Corporate Communication (Major, Minor)
Pamela O'Brien, Ph.D., Coordinator
Fran Mindel, Ph.D.
Britt Christensen
Degrees offered
Minor
Campuses
The Corporate Communications Program of Study combines vital coursework from Business, Computer Studies, and Communication Arts into a coherent curriculum applicable to the smallest of entrepreneurial start-ups or to the largest of global corporations. The Program of Study stresses technological proficiency, organizational planning as well as strong writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills.
Summary
The Corporate Communication Program of Study in 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 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, and,
- 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 completing 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 activities 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 used 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
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 expectations of the workplace. Recommended in first year or second year. Fulfills the general education requirement in oral communication. [3 credits]