Communication Studies provides learning opportunities to speak well, listen with understanding, and engage in positive action. Communication Studies will be valuable for a career in business, public relations, law, education, the social sciences, and drama.

Broadcast & Electronic Media has joined Graphic Design and Web/Multimedia in one integrated department: Digital Media. This new department prepares students for employment by providing interdisciplinary knowledge and skills.

The Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor's degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. Students completing these degrees (AA-T) are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to university or college that is not part of the CSU system. Students should consult with a counselor when planning to complete the degree for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

The Art Major with an Emphasis in Art History is designed for students who wish to pursue the study of the visual arts in a social, political, philosophical and cultural context as a foundation for understanding human history and creativity. The study of art history develops a greater sensitivity to art-related issues, the ability to think critically about art and history, and to appreciate the artistic expression of varied cultures and civilizations. Completion of the AA degree in Art with an Emphasis in Art history exposes students to the major stylistic periods of Western European and American Art and Architecture and provides a firm basis for continued study in the field of art history.

Anthropology is a broad discipline which employs both pure science and practical application to all aspects of human populations. The Associate in Arts in Anthropology for Transfer degree prepares students for transfer into bachelor's degree programs in Anthropology and similar programs at a CSU campus and guarantees admission to the CSU system. Students majoring in Anthropology have opportunities in archeology, cultural resource management, environmental impact analysis, ethnic relations, ethnology, exhibit design, expeditions, film ethnography, health research, linguistics, museum curatorship, population analysis, public information, recreation, redevelopment, social gerontology, social services consultation, transcultural nursing, travel consultation, and urban planning.

The associate degree in Accounting prepares students for a variety of positions in the accounting field. Many students find part-time employment after completing the initial accounting courses in the program and continue to work while fulfilling program requirements. Lower division accounting courses are required for all business administration degree programs. These accounting courses provide an important foundation for students who plan to transfer to a four-year bachelor's degree program.

Individuals may obtain an A.A. in Film, which trains them in the history, theory and craft of diverse styles of film art. Many graduates continue their education at a four-year university, majoring in subjects such as film, television, digital media or theater.

Two of the most concise definitions of economics are as follows: Economics is the study of production, consumption and allocation decisions under conditions of scarcity, or as the author of The Armchair Economist, Steven Landsburg, says, economics boils down to four words, “People respond to incentives.”

Take all your lower division harmony and musicianship classes here at College of San Mateo and then transfer to a four-year institution as an upper division music major! Music is also offered at Canada College and Skyline College.