NGO Education Survey

CO-503 - Graduate Foundations in Communication

Introduces new students to the field of communication, its history, branches and disciplines, emphasizing communication for the public good. Assists students in meeting demands of graduate study, using research resources, and understanding departmental policies. Establishes public service objectives of the program. Introduces options for final thesis or project. Students create a plan of study to guide future course and project selections.

CO-504- Principles of Public Relations

Explores the theoretical foundations and principles that encompass the field and practice of public relations. In addition to surveying relevant public relations communication theories, students will develop core competency skills in the creation and execution of strategies and tactics that encompass comprehensive public relations campaigns.

CO-507- Organizational Communication

The study of the role and impact of communication in contemporary organizations and a survey of contemporary organizational research. Examination of how an organization's structure, management philosophy, and internal culture impact the flow of information, productivity, and goal achievement of the organization and its members and clients. Study of the communication processes in business, medical, educational, and nonprofit organizations.

CO-508- Presentational Communication: Design and Delivery

A survey of the rhetorical principles that provide a basis for the production and analysis of effective oral presentation and impression management. Speech writing and delivery of persuasive presentations with a particular emphasis on presentational technologies. Preparation for a variety of public communication challenges are studied, and student presentation skills are honed in practice sessions.

CO-509- Communication, Culture, and Community

Fosters an understanding of community as a communication concept and explores the performance of community roles through civic engagement and democratic participation. Students will explore the nature of community, the impact of institutions in everyday life, the consequences of individual, social, and global privilege, and the role of personal responsibility in communities. Students test the possibilities and problems of contemporary forms of community through a community-based service project.

CO-510- Global Communication and Public Relations

A critical analysis of globalization and global communication theory, research, and other selected theoretical concepts as they apply to international communication, media and public relations. Global communication will be portrayed from various theoretical perspectives, and this class will examine major trends and stakeholders. Global communication will be examined from historical, cultural, economic, public policy, journalism and media, new technology, communication industry, and public relations perspectives. Particular emphasis will be on the growing field of scholarly literature in the area of global public relations.

CO-511- Integrated Digital Marketing and Public Relations

Through case study analysis, practical assignments, and examination of key public relations and marketing research studies, this seminar type class provides students with an intensive study of the strategic application of integrated digital and social communication tactics as they relate to the fields and practice of public relations and marketing. Through the strategic development of digital integrated communication plans, students will gain an increased understanding of how to engage clients and build online communities, identify influences, establish thought leadership and apply digital marketing techniques.

CO-520- Communication Ethics

Communication ethics is the study of the principles that govern the conduct of private and public communication in the pursuit of the personal and common good. Provides an introduction to communication ethics through the writings of important ancient and contemporary scholars.

CO-526- Advanced PR Strategy for Digital Age

This course has a primary focus on how PR is changing with the advancements in digital technology, including AI. The course will teach students how to work with these advancements to create an effective PR strategy, using best practices in media relations, strategic development, and planning. Students will learn the essential tools to become strategic thinkers in a digital age.

CO-527 Crisis Communication

Advanced public relations theory and practices dealing with management of organizational crisis and issues. The process of research, analysis, planning, and implementation of crisis management will be explored. The role of the public relations professional in the development of crisis communication strategies and tactics will be examined. Control of crisis, rumor, public perception, corporate image, and reputation will be emphasized. Case studies, simulations, group exercises, and projects will be used to develop skills in crisis and issues management.

CO-561 Message Construction: Audio, Video and Web

How do we create engaging, media-rich content for mobile, tablet and desktop users in professional settings? This class explores the technical, aesthetic and critical tools needed to create professional audio, video and images for online visual communication. Real-world projects that related to the student's field of interest are implemented throughout the course to craft and refine skills in message construction.

CO-565 Special Event Planning and Promotion

Many organizations use events as a public relations strategy to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders. Through case study analysis, practical assignments, and examination of key public relations theories, this course introduces students to successful event planning and promotion. Emphasis is on creating, organizing, identifying sponsors, publicizing and implementing special events.

CO-584 Leadership Communication

The theory, research, and practice of leadership from a communication perspective. The examination of research on leadership concepts and theories in organizational, group. and public contexts is interdisciplinary in scope. Students will analyze their personal leadership styles, critique historic and contemporary models, examine and develop leadership communication skills through team projects, class exercises, and research.

CO-595 Graduate Internship in Communication

Designed for students with less than one-year professional experience. Supervised practical work experience with media outlets, advertising and promotion agencies, public relations firms, film companies, etc. Involves cooperative efforts of departmental faculty and employers. Exposure to current and innovative techniques in research, management, and creative activities while offering practical experience. Instructor consent is required to take this course.

Communication 500-Level Independent Study

Communication 500-Level Special Topics course