Interactive Communication Strategies (Major, Minor)

Summary

The Interactive Communication Strategies 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 Interactive Communication Strategies 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 Interactive Communication Strategies 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 Interactive Communication Strategies courses are online.

A Minor in Interactive Communication Strategies 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 Interactive Communication Strategies major requires 39 credits (13 three-credit courses).

Course descriptions may be found in their respective discipline listings.

Required Courses for the Major in Interactive Communication Strategies

       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