Communication Degrees Online

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

REQUIRED CORE COURSES 9 Credits
Courses under development
Communication and Leadership
Communication Training and Development
Strategic Communication Consulting
Small Group Communication and Decision Making
Public Communication Campaigns
Advertising and Communication Strategies

THESIS OPTION:
12 credits from Elective courses I and 6 credits from either Elective Courses I or II or 6 credits from outside the department, 6 credits of Thesis (Comm 5018 and 5019)

NON-THESIS OPTION:
12 credits from Elective Courses I and 12 credits from either Elective Courses I or II with a maximum 6 credit limit from outside the department.

ELECTIVE COURSES I – Min. 12 Credits
Comm 5001 Advanced Theories in Interpersonal Communication 3
An intensive evaluation and application of theories and research within interpersonal communication. Selected problems and contemporary research will be emphasized.

Comm 5002 Quantitative Research Methods 3
An intensive study of quantitative research designs with an emphasis on assessing strengths and limitations of the various approaches. Individual research projects are planned, conducted, and reported.

Comm 5003 Consulting and Assessment in Organizational Communication 3
In-depth examination of research conducted on communication consulting and training; design of consulting and training programs for use in organizational environments. Examination of organizational communication systems and the design of communication audit procedures.

Comm 5004 Organizational Communication Theory 3
Analysis of traditional and contemporary theories of communication in context of modern complex organizations. The theoretical relationship between communication and organizations through the study of discourse, meanings, symbols, and information flow.

Comm 5005 Interpretive Research Methods 3
An intensive study of interpretive and critical research methods in communication. Emphasis will be on specific interpretive methods such as discourse analysis, textual analysis, interviews and focus groups.

Comm 5006 Cultural Communication in Organizations 3
An investigation of the intersection between organizational culture and communication. This course will cover various facets of culture that influence communication in an assortment of organizational settings.

Comm 5009 Public Relations Theory, Strategy, and Management 3
Examination of public relations theory and strategies for shaping organizational goals. Emphasis on managing corporate communication campaigns.

Comm 5010 Current Issues in Organizational Communication 3
Intensive study of a selected topic from the theoretical and research literature of organizational communication; critique of research findings and methodologies.

Comm 5011 Corporate Writing, Message Dissemination and Communication Management 3
Examination of organizational communication strategies and management. Analysis of the corporate and organizational communication manager in shaping organizational goals and policy.

Comm 5012 Small Group Decision Making and Leadership 3
Examination of small group communication theory, decision making, and leadership. Analysis of how small groups function in organizational settings with emphasis on improving communication.

Comm 5013 Advanced Presentation Skills and Motivational Practices 3
A focus on a broad study of formal and informal speaking and listening skills within business, corporations, and public and governmental agencies, including creating a professional image and corporate strategies and tactics.

Comm 5015 Current Issues in Communication and Culture 3
Intensive study of a selected topic from the theoretical and research literature of communication and culture; critique of research findings and methodologies.

Comm 5016 Current Issues in Applied Communication 3
Intensive study of a selected topic from the theoretical and research literature of applied communication; critique of research findings and methodologies.

Comm 5650 Communicating in Organizations 3
The study of communication in managerial functions and the development of communication abilities.

ELECTIVE COURSES II
Comm 5425 Nonverbal Communications 3
An examination of the concepts of nonverbal communication including the study of space, touch, body movements, as well as visual interaction, facial and vocal expression. Emphasis on integrating theory, research, and practical knowledge of nonverbal communication.

Comm 5510 Communication and Popular Culture 3
The advanced study of contemporary rhetorical tools of criticism as applied to ideological messages in speech, art, music, television, radio and drama. Analysis of current research related to the topic.

Comm 5525 Communication and Technology 3
An examination of new technology’s impact within various communication contexts.

Comm 5540 Communication and Conflict Resolution 3
In-depth study and analysis of communication messages that create, build, maintain and resolve conflict on an interpersonal or societal level. Examination of current research.

Comm 5590 Business and Technical Presentations 3
An introduction to the principles, practice and importance of oral presentations within business and professional organizational settings. Presenting, informative and persuasive reports and research.

Comm 5610 Communication and Law 3
An examination of the communication of lawyers, judges, litigants and jurors in the criminal and civil justice system. Survey of communication as it applies to the legal context.

Comm 5620 Media Journalism 3
Advanced application of television and media journalism techniques, and the handling of news and information in society. Analysis of various reporting strategies.

Comm 5630 Gender, Language and Communication 3
Advanced analysis of communication processes and behaviors that create and recreate gender roles for both women and men. An in-depth examination of gender issues in media and technology, education, workplace, and interpersonal relationships. Analysis of current research related to the topic.

Comm 5675 Media Advertising 3
An in-depth study of the concepts and processes of media advertising focusing on the economic, regulatory, global and social forces that impact the management of advertising campaigns in the radio, television, cable, and telecommunication industries. Students will complete a three-part advertising campaign. Examination of current research as it relates to media and advertising.

Comm 5640 Public Relations Cases 3
Advanced critique and analysis of effective public relations principles, practices, and strategies in a legal and ethical context. Examination of current research related to the topic.

Comm 5660 Public Relations 3
An advanced examination of the principles and practices of public relations. Analysis of current strategies and research related to the topic.

Comm 5665 Public Relations Writing 3
Advanced preparation of public relations documents and portfolio. Analysis of current research related to the topic.

Required Courses (21 hours):
SP 100 Interpersonal Communication 3 hours OR SP 101 Public Speaking 3 hours (whichever is not used to meet the General Education Basic Skill requirement)

SP 201 Advanced Public Speaking 3 hours
SP 303 Organizational Communication 3 hours
SP 306 Advanced Interpersonal Communication 3 hours
SP 312 Theories of Communication 3 hours
SP 315 Small Group Communication 3 hours
SP 332 Theories of Persuasion 3 hours

Concentration (21 hours):
Students in this program are also expected to take 21 hours of elective courses in communication from one of the following Areas of Concentration: Public Communication, Career and Professional Communication, or Public Relations. See below for courses which count in each of the Areas of Concentration.
Cognate Area (12 hours):

Students will select elective courses with the approval of their advisor. In special circumstances, courses from within the major may be counted in the cognate area with the approval of the chair and the advisor.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION
PUBLIC COMMUNICATION
SP 222 Argumentation & Debate 3 hours
SP 304 Online Communication 3 hours
SP 313 Interviewing: Principles & Techniques 3 hours
SP 322 Theories of Argument 3 hours
SP 331 Rhetorical Criticism 3 hours
SP 350 Intercultural Communication 3 hours
SP 351 Studies in Public Address 3 hours
SP 370 Special Problems in Speech 3 hours
SP 403 Communication Training and Development 3 hours
SP 490 Seminar in Rhetoric and Communication 3 hours
SP 500 Conflict Resolution 3 hours
SP 502 Group Leadership 3 hours
SP 555 Contemporary Issues in Free Speech 3 hours

CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION
SP 304 Online Communication 3 hours
SP 313 Interviewing: Principles & Techniques 3 hours
SP 325 Nonverbal Communication 3 hours
SP 350 Intercultural Communication 3 hours
SP 360 Communication and Gender 3 hours
SP 370 Special Problems in Speech 3 hours
SP 403 Communication Training and Development 3 hours
SP 500 Conflict Resolution 3 hours
SP 502 Group Leadership 3 hours
SP 555 Contemporary Issues in Free Speech 3 hours

PUBLIC RELATIONS
SP 304 Online Communication 3 hours
SP 305 Principles of Public Relations 3 hours
SP 313 Interviewing: Principles & Techniques 3 hours
SP 329 Principles of Radio/Television Broadcasting 3 hours
SP 350 Intercultural Communication 3 hours
SP 370 Special Problems in Speech 3 hours
SP 403 Communication Training and Development 3 hours
SP 405 Public Relations: Cases and Campaigns 3 hours
SP 500 Conflict Resolution 3 hours
SP 502 Group Leadership 3 hours
SP 555 Contemporary Issues in Free Speech 3 hours
* see below

Visual communication has more to do with the way images can be used than how to make them. Graphic design is part of this major, but the other part includes a solid communications foundation. This major is about putting images together in a way that will effectively communicate or sell, providing basic foundations for leadership roles in advertising and marketing.
Mission

The mission of the Department of Communication and Media is to prepare credible, creative Christian professionals for a world where the mastery of communication skills and technologies is essential. We accomplish our mission by helping students produce, publish and perform original work that is both ethical and effective.
Career opportunities

The study of communication will help you develop useful skills in such fields as ministry, mass media, theatre, business, government and social services. Our program is particularly appropriate for positions involving public relations, broadcasting, corporate communication, public information management, employee communication, training and development, and print journalism.
Program strengths and emphases

The study of communication at Spring Arbor University is a hands-on experience, with a foundation in classical and Christian perspectives. All students complete a core sequence that promotes a thoughtful and ethical understanding of communication principles and best practices.

Throughout the program, you will apply these principles. We offer extracurricular opportunities in writing, acting, broadcasting, designing, producing and researching in addition to practical hands-on experiences in the classroom. Our students win awards in state and national competitions, and engage in meaningful internships.

See Communication and Media for information about other Department of Communication and Media programs and program strengths, descriptions of COM courses, and career opportunities.

There are four minors in communication, all of which complement a variety of degree programs and career choices. Each consists of 18 credits.

(Students planning to minor in communication must take COM 205 – Fundamentals of Professional Presentations, to satisfy the University Requirement in Communication.)

Minor in Organizational Communication
Organizational Communication Minor REQUIREMENTS
(12 credits)

COM 215 – Small Group Communication
COM 225 – Interpersonal Communication
COM 250 – Business and Professional Communication
COM 300 – Organizational Communication

Organizational Communication Minor ELECTIVES
(6 credits)

COM 275 – Persuasion
COM 287 – Introduction to Communication Research
COM 332 – Interviewing
COM 370 – Interpersonal Conflict and Communication
COM 410 – Crisis and Communication
COM 440 – Cultural Influences on Communication

Minor in Interpersonal and Relational Communication

Interpersonal and Relational Communication Minor REQUIREMENTS
(12 credits)

COM 215 – Small Group Communication
COM 225 – Interpersonal Communication
COM 233 – Communication in Relational Development
COM 370 – Interpersonal Conflict and Communication

Interpersonal and Relational Communication Minor ELECTIVES
(6 credits)

COM 275 – Persuasion
COM 312 – Communication and Gender
COM 332 – Interviewing
COM 375 – Family Communication
COM 440 – Cultural Influences on Communication

Minor in Advertising and Promotions

Advertising and Promotions Minor REQUIREMENTS
(12 credits)

COM 200 – Fundamentals of Communication Design
COM 201 – Applied Communication Design
COM 234 – Fundamentals of Copywriting
COM 335 – Advertising and Promotional Design

Advertising and Promotions Minor ELECTIVES
(6 credits)

COM 236 – Copywriting for Electronic Media
COM 287 – Introduction to Communication Research
COM 322 – Communication Training and Development
COM 340 – Communication and Product Information
COM 402 – Advertising and Promotions for the Internet
COM 472 – Advertising and Promotional Campaigns

Minor in Video Production

Video Production Minor REQUIREMENTS
(6 credits)

COM 253 — Fundamentals of Video Production
COM 259 — Studio Production

Video Production ELECTIVES
(12 credits)

COM 201 — Applied Communication Design
COM 257 — Audio Production
COM 265 — Video Technology
COM 333 — Video Scriptwriting
COM 360 — Video Field Production
COM 365 — Advanced Post Production Techniques
COM 377 — Video Directing
COM 468 — Special Effects in Video