Department of Communications and Theater Arts

Graduate Course Description

CO 510 - Research Methods in Communication (3 credits) - Prerequisite: Must have at least one semester of statistics. Introduction to major principles, strategies, and techniques in media research, including the principles of scientific inquiry, both quantitative and qualitative, (i.e. descriptive statistics and ethnographic research). Includes hypothesis construction, research design, data collection, sampling techniques and interpretation of results. Students plan and undertake a research project.

CO 515 - Media Strategy and Planning (3 credits) - Prerequisite: CO 315, CO 225, or equivalent. Critical assessment of the scholarly research for a campaign to influence or change public opinion or behavior. Analysis of research methods, (visual, written or oral), technology, (multimedia, internet, etc.), and the measurement and evaluation of results. Investigation of management issues and application of theory to crisis situations.

CO 520 - Ethics and Media (3 credits) - A comprehensive study of social ethics from consequentialism and duty-based theories to individualistic and collectivistic theories, and the use of these theories as they apply to daily decisions in media management.

CO 525 - Advanced Media Production (3 credits) - Prerequisite: CO 319, 220 or equivalent. Critical analysis of aesthetic decisions and skills in the planning and production of television programs from initial research, through writing, to final completion. Focuses on the theoretical and scientific knowledge necessary for the development of professional level programs.

CO 530 - Seminar in Communication Law and Policy (3 credits) - The course provides an analysis of case studies, media law and government policy as they relate to the communication industry. Ethical implications will be discussed.

CO 550 - Development of Communication Theory (3 credits) - The course traces the history of theories and models developed to describe, explain and predict what people do when they communicate. The course follows the development of communication from the classical era to the present.

CO 580 - Seminar in Electronic Media Administration (3 credits) - Prerequisite: Advanced TV Production Principles. Intensive study of the management process and current theories as applied to mass media organization. Investigates budgeting, financial reporting, personnel selection/training, strategic planning, communication, governmental, and community relations.

CO 585 - Seminar in Public Relations and Media Management (3 credits) - Prerequisite: Media Strategy and Planning, or permission of the instructor. This course examines the interaction and relationships of professional public relations activity in the media, the social structure and economy through selected readings in theories of social communication and psychology. Emphasis is placed on the management of the public relations function.

CO 595 - Communication in the Global Marketplace (3 credits) - Introduction to, analysis of, and guided research in the technical, legal and cultural issues associated with electronic and print media. Emphasis on understanding the corporate cultures of Europe, Japan and developing countries.

CO 598 - Project in Communications Management (3 hours upon approval) - Demonstration of the ability to utilize existing research to prepare a meaningful report of substance in communications or to conduct a creative activity from origination to completion, with accompanying analysis.

CO 599 - Thesis (6 hours upon approval) - Demonstration of capacity for advanced research and independent thought through preparation and defense of a substantial written document. Thesis proposal and final document must be approved by thesis committee.

MK 521 - Principles of Marketing (3 credits) - Prerequisite: EC521 or equivalent. Study of various phases of marketing upon which sound marketing programs are based. Product planning, distribution policies, promotional policies, and pricing. Marketing planning and control. Related marketing problems of concern to business management.

MN 550 - Management Skills (3 credits) - Prerequisite: MN 531 or equivalent. A comprehensive assessment of the student's management and leadership skills, followed by individual feedback and classroom discussion and exercises. Develops skill awareness and career management. To find out more about this course and plan your skills assessment please click here.

MN 588 - Strategic Human Resource Management (3 credits) - Prerequisite: MN 531 or equivalent. Strategic Human Resource leadership: How organizations achieve success through human resource management. Topics may include: manpower planning, training, performance appraisals, and compensation systems. A case methodology will be involved.