About the Program

The Communications Program at NMSU Grants encompasses both English, Developmental Writing, and Communications courses. The program has basic courses in Communications (COMM), various courses in English (ENG), and a basic writing course in Developmental Writing (CCDE). These courses are a part of the curriculum for many Certificates and Associate Degrees in the Grants NMSU System.

Courses under the Communications Program at NMSU Grants help students learn valuable communications skills, develop cogent writing skills, and prepare students for the challenges of a rapidly changing society where communication skills in various forms are an essential asset. Students seeking a Certificate or an Associate Degree in any field will take an English course, a Communication course, or both, and these courses will help students excel in their field of interest. Many of these courses support various areas and help enrich a student's academic background.

Degree Requirements

The Associate in Arts degree is a 60-credit program that can be completed in two academic years.  Requirements for this degree can be found in the NMSU Grants Catalog. 

University Transfer Degree

Are you interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree at a university? NMSU Grants offers manageable, small classes taught by renowned faculty at a very affordable cost. Our transfer pathways with NMSU Main Campus help you achieve two goals: complete an associate’s degree while also staying on track to earn a bachelor’s degree through a seamless transition toward a four-year degree.

Career Opportunities

English and Communications courses at the Certificate and Associate Degree level provide students with transferable skills in a myriad of career fields. An Associate in Arts (AA) is a versatile transfer degree that will help students seek careers in various fields.  Such specific fields include careers as a paralegal, graphic designer, human resource assistant, office manager, preschool teacher assistant, library technician, sales representative, social media specialist and more.  If students are interested in seeking a Bachelor of Arts degree in English or Communications Studies there are various options offered by main campus. Courses taken in English and Communications from NMSU Grants will aid them in that academic path.

 

An Associate of Arts (AA) with a focus on communications and media prepares you for entry-level roles that prioritize digital content creation, public image management, and technical production.

 

Below are five career opportunities with their national median incomes and job outlooks as of 2024–2026:

Career Opportunity	Median Income (Annual)	Job Outlook (Projected Growth)	Primary Role
Social Media Coordinator	$47,645 – $48,902	15% (Much faster than avg)	Managing brand accounts, creating posts, and engaging audiences to build brand awareness.
Broadcast / Sound Technician	$56,600	1% – 10% (Variable)	Operating and maintaining electrical equipment for radio, TV, and streaming media programs.
Public Relations Assistant	$44,884 – $51,517	5% – 7% (Faster than avg)	Supporting PR teams to craft favorable brand images and coordinate media outreach.
Content Creator / Specialist	$55,184	10% – 15% (Much faster than avg)	Producing engaging written, visual, or video content for blogs, social media, and websites.
Event Planning Assistant	$41,200 – $45,464	5% – 18% (Faster than avg)	Coordinating logistics for professional gatherings, conventions, and special events.

 

Information on job seeking:

Workforce Solutions  https://www.dws.state.nm.us/Job-Seekers

New Mexico Workforce Connection  https://www.jobs.state.nm.us/vosnet/default.aspx

New Mexico State Personnel Office  https://www.spo.state.nm.us/work-for-new-mexico/