Mass Communication, Advertising & Public Relations

• COM CM 721: Advertising Management
  Graduate Prerequisites: (COMCM708) - Administration of complete advertising program. Case study method used to explore the marketing mix, budgeting, media strategy, planning, coordinating advertising with promotion, working with client or agency, and the social responsibility of advertisers.
• COM CM 722: Communication Research
  CM722 Communication Research Methods is an introduction to the social scientific method of inquiry and the fundamental concepts and processes of social scientific methods that are used in media science, advertising, and public relations. Assorted research methods are covered, including both quantitative and qualitative. Also included are literature review, research design, research execution, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, and reporting of findings.
• COM CM 723: Advanced Communication Research
  Graduate Prerequisites: (COMCM722) - Provides skill training for data analysis with SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). Students will obtain hands-on experience by carrying out actual analyses using real data acquired via different research methods. Techniques covered include correlation, regression, t-test, ANOVA, and factor analysis. Students also learn how to translate the results of their analyses into data-driven narratives that provide actionable solutions to problem cases.
• COM CM 724: Sampling Design and Measurement Techniques
  Graduate Prerequisites: (COM CM 722 and CM 723) - Discusses various issues related to sampling, such as design, sample size, methods of selection, sampling error, and sampling sources for applied research projects. Also teaches about the various types of questionnaires and measurement procedures commonly used in communication research, including those used for assessing such factors as attitudes, beliefs, media use, and consumer behavior. 2nd sem.
• COM CM 726: Strategic Brand Solutions
  Graduate Prerequisites: (COMCM708) - Explores the impact of current advertising/marketing issues through the lens of strategic branding and brand building best practices from business, economic, political, social, legal, and ethical perspectives. Modified case method looking at real world solutions, with lectures from experts on selected issues.
• COM CM 730: Marketing Communication
  Addresses basic marketing and promotion principles used to increase awareness of and change in attitudes and buyer behavior about products, services, and organizations. Students learn to evaluate appropriate promotional mixes, examine the role of communication, and develop marketing communication strategies through the use of case studies and classroom discussion. 1st sem.
• COM CM 739: Social Media Strategy
  Graduate Prerequisites: CM722 - Students will utilize social media analytics software as the basis for assessing and developing strategies to elevate the social media presence of brands, organizations, and campaigns. Students will learn how to collect social media data, convert data for analysis with SPSS, and apply cutting edge AI tools such as topic analysis and sentiment analysis across an array of platforms. This class prepares students to navigate the contemporary social media landscape.
• COM CM 742: Strategic Media Relations and Management
  Graduate Prerequisites: CM701 AND CM707 OR CM703 - This advanced course explores the role and practice of media relations in an integrated media landscape (PESO) to create an authentic and unified organizational narrative. Students learn the strategic and proactive approach to gaining third-party credibility among journalists, influencers, targeted audiences, and stakeholders. Topics include research & media planning/evaluation, relationship building, content development & engagement, spokesperson role & training, proactive and reactive media counseling, and leveraging innovative media strategies. This course involves lectures, reading assignments, writing projects, case studies, and real-world simulations to create an interactive and engaging learning environment.
• COM CM 743: New Media & Public Relations
  Graduate Prerequisites: (COMCM701) - Explores the effects of new media on the fundamental theories, models, and practices of public relations. Studies how websites, blogs, citizen journalism, social media, direct-to-consumer communication, podcasting, viral marketing, and other technology-enabled changes are affecting interpersonal, small group, and mass media relationships. Also covers and uses the interactive tools that are re-defining the practice of public relations. The course combines lecture, discussion, guest speakers, case study, and research to help students uncover and appreciate the power and potential of interactive media.
• COM CM 750: Advanced Writing for Media Professionals
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: CM703 or CM707 - Building on writing skills and formats presented in CM703 or CM707, students work individually and in-depth on challenging writing assignments: essay analyses/critiques (drawn from The Best American Essays series); a Q & A interview; and a website, which includes a wide variety of writing formats and critical thinking --this major individual project provides students with a substantial portfolio showcase. Several collaborative workshops complete the course requirements.
• COM CM 753: Portfolio Development 1
  Graduate Prerequisites: (COMCM708 & COMCM717) - Course is for graduate students who intend to work in the creative area of the advertising industry. Focus is on the principles needed to understand, conceptualize, and create an entry-level portfolio of work (print, video, digital, mobile, experiential). A workshop-like environment, mirroring an advertising agency, is augmented with lectures and case studies.
• COM CM 754: Portfolio Development 2
  Graduate Prerequisites: (COMCM708 & COMCM717 & COMCM753) - A continuation of Portfolio Development I, this course continues the iterative process required to construct a competitive advertising portfolio. Students work to refine concepts, revise and strengthen the impact of the art direction and copywriting, and determine how the work should ultimately be displayed.
• COM CM 809: Graduate Internship
  Graduate Prerequisites: one semesters of graduate study. - Students are placed in public relations, advertising, or communication departments of business, educational, philanthropic, or governmental institutions. Fifteen hours per week of supervised work. Students with a comprehensive report evaluating internship experience at end of semester. 2 or 4 cr.
• COM CM 824: Technical Writing for Communication Research
  Graduate Prerequisites: (COMCM722 & COMCM723 & COMCM724) - Teaches students to develop clear and concise research proposals and write detailed research reports incorporating appropriate methodological sequences, techniques, and strategies. Teaches students to interpret the results of quantitative analyses in a layperson's terms and relate their implications to a client, as well as to analyze the standards and pricing structure of competing agencies and available subcontractors in a given market. 1st sem.
• COM CM 831: International Communication
  Factors of international communication; cultural, economic, political, and social influences. Role of communication media in effecting social change in a wide variety of countries. 1st sem.
• COM CM 901: Directed Studies
  Graduate Prerequisites: Consent of advisor and instructor. Supervised reading, fieldwork, or r esearch for student's specific needs. - Supervised reading, fieldwork, or research for student's specific needs. 2 or 4 cr.
• COM CM 909: Thesis or Project Research
  Graduate Prerequisites: consent of instructor - Course credits slated for students writing a thesis.