Online Communication Degree

This course is an introduction to the field of communication with emphasis on the history of communication study, concepts important to all areas of communication, the contexts in which communication occurs, and the issues that must be faced by students of communication. The course serves as an introduction to the strands of communication: interpersonal, small groups and teams, mass communication, organizational, intercultural, and rhetoric.

Open-mindedness to different perspectives is important--but equally important is the ability to construct a valid argument in support of one's claim. This course covers key skills in reasoning, critical thinking, and persuasion used to effectively communicate. Topics include logical argumentation, rhetoric, persuasion, semantics, and perception.

One of the most effective and compelling ways to communicate is through a good story. This course introduces key elements of storytelling and illustrates ways to enhance messaging and better engage with audiences. Topics covered may include compositional structure, grammar, and storytelling strategies to address business and communication needs.

The communication technology used to convey a message can be just as important as the message itself. This course explores different forms of communication technology available to support the exchange of information and interactions between people and organizations. Students will examine how to strategically write and structure communication using different technologies within a variety of environments.

This course introduces key media theories and practices and examines the history of mass communication and its influence on society. Topics covered include media literacy, propaganda, marketing, law, and ethics.

In this course, students will apply key communication strategies that support effective organizational communication. Topics include change management, training and development, operational transformation, and performance improvement. 

The emergence of social media has transformed how individuals, organizations, and entire industries communicate with one another. This course examines the evolution of social media technology and its influence on communication and behavior. Students will examine principles of visual communication, including the use of symbols and signs to communicate information. 

This course introduces strategies used to shape public opinion, including image and brand management. Foundational principles of corporate and public relations and communication ethics are covered.

In this course, students will research and organize complex information for instructional and technical purposes. Students will also explore various technologies and editing processes used to clarify the delivery and display of information. 

In a world rich in culture and diverse individual backgrounds, it is essential to understand principles of effective intercultural and global communication. In this course, students will examine the influence of society upon group behavior, cultural traditions, and communication practices, and will apply strategies to improve communication and competence across various intercultural environments and contexts.

Conflict and disagreements happen in every organization. This course examines conflict management and mediation strategies for a variety of situations that can be used to defuse tension and promote collaboration and compromise. Topics include communication law, negotiation, and diplomacy. 

In this capstone course, students will integrate and apply their learning from throughout the program. Students will construct a comprehensive and strategic communication plan and evaluate its impact on organizational performance. 

This course transitions students through the foundations of study at University of Phoenix. Students develop personal strategies for achieving educational goals and develop skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.

This course provides an overview of the key components of comprehensive wellness. Based on a preventive model, the course will allow learners to explore choices that promote wellness with goals of living longer and better.

The course introduces theories and concepts in psychology that will foster academic success and provide students with opportunities to synthesize and apply that knowledge.

This course develops the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills that are essential for academic and life success.

Students learn how to think critically, focusing on developing the necessary tools and skills to analyze problems, make decisions, and formulate well-supported points of view on key academic, social, and professional issues.

This course extends practice in critical reading, writing, and thinking. Emphasis is given to developing an effective writing process that takes into account audience and rhetorical purpose.

This course provides an applied approach to team building, collaboration, and conflict resolution. Students must understand and apply these concepts within academic and professional settings. Students develop structures, processes, and strategies to create and maintain effective teams. Gender, cultural, and individual considerations in team dynamics are also explored.

This course introduces students to thinking about and working with numbers by examining the day-to-day and societal importance of money.

Students apply advanced quantitative reasoning skills to solve real-world problems. This course emphasizes modeling skills, statistical methods, and probability to create, analyze, and communicate solutions.

This applications-driven course prepares students to critically analyze and solve problems using quantitative reasoning. Students approach real-world scenarios using numerous reasoning skills and mathematical literacy to draw conclusions.

The course provides an introduction to the most prominent forms of media that influence and impact social, business, political, and popular culture in contemporary America. It explores the unique aspects of each medium as well as interactions across various media that combine to create rich environments for information sharing, entertainment, business, and social interaction in the United States and around the world.

This course will introduce students to the scientific principles that are required to identify environmental phenomenon. Students will explore the composition and processes of Earth's lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere to examine environmental impact and mitigation of environmental risk.

This course provides an overview of Business Information Systems. Students learn to apply Microsoft® Office tools including word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software to accomplish business objectives. Other topics include uses of application software and the Internet for effective problem solving, exploration of relevant technologies for collaboration, and how information is used and shared to accomplish business goals.

This course involves an analysis of the role of marketing within the organization. Other topics include analyzing consumer behavior, identifying marketing variables, creating marketing strategies, and describing challenges of international marketing issues.

This course presents an analysis of product and brand management as it relates to the goods and services life cycle from conception to purchase. Upon completion of this course, students will be prepared to design and implement successful product and brand development strategies that deliver value to consumers.

This is an introductory course in analyzing consumer and purchasing behaviors as basic considerations in the development of a marketing strategy. Family and cultural factors that influence consumer behavior are considered as they relate to the development of marketing programs. Consumer decision-making processes are examined to develop marketing communications strategies. Tools are developed to measure the effect of consumer behavior theory in effective marketing strategies.

This course provides an introduction to the field of public relations. Areas covered are media relations; promotion; tools used in developing public relations and publicity, and improving customer satisfaction; relationship-building strategies; and ethics and public relations.

This course provides students with an in-depth study of Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC). Emphasis will be placed on the strategic roles and integration of marketing communication tools including advertising, public relations, sales, promotion, event management, media selection, and marketing management.

This course provides a foundation of understanding of leadership and its role in managing people and systems. This course will cover key leadership elements such as effective leadership behavior, power and influence, the differences between leadership and management, leading change, intrapreneurship, and how an innovative mindset impacts people and systems in a continually changing global and virtual environment.

This course provides an overview of leadership theories, models, and principles. Students will gain insight into effective leadership attributes, leadership styles, organizational vision, corporate responsibility, and ethical practices.

In this course, students will examine practices used to engage, inspire, and successfully lead people and organizations, with a focus on motivation, behavioral management, employee development and empowerment, diversity, culture, and performance improvement.

Effective decision making takes a variety of perspectives and information into account, using reliable sources and reasoned approaches in support of an overall strategy. This course investigates business tactics and problem-solving techniques used in long- and short-term planning, organizational governance, innovation and creative disruption, and efficiency improvement. Topics include business model analysis and design, resource allocation, quality enhancement, contingency planning, and entrepreneurship.

Timely, informative, and inclusive communication is the cornerstone of successful leadership. In this course, students will examine communication techniques used to build organizational culture, improve customer experiences, and effectively negotiate, persuade, and inspire others.

This course provides an overview of operational and technological considerations involved in project management and organizational change. Topics include workflow management, technology integration, mentorship and succession planning, adaptability, and transformational leadership practices.

The applied leadership capstone provides students with an opportunity to integrate content from throughout the program and demonstrate vital leadership principles and skills.