Communication

Master the Key Component of Communication for Your Career Today and Tomorrow

CWI student speaking in front of a class

Program Overview

Imagine yourself becoming an effective and ethical communicator at College of Western Idaho (CWI). The Communication program is designed to refine your ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, an invaluable skill in any career path you choose. You will explore various aspects of communication, including interpersonal, organizational, and media communication. Whether you are interested in public relations, corporate communication, or media arts, this program offers the foundational skills you need to excel. 

At CWI, you will have hands-on opportunities to apply your skills in real-world situations, enhancing your understanding and experience. With small class sizes ensure you receive personalized attention and support from our experienced faculty, making your learning journey both comprehensive and engaging. By choosing CWI’s Communication program, you are not just learning how to communicate; you are preparing to make a significant impact in your future endeavors, whether in further studies or in a wide range of professional fields.

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Arts

Time to Complete

2 years

Group of CWI students talking at a table

Learning Opportunities

  • Master Key Communication Skills: Develop effective interpersonal, organizational, and media communication skills.
  • Experiential Learning: Apply your communication skills in practical settings.
  • Versatile Career Preparation: Prepare for diverse careers in public relations, corporate communication, and more.
  • Foundational Knowledge for Further Studies: Build a strong base for advanced studies in communication and related fields.
  • Personalized Learning Experience: Benefit from small classes and dedicated faculty support.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Communication – Associate of Arts Degree

Person sitting at a desk

Career Opportunities

  • Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

    Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets. Excludes “Web and Digital Interface Designers” (15-1255), “Art Directors” (27-1011), “Graphic Designers” (27-1024), and “Public Relations Specialists” (27-3031).

    280

    Annual Openings*

    $23.64

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $49,171

    Annual Median Salary

    49.2%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Marketing Managers

    Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm’s profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm’s customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.

    92

    Annual Openings*

    $40.90

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $85,072

    Annual Median Salary

    33.76%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Public Relations Specialists

    Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.

    73

    Annual Openings*

    $24.15

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $50,232

    Annual Median Salary

    30.81%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Producers and Directors

    Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.

    51

    Annual Openings*

    $22.02

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $45,802

    Annual Median Salary

    32.79%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Writers and Authors

    Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material. Excludes “News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists” (27-3023), “Public Relations Specialists” (27-3031), and “Technical Writers” (27-3042).

    46

    Annual Openings*

    $21.52

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $44,762

    Annual Median Salary

    26.4%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Editors

    Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

    38

    Annual Openings*

    $18.28

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $38,022

    Annual Median Salary

    15.08%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

    Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

    20

    Annual Openings*

    $14.61

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $30,389

    Annual Median Salary

    4.74%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Technical Writers

    Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.

    17

    Annual Openings*

    $29.21

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $60,757

    Annual Median Salary

    16.67%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

    Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests. Excludes “News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists” (27-3023).

    16

    Annual Openings*

    $22.11

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $45,989

    Annual Median Salary

    18.77%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Public Relations Managers

    Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.

    13

    Annual Openings*

    $47.36

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $98,509

    Annual Median Salary

    31.92%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Advertising and Promotions Managers

    Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.

    9

    Annual Openings*

    $28.97

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $60,258

    Annual Median Salary

    24.44%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Fundraising Managers

    Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

    8

    Annual Openings*

    $30.06

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $62,525

    Annual Median Salary

    26.01%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes

    Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.

    3

    Annual Openings*

    $21.20

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $44,096

    Annual Median Salary

    38.25%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Media and Communication Workers, All Other

    All media and communication workers not listed separately.

    3

    Annual Openings*

    $19.86

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $41,309

    Annual Median Salary

    42.78%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

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*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.

"The Communication program gave me the interpersonal skills I needed to navigate successfully within the diversity and complexity of human relations. "
Aleli Snively
Student, Communication

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News

Congratulations to Communications Instructor and Assistant Director of Forensics, Julia Bennett, Ph.D., who was named Faculty of Distinction for October 2023.

Read more about Bennett Named October 2023 Faculty of Distinction

College of Western Idaho’s Speech and Debate team returned triumphant from the Steve Hunt Classic at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, on Oct. 14 and 15, after securing a tournament...

Read more about Speech and Debate Team Secures Victory at Steve Hunt Classic

Congratulations to Assistant Professor of Communication, Media Arts, and Marketing, Anna Daly, who was named Faculty of Distinction for September 2023.

Read more about Daly Named September 2023 Faculty of Distinction

College of Western Idaho’s Speech and Debate team was recognized as the top Northwest Forensics Conference school in debate for the 2022-2023 season — marking the first time a community...

Read more about CWI Speech and Debate Team Dominates and Makes History Once Again

College of Western Idaho’s Speech and Debate team made history this past weekend beating every team, regardless of division, at the Steve Hunt Classic Tournament.

Read more about Speech and Debate Team Makes History in Portland

Congratulations to Web Content Strategist UX, Jessica Argyle, College of Western Idaho’s Staff of the Month for June 2022.

Read more about Argyle Named Staff of the Month for June

Multimedia Storytelling, Mass Communication, and Audio Production students host an eclectic evening centered around how communication can make the world a better place. 

Read more about Communication Showcase Inspires Conversations for Change

CWI’s new media lab will provide cutting-edge learning experiences for students while additionally supporting online course development for faculty.

Read more about Introducing Studio CWI

Resources, training, and contests during CTL's Accessibility Week for faculty highlight how small changes can help students access and engage in courses. 

Read more about Faculty Increase Course Accessibility for Students

Congratulations to Dan Garrity, an instructor in the Communications and Marketing department and the College's Faculty of Distinction for September 2021.

Read more about Garrity Named September 2021 Faculty of Distinction

Congratulations to CWI instructors, Liza Long, Anna Gamboa, Cathy Carson, Hollie Leavitt, Joel Gladd, and Charles Dickinson!

Read more about CWI Innovative Educator of the Year Nominees for 2021

Congratulations to College of Western Idaho’s Speech and Debate team for earning their 8th national title!

Read more about Let’s Make it Eight!
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