COMM - Communication (COMM)

Planning, organizing, writing and editing are examined in this class as interrelated phases of written organizational communication. Emphasis is on the types of writing required of managers (including proposals, reports and business recommendations). Writing in APA style is a key component.

Communication technologies play a significant part in contemporary workplace environments and interactions. This course examines how to utilize digital media such as email, videoconference, project management tools, social media, and other new emerging communication apps and tools, for the betterment of the organization while also assisting students in developing communication competency skills in computer mediated environments utilized by their workplaces. The course is designed to increases students’ digital media literacy and critical thinking skills, and involves a hands-on approach to learning.

This course provides students an opportunity to develop the necessary communication skills required to obtain professional positions in for-profit and nonprofit organizations. The course focuses on three key areas concerning employee success: preposition messaging, workplace interactions, and employee brand development. Pre-position messaging includes position research in the communication field and developing effective messaging strategies to secure employment. Workplace interactions focuses on interacting with colleagues and supervisors effectively when hired. Employee brand development requires students to create a professional digital media presence coupled with evidence to support that image.

This course addresses the role of interactive digital media in transforming organizations and institutions around the world from social, ethical, legal, and economic perspectives. Course content includes analysis of the impact of new communication technologies on individuals and groups. Students develop conceptual tools for examining the psychological, political, social, organizational, leadership, and cultural implications of various communication technologies.

This course introduces students to the theory and practice of communication as it applies to organizational leadership. Various leadership styles are examined in relation to communication styles, message construction, task and relational emphasis in interpersonal interactions along with the potential effects of leadership communication practices on employees, stakeholders, and workplace settings. Audience/stakeholder organizational analysis, interpersonal influence, and leadership challenges are explored extensively.

Students gain hands-on experience in page designing, scanning, and electronic page description programs (PageMaker and QuarkXpress) used in today's industry. Students will create various print and electronic media for profit and non-profit corporations and are responsible for concept through to the final printed piece. Emphasis is placed on use of typography, color, images and layout to enhance the message of the piece.

Selected topics in corporate and public communication chosen by the instructor.

Selected topics in corporate and public communication chosen by the instructor.

This course features a broad study of speaking and listening skills within corporations, and public and governmental agencies. Topics include building a professional image, nonverbal code systems, corporate strategies and tactics, formal and informal speaking situations, digital presentations, preparation and delivery of spoken messages, preparation and delivery of digital messages, analysis of speech qualities, and improvement of individual speaking skills. 3 credits.

This course analyzes cultural variability and its impact on inter-personal, inter-group and inter-organizational communication. This course also studies ethnic and gender based cultural differences within the organization, differences between merging organizational cultures, and cultural issues in the globalization process of the marketplace. Relationships between national and organizational culture are discussed.

This course explores the concepts associated with communication training and development programs in various organizational settings. Students are introduced to the communication and education theories associated with adult learning and the workplace as well as message construction and application of those theories to on- and offline training environments. Additional topics of discussion involve issues associated with creating, designing, implementing, and assessing training programs along with potential positions that require training and development consultants and professionals.

This course examines the development, nature, classifications, and characteristics of organizational culture. Communication theories, models, organizational practices, and structures are investigated as variables influencing organizational culture. Special attention is given to the role that leadership and employees play in creating, maintaining, and changing culture through communication behaviors.

Diversity includes all characteristics and experiences that define us as individuals. Research links diversity with employee satisfaction, retention, organizational productivity, competitiveness and increased value to customers. To be successful, leaders must understand the theoretical and practical value of diversity and apply its concepts and principles to their organizations aligning them with mission and organizational plans as a moral imperative and global necessity. This course explores all facets of the leader as multiculturalist.

In leading an organization, leaders must employ knowledge of and skill in systems thinking. Actualizing strategy requires one to become a strategist, regardless of one’s position in the organization. Organizations expect leaders to able to guide the organization through cultural, stakeholder and situational analyses. Leaders see the broader picture and inspire to integrate all the elements in meaningful dialogue and action. This course further examines the role of leader as Strategist.

Systems thinking and planning strategically are the hallmarks of successful leaders. Leaders transform analyses and insights into action through strategic communication, planning and implementation. Leaders are able to take the ‘what if’ analysis and transform it into concrete plans and communication strategies to maximize commitment. This course further examines the role and skills of leaders necessary to deliver results in an uncertain world. Students will prepare and fine-tune their capstone project during this course.

This course examines the Internet as a tool that promotes human interaction. Students apply communication concepts and theories to understanding the communicative aspects of the Internet for and on users of computer mediated communication. Students investigate the multi-modal nature of computer/mobile devices in relation to message construction and community-building or polarizing communication behaviors in various contexts. Special attention is given to the implications of digital interactions on identity construction, interpersonal and professional interactions and relationships.

This course focused on strategic communication as it intersects with design thinking and creative problem solving that purposefully addresses human needs in various profit and non-profit settings. Diverse industries are explored to identify community problems where strategic communication can be utilized to incorporate stakeholder feedback in the design thinking process and solution focused outcomes of organizations.

Each semester specialty classes (three and one credit) are offered to meet unique graduate needs and interests in various aspects of corporate and public communication.

Each semester specialty classes (three and one credit) are offered to meet unique graduate needs and interests in various aspects of corporate and public communication.

Each semester specialty classes (three and one credit) are offered to meet unique graduate needs and interests in various aspects of corporate and public communication.

This course focuses on the definition, adoption, and applications of digital media, as well as its social and cultural aspects. The course examines the relationship between digital communication technology, society, and culture. This course infuses theory with practice, allowing students to explore various scholarly texts, as well as consider real-world developments and applications.

Each semester specialty classes (three and one credit) are offered to meet unique graduate needs and interests in various aspects of corporate and public communication.

This course examines the latest theory, practice and approaches for understanding and responding to organizational communications across a range of crisis situations. The course is designed to provide students with insights into the processes, skills, strategies and tactics to be used during a crisis. This course will review and evaluate instructive case studies, common methods and best practices in the field. Topics covered include key theories and principles in crisis communication, which students apply by analyzing actual cases drawn from recent headlines. Students will have the opportunity to apply the concepts learned by responding to real-world situations and crisis communication strategies.

Selected topics in corporate and public communication chosen by the instructor.

Each semester specialty classes (three and one credit) are offered to meet unique graduate needs and interests in various aspects of corporate and public communication.

Each semester specialty classes (three and one credit) are offered to meet unique graduate needs and interests in various aspects of corporate and public communication.

Each semester specialty classes (three and one credit) are offered to meet unique graduate needs and interests in various aspects of corporate and public communication.

Each semester specialty classes (three and one credit) are offered to meet unique graduate needs and interests in various aspects of corporate and public communication.

Each semester specialty classes (three and one credit) are offered to meet unique graduate needs and interests in various aspects of corporate and public communication.

Each semester specialty classes (three and one credit) are offered to meet unique graduate needs and interests in various aspects of corporate and public communication.

Each semester specialty classes (three and one credit) are offered to meet unique graduate needs and interests in various aspects of corporate and public communication.

Research plays an important role in professional fields, such as in broadcasting, journalism, public relations, marketing, and organizational communication, as well as in academia. This course will familiarize students with the various research methods employed in academia and in the communication fields. This course reviews qualitative methods, such as ethnography, textual analysis, interviews, focus groups, descriptive surveys, as well as digital and creative methods.

This course examines the process of researching, planning, implementing, and evaluating Public Relations campaigns and programs. This course provides students with a theoretical and strategic overview of public relations as well as practical guidelines for designing Public Relations programs and campaigns for clients. Students are provided tools to examine and understand the theories behind Public Relations strategy and planning, and then asked to demonstrate their understanding of these concepts by applying them through the creation of a Public Relations campaign.

The Master's Thesis is the culmination academic experience for a Master's Student and represents his/her ability to apply learned research, writing and other technical skills. The thesis is continued from Communications Research and supervised by a faculty thesis advisor. Prerequisite: Communication Research.

This course is one of a two-part culminating academic experience for students and represents his/her ability to apply learned research, writing, and other technical skills related to the field. The course requires students to select a communication research topic of interest, formulate a research question related to that topic, and conduct research on the topic leading to the first three chapters of a research project. Students work closely with an academic adviser as they formulate a final research deliverable resulting in either a project or thesis.

This is the second culminating academic experience in the program extending from Master’s Project I. Based on the topic and deliverable selected, students continue to work with an academic adviser to complete Chapters 4 and 5 of their thesis or project. Regardless of the deliverable, students conduct original research and develop conclusions, recommendations, or solutions to the communication phenomenon explored. Students are required to present their project in the semester’s culminating defense.

This course prepares students for the creation of their MS Capstone Project. Building on previous coursework in the program, students are expected to finalize the project that will be their major capstone venture. These projects should be professionally focused, building on academic and professional research. The course outcomes are an ideation report which clearly states the goals of the project; research that supports the project ideation; and a detailed planning document that would assist the student in the implementation of the project

This course expects students to create and implement their MS Capstone Project. Building on previous coursework in the program, students are expected to finalize the project that will be their major capstone venture. These projects should be professionally focused, building on academic and professional research. The course outcomes are: (1) a fully developed project based on production of media or communication artifacts, and (2) an assessment report of the project.

Assists students in meeting and demonstrating their specific and individual communication goals in personal and professional settings. The course contributes to a program that is theoretical and practical in nature and prepares students for both, professional fields and additional graduate academic endeavors. The portfolio permits students to showcase their communication skills and abilities via an evidence-based set of artifacts that can be shared with potential employers or applications for advanced degree programs that were crafted and curated during their graduate study.