Professional Communication (GC)

Program Requirements

Common Core

This course introduces graduate study in the varied fields of mediated communication. It uses a theory-driven, case-study approach to introduce common theoretical approaches to media study and professional practice.

Prerequisites: none

This course is designed to enhance the communication skills of professionals. Students will learn theory and techniques of presentation for academic conferences, professional meetings, business and industry presentations, interviews, and group meetings. The use of technology in professional communication will be highlighted.

Prerequisites: none

Rhetorical theory applied to technical documents, including an examination of how workplace cultures shape writing assumptions and approaches.

Prerequisites: none

Restricted Electives

Communication and Media - Choose 6 Credit(s).

A focus on the theory and practice of developing advocacy campaigns. Topics include audience research, message creation, message distribution, network analysis, and campaign effectiveness.

Prerequisites: none

Special interest courses devoted to specific topics within relationship communication. Topics vary, and course may be retaken for credit under different topic headings.

Prerequisites: none

This course is designed to develop an understanding of speech communication in the organizational context. The course will aid each individual in working more effectively within any type of organization through exposure to major theories and works in the area of organizational communication.

Prerequisites: none

Special interest courses devoted to specific topics within the intersecting fields of rhetoric and culture. Topics vary, and course may be retaken for credit under different topic headings.

Prerequisites: none

A critical analysis of contemporary social movement discourse and the means for advocacy by a movement. We examine communication theories, issues, trends, social movement processes, advocacy strategies, and how it all ties back into the field of contemporary communication studies.

Prerequisites: none

Grassroots campaigning is a proven strategy of civic discourse, engagement, and advocacy. Grassroots organizing works from the bottom up and is uniquely suited to engage historically marginalized constituencies and to amplify the voiced of traditionally excluded populations. This course emphasizes a practical, skills-based approach grassroots advocacy using communication strategies and tactics.

Prerequisites: none

This course will focus on preparing professional trainers and developers in communication teaching, training and development.

Prerequisites: none

This course provides both graduate students and faculty the opportunity to work together with a specific theme that is timely and relevant to the field. May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: none

Theory and practice of social media in professional settings. Includes strategies for content development, network analysis, and analytics.

Prerequisites: none

Technical Communication - Choose 3 - 4 Credit(s).

Students learn how to research and write technical information for multiple cultures, both locally and internationally.

Prerequisites: none

Analysis and training focused on concepts and practices of visual design as they relate to technical and professional communication.

Prerequisites: none

Theory and practice in the development and production of proposals, focusing on the researching, writing, and management of proposals by technical communicators.

Prerequisites: none

Degree Plan

First Year

Fall - 9 Credits

This course introduces graduate study in the varied fields of mediated communication. It uses a theory-driven, case-study approach to introduce common theoretical approaches to media study and professional practice.

Prerequisites: none

Elective Course in Major * 3 credits

Elective Course in Major * 3 credits

Spring - 9 Credits

This course is designed to enhance the communication skills of professionals. Students will learn theory and techniques of presentation for academic conferences, professional meetings, business and industry presentations, interviews, and group meetings. The use of technology in professional communication will be highlighted.

Prerequisites: none

Rhetorical theory applied to technical documents, including an examination of how workplace cultures shape writing assumptions and approaches.

Prerequisites: none

Elective Course in Major * 3 credits