Communication
- Certificate, Digital and Multimedia Communication
- Certificate, Health Communication
- Certificate, Strategic Public Relations
Chad Painter, Department Chairperson
Alan Abitbol, Director of Graduate Studies
Course work within the Department of Communication focuses upon symbolic processes in human communication in a variety of contexts including health communication, organizational communication, and mass communication. The program will provide a solid grounding in research, theory, message development, and analysis to prepare graduates for careers in education, business, mass media, and/or government.
Certificate in Digital and Multimedia Communication (DMC)
| Foundational Courses | ||
| One required: | 3 | |
| Development of Mass Media | ||
| Electives | ||
| Three of the following: | 9 | |
| Film Marketing and Distribution | ||
| Media & Audio Production | ||
| Video and Photo Production | ||
| Newsgathering and Multimedia Storytelling | ||
| Multimedia Production | ||
| Technology Trends Seminar | ||
| Web Design and Development | ||
Certificate in Health Communication (HCM)
Foundational Courses
| Two of the following: | 6 | |
| Health Campaigns | ||
| Seminar in Health Communications | ||
| Communication for Health Professionals | ||
Electives
| Two of the following: | 6 | |
| Theories of Persuasion | ||
| Organizational Communication | ||
| Interpersonal Health Communication | ||
| Communication Training & Development | ||
| Theories and Research in Public Relations | ||
| Sport Science Research & Design Processes | ||
Certificate in Strategic Public Relations (SPR)
This certificate program is designed to provide fundamental theories and knowledge that explore ways to effectively manage mutually beneficial relationships for any organization. The roles of values are introduced and discussed in every aspect of public relations practices as values are important factors in affecting the publics’ attitudes and behaviors. The elective courses give specific yet advanced skills and abilities that public relations practitioners can use to manage and address the stakeholders with well-crafted messages via suitable communication channels.
The certificate program consists of 12 semester hours of courses. This certificate is offered exclusively online.
Foundational Courses
| Two required: | 6 | |
| Theories and Research in Public Relations | ||
| Corporate Public Relations | ||
Electives
| Two of the following: | 6 | |
| Theories of Persuasion | ||
| Organizational Communication | ||
| Health Campaigns | ||
| Online & Digital Public Relations | ||
| Public Relations in International Contexts | ||
| MBA 634 | Consumer Behavior | 3 |
| 1 | The School of Business Administration's transition to the MBA@Dayton online may affect the availability of some on ground MBA courses. Additionally, MBA@Dayton courses are 10 weeks in length with four starts per academic year. Graduate Certificate students may enroll in online MBA courses through MBA@Dayton in accordance with Graduate School policy, but should be aware of timing and availability. |
Courses
COM 501. Communication Research & Methods. 3 Hours
Introduction to the study of communication research and methods. Required course for all communication graduate students.
COM 502. Rhetorical Criticism. 3 Hours
Critical survey and application of traditional to contemporary methods of rhetorical criticism.
COM 503. Communication Research Seminar. 3 Hours
Focused study on the methods and process of conducting communication-related research. Builds upon fundamentals covered in COM 501.
Prerequisite(s): COM 501.
COM 504. Principles of Communication Education. 3 Hours
No description available.
COM 505. AI for Communication Professionals. 3 Hours
This course examines the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and equips students with practical AI skills applicable across many communication professions. Students will gain hands-on experience with industry-relevant AI tools while developing critical perspectives on the technology's evolution, ethical implications, and legal considerations. Through applied projects tailored to their specialization, students will learn to leverage AI effectively and responsibly in professional communication practice.
COM 506. Ethics of Communication. 3 Hours
Investigation and application of the general ethical principles of persuasion and the special problems related to professional areas: platform and business communication, electronic and print journalism, public relations, classroom communication, and forensic behavior.
COM 508. Interpersonal Communication. 3 Hours
Focus on the theories, concepts, constructs, and research related to the process of interpersonal communication.
COM 511. Theories of Persuasion. 3 Hours
An examination of the major approaches to the study of persuasion from classical rhetorical to contemporary behavioral theorists.
COM 515. Language & Meaning. 3 Hours
Focuses on the origin and development of language and meaning. Comprehensive exploration of the many perspectives and theories of language and meaning.
COM 517. Organizational Communication. 3 Hours
A study of communication activities within organizations: theories and systems of organizational communication, internal communication systems, research methods, and the interface of management and communication.
COM 519. Interpersonal Health Communication. 3 Hours
This course examines multiple approaches to understanding the ways in which interpersonal and health communication intersect.
COM 520. Public Communication Campaigns. 3 Hours
Investigation of noncommercial public communication campaigns concentrating on social change or public information. Analysis and development of campaigns through mass media, organizational, group and interpersonal communication.
COM 522. Film Marketing and Distribution. 3 Hours
This class examines independent film marketing and distribution.
COM 524. Media & Audio Production. 3 Hours
Study of the theories, processes and technologies of audio and media production practices that can be applied in radio, television and multimedia production.
COM 525. Communication Training & Development. 3 Hours
No description available.
COM 526. Communication Consulting. 3 Hours
No description available.
COM 528. Video and Photo Production. 3 Hours
Explores the techniques of studio and remote photo and video production. Includes the theoretical, technical and creative aspects of planning, preparation, producing, directing, technical directing, graphics, editing and lighting for a variety of photo and video formats.
COM 530. Development of Mass Media. 3 Hours
History and analysis of the development and interdependence of mass media, print and electronic. Emphasis on its role and responsibility in political and economic progress of the U.S.
COM 531. Directed Study of Communication. 1-3 Hours
An intensive study of a specialized area of communication selected through consultation with the instructor. Permission. May be repeated for up to six semester hours.
COM 534. Newsgathering and Multimedia Storytelling. 3 Hours
Develops skills in research and reporting on public issues and news events, and in the construction of narrative in the journalistic and documentary traditions, using a variety of media platforms.
COM 536. Theories & Models of Communication. 3 Hours
Survey and analysis of current theories and models of communication. Required course for all communication graduate students.
COM 537. Conflict Management. 3 Hours
An analysis of the role of communication in the process of conflict, with special emphasis on communication strategies for managing conflict. Special focus on types of conflict, conflict contexts, power, and communication style.
COM 543. Health Campaigns. 3 Hours
A focus on how to design and implement campaigns to prevent and discourage unhealthy behaviors in message receivers.
Prerequisite(s): Graduate status.
COM 546. Online & Digital Public Relations. 3 Hours
This course provides a comprehensive examination of the strategic use of online, mobile and social media tools in public relations practice.
COM 547. Seminar in Health Communications. 3 Hours
An examination of communication theory and research related to health care. Issues include reassurance, the role of the patient, interviews, health organizations, the media and health, compliance, providing explanations, and health care professions frequently neglected.
COM 555. Public Relations. 3 Hours
Focuses on the theoretical principles behind the current-day practice of public relations. Special emphasis on public opinion, diffusion, persuasion, problem analysis, and audience assessment within the PR context.
COM 561. Corporate Public Relations. 3 Hours
This course provides a comprehensive foundation on corporate public relations – a management function that offers a framework for the effective coordination of all internal and external relations with employees and stakeholders for the overall purpose of establishing and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships.
COM 562. Topics in Communication. 3 Hours
Selected topics in communication, for example: argumentation, listening, law and the news media, historical and contemporary public address and criticism. Repeated when topic and instructor change.
COM 564. Public Relations in International Contexts. 3 Hours
Examination of effective public relations practices in international contexts. Analysis and evaluation of real cases to investigate effective strategies for different countries and organizational settings.
COM 571. Mass Communication Processes & Effects. 3 Hours
An examination of the historical and current research as it relates to our understanding of the processes and effects of mass communication.
COM 572. Communication for Health Professionals. 3 Hours
This course integrates communication theory, research and practice with the fundamental principles of health care delivery to facilitate the development of communication skills for future care providers and communication professionals.
COM 597. Communication Practicum. 3 Hours
This course provides a comprehensive review of theoretical, methodological, conceptual and pragmatic material addressed throughout the communication master of arts program.
Prerequisites: COM 501; COM 502 OR 503; COM 536.
COM 598. Thesis. 3 Hours
Thesis.
COM 599. Thesis. 3 Hours
Thesis.
COM 617. Organizational Rhetoric & Symbolism. 3 Hours
No description available.
COM 620. Election Campaign Communication. 3 Hours
Survey of communication research and theories concerning election campaign communication including candidates, voters and the media. Analysis of campaign communication including development of appropriate research methodologies.
COM 622. Propaganda Analysis. 3 Hours
An examination of the foundations of modern propaganda analysis. Topics include classical rhetorical contributions to argumentative analysis; historical development of propaganda; points of propaganda analysis. Special emphasis on modern mediated propaganda from World War I to the present.
COM 630. International Communication. 3 Hours
Discussion of current issues in international communication. Possible topics include international news flow, globalization of mass media, communication and development, comparative mass media, mass media in political revolutions, democracy and terrorism.