing I (3 credits)
  • College Writing II (3 credits)
  • Intercultural Communications (3 credits)
  • Math/Science Electives (3 credits)
  • Social Science Electives (3 credits)
  • General Education Electives (3 credits)
  • Intro to Communications (3 credits)
biblical studies – 12 Credits
  • Old Testament Survey (3 credits)
  • New Testament Survey (3 credits)
  • Christian Faith (3 credits)
  • Spiritual Formation I (3 credit)
Christian ministry – 6 Credits
  • Spiritual Formation II (3 credits)
  • Faith and Life and/or Student Outreach (3 credits)
communications – 6 Credits
  • Digital Communication (3 credits)
  • Communication Elective (3 credits)

Explorational courses – 15 credits

General Education – 9 Credits
  • Worldviews (3 credits)
  • History Elective (3 credits)
  • Interpretation of Biblical Literature (3 credits)
  • Sophomore Assessment (0 credits)
Communications – 6 Credits
  • Communications and Ethics (3 credits)
  • Writing for Social Media (3 credits)

Dr. Sherry Shindelar

HUMANITIES INSTRUCTOR AND DIRECTOR OF ONLINE EDUCATION

Program Director: Online Education
Instructor: Humanities, English

Bachelors of Fine Arts: Creative and Professional Writing 
Bemidji State University
M.A. in English 
Bemidji State University
PhD in Literature and Criticism 
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Sue Glidden

As a published writer, Dr. Shindelar loves to take her readers into the past. She is an avid student of the Civil War and the Old West and has shared her faith through the Lonestar Redemption series published by Wild Heart Books. Her award-winning first novel, Texas Forsaken, was released in May 2024, followed shortly after by Texas Divided. The third book in the historical romance series, Texas Reclaimed, is scheduled for release in 2026. 

Dr. Shindelar has received numerous awards for her writing: ACFWC 2023 Genesis Finalist, ACFWC 2021 Genesis Semi-Finalist, Crown Finalist 2022, First Impressions 2020 Winner, RWA Maggie Finalist 2021 & 2023, and the Maggie Award winner in 2025. Congratulations Dr. Sherry!