Online Master of Arts (MA) in Strategic Communication

CO 612 Health Communications

This course explores the communication demands of health care and health promotion, examines current issues and problems in the modern health care system, and identifies communication strategies health care providers or managers can employ to achieve their health care goals.

CO 620 Diversity and Difference: Intercultural Communication

In this course, students will have the opportunity to discuss culturally conscientious approaches to communication among different groups of people.

CO 622 Communication Data Analytics and Research Methods

The various methodological approaches and ethical responsibilities of conducting research in communication will be analyzed. Students will study ways in which researchers find and evaluate documents and will learn about both qualitative and quantitative design and research.

CO 624 Fundamentals of Communication Theory

This course provides an overview of major communication theories with an emphasis on the major subfields of communication, especially those relevant to sport and nonprofit communication. Emphasis is on socialization into the field of Communication in terms of its history, theoretical development, and writing and citations style. The course culminates in an extensive state-of-the-field literature review that provides theoretical grounding for the student's course of study.

CO 628 Organizational Communication

The focus of this survey course is on providing students with a theoretical understanding of the communication issues and problems prevalent within organizational settings. Special attention will be paid to nonprofit and sport organizations, and the course will focus on applied research, both foundational and current, as the basis for learning. Topics will include organizational structure, culture, change, diversity, leadership, and globalization. The course will help students determine strategies and tactics for reaching internal and external audiences in order to provide effective communication within and without organizations.

CO 630 New Multimedia Communication

This hands-on course introduces students to some of the social media and multimedia tools that have become part of the professional writer's skill set. The course will review best practices for blogging, Facebook, Twitter, and other tools, as well as exposing students to video editing, photo editing, and audio production for the web.

CO 640 Nonprofit Communication

This course will introduce students to the marketing principles that nonprofit managers need to develop and implement a marketing plan. Students will be provided with case studies in order to understand the best practices in nonprofit communication and marketing, including social media, crisis management, and working with the press.

CO 642 Grant Writing

In this course, students will be exposed to the best practices for researching, writing, and following up on grants and other forms of fundraising for non-profits. It covers preparation of proposals to federal and local agencies, corporations, and private foundations on behalf of 501 (c3) organizations, as well as schools, charity groups, and similar entities. The course will provide practical experience through partnerships with key nonprofits. Students will learn how to write successful proposals including case statement, goals and objectives, program budget, management plan, and evaluation sections. Additionally, students will practice writing skills in non-profit management, such as the creation of effective fundraising letters and annual appeals.

CO 644 Public and Private Disasters: Crisis Communication

Crisis communication is an increasing concern for all businesses and professions. Students will explore the components of crisis communication and will study pre-crisis planning, including the formation of a crisis management team, as well as effective responses to organization crisis through timely communication. Through case studies and research, students will learn appropriate communication strategies to manage all phases of crisis.

CO 646A Nonprofit Capstone

A guided practical field experience, this course allows students to apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to actual work settings in the communication field. Students must complete 100 hours at a site that specializes in their selected track (i.e., either sports communication or nonprofit communication). The course will culminate in a final reflection paper in which students analyze their internship experience using their skills in theory, research methods, and report writing.

CO 632 Sports Communication

This course provides an overview of the organizations involved in the sports communication field. Topics include the major television and radio networks, leading magazines and newspapers, and marketing and advertising firms. Subjects include publishing, journalism, team and league media relations, college sports information, TV and radio productions, and advertising.

CO 634 Sports Marketing and Advertising

This course examines the range of promotional techniques being used in the modern sports industry. Topics include sponsorships, advertising, merchandizing, and the effects of commercialization.

CO 636 Sports Writing

This course gives students the opportunity to develop their sports-focused writing skills across a variety of media and formats.

CO 638A Sports Capstone

A guided practical field experience, this course allows students to apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to actual work settings in the communication field. Students must complete 100 hours at a site that specializes in their selected track (i.e., either sports communication or nonprofit communication). The course will culminate in a final reflection paper in which students analyze their internship experience using their skills in theory, research methods, and report writing.