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Speech Communication Program

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Program

Program at a Glance

Degree Types

  • Associate Degree

Formats

  • In-Person
  • Online
  • Accelerated Hybrid

Length

  • 4 Semesters | Associate Degree
  • 2- Semesters | Certificate

Academic and Career Pathway

Liberal Arts and Communication

Master the Art of Communication

The Speech Communication program offers courses designed by faculty to prepare students to be successful in almost all occupations.

Speech classes are a great way to develop career skills, whether you are a speech major or simply exploring the field as part of your general education. Skills include group interaction strategies, poise and confidence in public speaking, productive techniques for conflict resolution, the artistic development of creativity and interactive approaches to corporate culture and public relations.

Students can also benefit from participating in the Forensics (Speech and Debate) Team. Activities include oral interpretation, public speaking and readers theater. 

Determine Your Path

From disc jockey to college administrator, from youth counselor to campaign director, from television personality to real estate developer, careers in speech are as diverse as the people who make up our culture.

The Speech Communication program offers:

  • Dedicated instructors with years of education and professional experience.
  • Instruction utilizing top-notch facilities and resources.
  • Affordable programs to help students achieve success without creating overwhelming debt.
  • Small class sizes that ensure students receive personalized attention from instructors.
  • Articulated partnerships with respected four-year colleges and universities.
  • An award-winning Forensics Team and two-year division champ at the Illinois All-State Speech and Debate Tournament.

Speech Communication Transfer Pathway, A.A.

What is a Transfer Pathway?

A transfer pathway represents a typical course schedule/sequence for a student planning to complete the A.A. degree within two years, then transfer and major in a specific discipline. A transfer pathway is not institution-specific.

It is important to understand that the pathway provided in the adjacent tab is just one possible combination of classes by which to complete an A.A. and prepare for transfer in your chosen area of study. Other course combinations and sequences can work, too. It is strongly recommended that students work directly and frequently with a COD academic counselor/advisor, a COD faculty advisor, and academic counselors/advisors at potential transfer schools, to develop and execute a plan that works best for them.

Join the Forensic Team

The Forensic (speech and debate) Team at College of DuPage has consistently won top honors at the national level tournaments for two-year and four-year institutions, including top honors at the Illinois Intercollegiate Forensics Association State Tournament, Cerritos Invitational (California), Gorlok Gala (St. Louis), Phi Rho Pi Two-Year National Championships, Pi Kappa Delta Nationals, Novice Nationals, and the American Forensics Association National Tournament.

Many students have gone on to compete at four-year institutions and earn academic and competitive scholarships. Many team members have reached the top of their career fields, ranging from law to accounting, health care and entertainment. Both John and Jim Belushi are former members of the team.

Get Started Today

The first step to getting started is to apply for admission.

Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree or certificate that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.

Students who complete courses in Speech will:

  • Understand human behavior and the communication process in various contexts
  • Explain communication theories in the creation of messages for diverse audiences
  • Construct and deliver both verbal and nonverbal messages for diverse audiences and purposes
  • Demonstrate critical evaluation skills in assessing messages for effectiveness  
  • Employ information literacy skills necessary for communicative purposes 

 Careers

 

 

Summer Speech Courses

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Inquiry Form

Interested in learning more about this program? Complete the form below and learn how to take the next step toward your goals.





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Student Success Stories

Contact Information

Lisa Saltiel

Program Support Specialist

Speech Communication Faculty Directory

Contact

Location
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 2E07B

Phone
(630) 942-3303

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Take the Next Step

Whether you’re exploring, applying or planning your path, COD makes it easy to get started.

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