Corporate Communication

Communication Arts Department

Deborah Calhoun, Ph.D., Chair, Business and Economics Department
Barbara Mento, M.E.S., Mathematics, Physics and Computer Studies Department
Joseph Schaub, Ph.D., Chair, Communication Arts Department

Degrees offered

Major
Minor

Campuses

Main Campus

The Corporate Communications program combines vital coursework from Business, Computer Studies, and Communication Arts into a coherent curriculum that is applicable to the smallest of entrepreneurial start-ups or the largest of global corporations. The program stresses technological proficiency, organizational planning as well as strong writing, speaking and critical thinking skills.

College of Adult Undergraduate Studies

The corporate communication program of the School of Arts and Sciences offers a major to students in the College of Adult Undergraduate Studies. Integrating courses in business, communication arts and computer studies, the major in corporate communication serves students whose primary interest is the communication function in organizations and prepares them to succeed in managerial positions in diverse types of organizations. Using their expertise in technology, graduates of this program are able to communicate effectively through organizational channels and to exercise leadership in helping organizations achieve desired strategic goals.

Organizations and their managers face many challenges in a world that is changing at an ever-increasing pace. Effective, timely and accurate communication networks, communication processes and information management are critical strategic imperatives for every organization. The Internet, global markets and 24/7 competition place increased importance on the manager's role in communication and information management in every organization, from the largest corporations, to the entrepreneurial start-up, to the government agency, to the university or to the non-profit sector.

The major enables students to meet these challenges through an understanding of theoretical models and principles from the fields of communication, computer studies and management. Students test the practical applications of their learning to current professional problems and concerns of the workplace. The program emphasizes the design and implementation of communication and information management plans with an emphasis on managerial roles and responsibilities. Proficiency in the application of technology to organizational planning and operations is stressed, as well as strengthening student writing, speaking and critical thinking skills.

The educational goals of the corporate communication major are as follows:

Provide a multidisciplinary curriculum based in the liberal arts
Prepare students for the complexities of managing communication and information technology in today's organizations
Present a unique and diversified curriculum that will prepare students for professional positions and provide current professionals with opportunities for career advancement
Expose students to the ethical standards required in the management and communication of information

The curriculum supports students who aspire to management roles in diverse organizational areas, such as communication, information technology, entrepreneurship and administration. This degree program has direct linkages to positions in training and development, public administration, business, customer services, institutional administration, education, sales, marketing, consulting, operations, information technology and strategic planning.

Some of the corporate communication courses are online.

A minor in corporate communication is available by taking two courses listed in each area: business, communication arts and computer studies.

Students must earn a minimum grade of C in all courses taken to complete the requirements of the major.

Program of Study

The corporate communication major requires 39 credits (13 three-credit courses).

Course descriptions may be found in their respective discipline listings.

Required Courses for the Major in Corporate Communication

COM-206 Speaking in Professional Settings (Fulfills the general education requirement in oral communication.)
COM-313 Digital Media Skills
COM-401 Writing for the Web
COM-403 Organizational Communication
COM-430 Strategic Communication
CST-260 Web Animation
CST-261 Web Page Design
CST-355 Project Management [Prerequisite: CST-261]
CST-356 Internet/Intranet Information Management
BUS-302 Principles of Management
BUS-303 Principles of Marketing
BUS-310 Professional Communications [Prerequisite: ENG-101 or permission of instructor]
BUS-334 Teamwork and Negotiation

Courses

BUS-302 Principles of Management

Examines organizational, human resources, operational, and functional aspects of ethically managing activites of diverse workforces in organizational settings. Analyzes traditional managerial functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling within the context of changing demands in organizations that compete effectively in an inter-connected, global environment. [ 3 credits ]

BUS-303 Principles of Marketing

This course introduces the language of marketing the strategic marketing process. While formulating viable marketing strategies for diverse business situations, learners will gain experience gathering and analyzing industry and market data, as well as implementing core-marketing concepts such as market segmentation, targeting, positioning,and the marketing mix in the formulation and implementation of real-world marketing strategies. This course culminates in the development of a marketing plan for a new product, service or retail establishment. [ 3 credits ]

BUS-310 Professional Communications

Explores communications contexts within organizations and refines written and oral communications skill sused in business and professional settings. Emphasizes appropriateness, effectiveness, and nuance while taking into consideration situation, audience, and delivery mode. Learners use common business communications tools and technologies as well as social media. Prerequisite: ENG-101 or IDS-100 (honors section). [ 3 credits ]

BUS-334 Teamwork and Negotiation

Analyzes the dynamics, structure and function of teams in businesses and other organizations. Examines the framework and components of conflict resolution and negotiation in both organizational and personal situations. Learners will assess and strengthen key interpersonal skills. This course utilizes role active learning pedagogy extensively including role plays, small group exercises, and simulations. [3 credits]

COM-206 Speaking in Professional Settings Speaking in Professional Settings

Explores the art of public communication and persuasion, content and delivery, through composition and delivery of a variety of speeches. Particular attention is given to the xpectations of the workplace. Recommended in first year or second year. Fulfills the general education requirement in oral communication. [3 credits]

COM-313 Digital Media Skills

Provides hands-on experience in the use of digital and social media in professional contexts in the communication fields. Students will complete a number of projects applicable to professional situations that will enhance the job-search portfolio. [3 credits]

COM-401 Writing for the Web

Explores techniques for making the transition from writing for traditional mass media to writing for online media. Teaches students to use online resources and produce online messages and "articles" of various types. Provides opportunities to develop materials for the professional portfolio. [3 credits]

COM-403 Organizational Communication

Studies communication systems, structure, problems and solutions within complex organizations, such as business corporations, governmental agencies, hospitals and schools. Students develop practical plans to improve communication within organizations. [3 credits]

COM-430 Strategic Communication

Serves as the capstone course for the corporate communications program; requires students to apply their knowledge from the program's core subjects in the analysis of communication, technology, and business problems reflected in case studies of specific organizations. [3 credits]

CST-260 Web Animation

Explores the world of animation as an enhancement and alternative to traditional information delivery. Studies the elements of animation including graphics, sound, interactivity, feedback and special effects, as well as techniques for planning and developing appropriate and effective applications in Flash. Students demonstrate the progression of their skills through the successful completions of a number of practical projects. [3 credits]

CST-261 Web Page Design

Focuses on coding and design of Web pages using HTML and JavaScript to create high-level Internet content. Includes legal and ethical issues as well as human-computer interaction design concepts. Students demonstrate the progression of their skills through the successful completion of a number of practical projects. Satisfies the technological competency requirement. [3 credits]

CST-355 Project Management

Investigates project management as it applies to the systems development life cycle with an electronic project management tool. Emphasizes resource allocation and sub-project definition. Students will apply theory and principles learned to solutions for practical business problems. Prerequisite: CST-171 or CST-261. [3 credits]

CST-356 Internet Communication

Examines the advantages and challenges of the Internet for businesses communication. The uses of social media as business tools will be explored. [3 credits]