Bachelor of Science in Communication Degree

3 Credits

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.

3 Credits

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.

3 Credits

This course explores the rich field of management in theory and practice, and as both a science and an art. Students learn to apply management concepts to current workplace issues. Other topics include increasing competitive forces, expectations for successful performance of employees and organizations, and achieving desired business goals.

3 Credits

This course will provide students with the basic concepts of oral presentations. Students will be able to develop and deliver effective individual and group presentations in classroom and professional settings. The course is also designed to provide a maximum opportunity for practice and evaluation of presentation techniques.

3 Credits

This course is an introduction to the field of communication, with an 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.

3 Credits

The communication technology used to convey a message can be just as important as the message itself. This course explores different forms of communication technologies 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.

3 Credits

This course examines communication principles and strategies for effective interpersonal, small-group, and team communication. Topics include collaboration, role definition, goal setting, leadership, and diversity.

3 Credits

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.

3 Credits

This course explores the critical role of human resources in achieving business results. The course will help students to have a solid understanding of the fundamentals of human resource management and its strategic relevance in business today. This course will provide students with a critical perspective on the development of human capital in the context of a unified system of attracting, retaining and developing talent that creates and supports the vision and values of the organization. Students will develop an understanding of the critical business implications for human resource professionals today.

3 Credits

This course will provide students with an overview of the role that business analytics has in the preparation and implementation of change management throughout a project. Students will examine the functions of change management to apply them to activities to meet the strategic and operational plans of an organization. Upon completion of this course, students will understand the importance of the integration of data and decision making on change processes and project management methodologies to implement changes throughout an organization. Focus will also be on managing change to ensure high performance, quality, and operational effectiveness.

3 Credits

This course examines project management roles and environments, the project life cycle, and various techniques of work planning, and control and evaluation to achieve project objectives. The tools currently available to project managers are illustrated in this course through the use of Microsoft® Project software.

3 Credits

This course provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary for using innovative and creative thinking strategies to improve managerial decision making and problem solving. Emphasis is placed upon learning critical skills to identify and facilitate innovative behavior and collaboration within the organization that will increase sustainable business growth and strengthen abilities to respond to organizational changes and challenges. Course lectures, reading and projects span theory and practice and draw upon examples from multiple industry sectors.

3 Credits

This course provides an overview of negotiations in an organizational setting. Students learn negotiation processes and strategies, the role of stakeholder interests in negotiation, and how to apply these concepts to the workplace. Students also examine conflict management techniques and emerging negotiation trends in globalization and technology.

3 Credits

This course gives students the opportunity to integrate management concepts and practices to contemporary business strategies, while discussing the theories of strategic management. This course will focus on improving management decision-making and problem-solving skills. Students will create a strategic management plan. Special emphasis is placed on business ethics, sustainability, innovation, and the legal environment of business.

3 Credits

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.

3 Credits

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.

3 Credits

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.

3 Credits

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.

3 Credits

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.

3 Credits

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

3 Credits

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. 

3 Credits

With the introduction of the Internet and social media, the practice of journalism is in a state of transformation. This course covers key elements of investigative journalism, research, and news reporting across a variety of media outlets. Also covered are legal and ethical considerations related to the practice of journalism. 

3 Credits

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. 

3 Credits

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.

3 Credits

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. 

3 Credits

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.

3 Credits

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. 

3 Credits

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.