School of Professional Studies

Master's of Professional Studies | Corporate Communication
Course Requirements & Descriptions

Corporate Communication Degree 30 Hours

Required courses:

PRST 6100 - Professional Environment: Issues and Ethics (3)
Overview of ethics in general, with practical tools for assessing ethical dimensions of professional life, diagnosing or identifying the moral issues at hand, and then developing reasonable options to address particular moral and ethical issues.

COMM/PRST 6110 – Leadership and Communication (3)
This course focuses on leadership as a function of communication behavior. Through discussion, cases and exercises, participants will explore effective communication strategies within an organizational setting. The course will cover team leadership skills, rhetorical sensitivity, charisma and practical suggestions for improving leadership effectiveness.

PRST 6300 – Research Methods (3)
The student and application of research methods appropriate to professional studies. The course will provide a general introduction to research methods, as well as providing practical exposure to Problem Statements, Literature Reviews, Writing the Research Proposal, and Organization of the Research Report. Quantitative and Qualitative Research methodologies will be covered. 

COMM/JOUR/PRST 6998 – Professional Project (3)
Taken during the final semester of the program. Students should begin planning the project when they enter the program. Please consult with your advisor about appropriate topics and submit your proposal for approval prior to entering the final project course.

The Professional Project is the last requirement, serving as the integrative culmination of the program of study. It should be a substantial piece of independent research or a significant professional project that is logically consistent with the theme and content of the program of study. Student’s work should demonstrate familiarity with and understanding of a body of professional literature related to a specific topic. The Project should grow out of the program of study and should demonstrate the student’s ability to use the knowledge gained from this program of study.

 
Choose at least 6 courses from the following:

COMM 5420 - Advanced Organizational Communication (3)
Approaches to the understanding of communicative cultures in modern organizations and their operant principles.

COMM 5430 - Advanced Interpersonal Communication (3)     
Communications theory applied to informal and face-to-face situations.

COMM 5620 - Advanced Public Speaking (3)
Advanced oral communications as practiced from the platform, with emphasis on special types of speaking.

COMM 5630 - Persuasion (3)
Promotes intellectual understanding and critical application of how individuals and groups influence the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of others.

COMM 5601, 5602, 5603 - Special Topics in Communication Studies (3)
Presentation of directed, individual research in selected topics in speech communication beyond regular course offerings. Topic will be specified at time of offering.

COMM/PRST 6700 - Conflict and Negotiation (3)
Negotiation and Conflict Management presents negotiation theory—strategies and styles—within an employment context. A different topic will be presented each week. In addition to the theory and exercises presented in class, students practice negotiating with role-playing simulations in threaded discussions and chat. Students also learn how to negotiate in difficult situations, which include abrasiveness, racism, sexism, whistle blowing, and emergencies. The course covers conflict management from two perspectives. From a first party perspective you will be directly engaged. As a third party, you will develop and enhance your skills in helping others deal directly with their conflicts, mediation, investigation, arbitration, and helping the system change as a result of a dispute.       

PRST 6200 – Globalization and the Professions (3)
The purpose of this course is to assess the impact of globalization on professional life. The course examines globalization as it relates to commerce, information flow, mass media, government, health care and education.

PRST 6751 - Global Terrorism: Pandemics and Epidemics (3)
This seven-week accelerated curriculum provides the various tools needed for public health and public safety agencies to overcome pandemics and epidemics. The students will learn how to identify the differences between pandemics, epidemics, and outbreaks and to overcome these incidents. Throughout this class, they will research various mitigation measures and preparedness efforts related to pandemics/epidemics. Students will learn mitigation strategies to ensure that critical infrastructure and essential work can be functional during a pandemic or epidemic, even if key personnel are unavailable. The course will look at the potential risks of a bioterrorist attack and the ways that bioterrorism might be perpetrated. Students will research acts of bioterrorism and utilize critical thinking skills needed to prevent bioterrorist attacks. Learners will learn the importance of communication and collaboration during an incident, including communicating with the public and those with special needs. An overview of the importance of mapping in pandemics/epidemics and free resources are taught.

PRST 6720 - Crisis Response (3)
This course will focus on response issues surrounding a natural or man-made crisis/disaster. A focus will be given to Commanding, Controlling, Communicating, Coordinating, and Cooperating during a crisis according to NIMS/ICS standards.

PRST 6800 - Organizational Skills and Development (3)
Analysis of theory, practice and skills involved in leading organizational change, including: aligning change with the organizational strategy, understanding changes as part of a system, understanding the dynamics of and managing resistance to change, creating a vision to inspire others to become a part of the change process, the use of goal setting, feedback and incentives to promote change, and aligning individual’s roles to support change. The course will blend learning from the texts and skill building.