Graduates who have a degree in speech
communications don't fall easily into any single category, when it comes
to career choices. Openings for communications graduates exist in
business, education, advertising, government, social service,
broadcasting and print media. Online programs leading to various degrees
in communications are available at the undergraduate and graduate
degree levels.
Online Associate's Degree in Communications Overview
Interpersonal, media and intercultural communications are emphasized
in this program that prepares graduates for entry-level in such fields
as business management, corporate training, marketing, journalism or
public relations. Ethics and gender differences in communication are
also emphasized. By studying speeches and communication theory, students
are trained to deliver effective, informative presentations. The only
prerequisite necessary for first-time admission is typically a high
school diploma or GED equivalent.
Typically, the associate's degree program consists of around 60
credit hours; however, students are free to take as many or as few
courses as they want, at any one time. Graduates may apply credits
toward the pursuit of a bachelor's degree. The program is delivered by
way of an electronic class room. Students are required to check in to
the online classroom at least once a week to receive and submit
assignments, view lectures and communicate with faculty and fellow
students.
Technical requirements include a computer with Internet access, cable
or DSL preferred. Microsoft Office should be installed along with Adobe
Acrobat Reader, Adobe Flash Player or RealOne Player. A CD-ROM drive
and antivirus software are also recommended.
List of Common Communication Courses
In addition to core courses, students are required to complete a
certain number of general education courses, which can include English,
mathematics, social sciences, natural sciences, political science,
literature and the humanities.
Ethics Course
Students pursue an investigation of ethical considerations that exist
in interpersonal and mediated communication. Among topics stressed are
freedom of expression, objectivity and violence, in addition to privacy
and confidentiality.
Small Group Communications Course
The nature of communication between members of teams, decision-making
bodies, committees and discussion groups is the focus of this course.
Students learn to analyze the dynamics involved in effective
communication and non-effective communication in small groups.
Mass Communications Course
Students investigate the history and mutual dependence of various
types of national and international major media. The influence media
has on society and how society might, in turn, influence the use of
media are explored. Theories of mass media and the issues surrounding
them are also examined.
Online Bachelor's Degree in Communications Overview
Many students pursuing a communication bachelor's degree choose to concentrate in
corporate communications
or public relations. Graduates are prepared to enter the field in
upper-level specialized communications positions. Skills developed
include effective written, oral and visual communication techniques.
These skills enable the graduate to develop productive relationships
within a business setting or between an organization and the public.
Usually, this is presented as a degree-completion program. Applicants
are required to have either earned an associate's degree or at least 24
credit hours of college level courses. Typically, the prerequisites
consist of general education courses.
Because the number of transfer credits varies between students, the
program completion time will also vary and can be completed in 2-4
years. Because the program is delivered entirely online, there is no
in-person work required.
Delivered asynchronously, the program materials are transmitted by
text, graphics and in audio or visual formats. Students may access the
program 24 hours a day. Generally, a course management system, such as
Blackboard, is used. Students communicate with each other and faculty
through discussion boards and e-mail.
List of Common Communications Courses
In addition to communications-specific courses, students may be
required to complete a number of general courses including sociology,
written and oral communication, psychology, political science, science,
mathematics and history.
Communications Research Course
Students explore the methods used in the study of human
communication. In addition to ethnographic research methodology, topics
include experimental research, the conduct of surveys and content
analysis.
Public Relations Course
This course introduces students to the principles and theories of
public relations. In the context of real life situations and materials,
students learn about different categories of the public, public
relations tools and techniques of information dissemination to the
public.
Journalism Course
This is an intensive course in written communication. Students learn
the history of print journalism as used in trade, business, industrial
and commercial publications. Interviewing, editing and writing
informative and persuasive material are among the skills developed.
Online Master's Degree in Communication Overview
Students who choose to pursue an online master's degree in
communications will usually specialize in political communication,
corporate and non-profit communication, public and media relations,
health communication or digital communication. The program is designed
for the benefit of communications professionals, who wish to fine-tune
their skills or develop new skills to be used in their workplace or with
an eye toward advancement.
Prerequisites include a bachelor's degree from an accredited school
and 2-3 letters of recommendation. Depending on the number of courses a
student is able to carry at any one time, the program can be completed
in less than three years. At some schools, students have the option of
following a hybrid program, taking some courses in person and some
courses online. In other cases, the program is presented entirely
online. The program is delivered using a course management system, such
as Blackboard or Sakai. Presentations, projects, assignments, papers and
exams are accessed through the course management system Communication
takes place through threaded discussion rooms, e-mail and telephone.
List of Common Communication Courses
Usually, the master's program consists of ten courses, all of which
deal with communications. A master's thesis is typically the last course
undertaken in the program. Thesis topics are chosen with the
cooperation of a faculty advisor.
Digital tools and their use in such areas as public relations,
political communication and health communication are examined. Students
learn to create effective websites and viable Internet advertising.
Social networking, digital journalism and blogs are examined for
effectiveness and quality of presentation.
Persuasion Course
Students develop the skills necessary to be able to create an
effective press release, letter or advertisement. Theories and
principles of persuasion are examined, with an emphasis on likeability,
trustworthiness and expertise. The aspects of consistency, reciprocity
and conformity are investigated along with the use of humor and fear in
the development of persuasive communication.
Press Secretary Course
Students learn the roles, responsibilities and essential duties of
press secretaries as they are preformed in different areas, such as
industry associations, advocacy organizations, the executive branch of
government or political campaigns. Drafting press releases, talking
point papers, strategy memos and op-ed pieces are among the skills
developed in this course. Theories and techniques of handling press
conference situations are also examined.
Depending on the degree, students may qualify for entry-level or
advanced positions in various organizations or businesses such as
journalism, public relations, marketing, promotions or advertising.
Voluntary certification from professional organizations, such as the
Public Relations Society of America, serves as an indicator of
competence and may enhance employment and advancement possibilities (
www.prsa.org).
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics job opportunities in
journalism for broadcast news analysts are expected to increase four
percent during the 2008 to 2018 decade, while openings for reporters and
advertising or promotion managers are expected to decrease (www.bls.gov
).
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