Course Descriptions

Introduction to Audiences – MMC 5007

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the nature and evolution of contemporary audiences and how they can be contextualized from both firm and consumer perspectives. The students will examine the diversity of audiences and how they can best be served in today’s marketplace. In addition, students will learn about the ethical implications of serving modern consumers, including the challenges that accompany new technologies and data access.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Consumer and Audience Analytics – MMC 5449

This course offers a broad, non-technical overview of data sources, methods, and tools available to understand, evaluate, and target consumers and audiences. Students will be introduced to the best approaches for transforming consumer and audience data into actionable insights that cultivate business intelligence, enhance marketing & communications efforts, and drive desirable business outcomes. The course covers the full analytics development process including framing the business problem, gathering appropriate data sources, analyzing the data, packaging results, and delivering and integrating the insights.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Data Storytelling and Visualization – MMC 6456

This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of effective data-driven storytelling and communications. The students will learn how to detect and articulate the stories behind data sets and communicate data findings in visual, oral, and written contexts for various audiences and publics. The students will gain an understanding of Tableau, a data visualization tool.

Credits: 4. Prerequisites: none

Social Media Metrics and Evaluation – MMC 6727

In this course, the students will collect and analyze authentic social media campaign data and describe the proper measurement mechanisms to utilize. The students will learn how to identify the data points that help clarify campaign effectiveness, master the proper approach for analyzing data, and determine how the outcomes from data analysis should modify an overall strategy.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Principles of Journalism – MMC 6936

The course covers the history, ethics, legal issues, economics and modern challenges of journalism today. Students will gain knowledge and engage in discussions about the role of journalism in a democracy, the threats to modern journalism, the function of a free press and the elements/characteristics of strong and compelling journalism. This course will provide a contextual overview for the journalistic work that students will produce.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Reporting and Writing for Digital, Audio and Video – MMC 6936

This course combines traditional reporting skills with the multimedia skills required of journalists today, including writing, audio, video, photo, data visualizations and more. Students will learn to pitch ideas, produce content and market ideas to various media platforms. The emphasis will be on community-based reporting with a strong focus on producing content/stories for specific audiences.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Multimedia Editing – MMC 6936

This course covers the many levels of the editing/coaching process that happens when producing journalistic work—ranging from high-level critical thinking to editing with precision. The editing techniques covered will focus on writing, audio, video and photos, so that the editing tools can be applied to multiple forms of journalism—from short-form social media to longer-form narratives and a variety of genres in between. Emphasis will be on tools that are used to help journalists produce compelling content relevant to specific audiences.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Social Media for Journalists – MMC 6936

This course covers the relationship between journalists and audiences, which has changes from a one-way broadcast model to a two-way method of communication. As journalists need to have a respect for an understanding of the people journalism is designed to cover, this course will look at how a collaborative culture is changing journalism and how journalists operate in this world. Course will cover social-media strategy and tools, audience engagement, reporting through social media and more.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Data Storytelling and Visualization – MMC 6456

This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of effective data-driven storytelling and communications. The students will learn how to detect and articulate the stories behind data sets and communicate data findings in visual, oral, and written contexts for various audiences and publics. The students will gain an understanding of Tableau, a data visualization tool.

Credits: 4. Prerequisites: none

Research Methods in Mass Communication – MMC 6421

The students in this course will learn the methods and strategies to use when evaluating online communication tools. Through effective working knowledge and real-world applications, the students will analyze and apply various types of research methods and tools.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Mass Communication Theory – MMC 6400

This course introduces students to the study of mass media theories, specifically focusing on theories that can be utilized as the foundation for effective communication strategies using traditional and new media. Students will assess how to bridge these theories to practice in mass communication industries. Students will also gain an understanding of the theoretical perspectives that direct mass media research and apply them to their own final project, which will require them to develop strategies to solve problems or capitalize on opportunities within the communication industries.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Capstone: Digital Journalism and Multimedia Storytelling – MMC 6936

Students will develop a capstone project using a variety of multimedia tools, including writing, audio, video, social media and more. Students will complete a work of journalism from the pitch/idea stage to the final edits with a goal of having work published in a professional venue. Emphasis will be on in-depth, immersive reporting and advanced storytelling skills.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Copywriting for Digital Messaging – MMC 5155

The students in this course will learn the methods of how to stand out, make an audience connect with a company, and to turn a website into a brand story. The students will study the value of design and copy partnership as well as create ads, emails, blog posts, and other marketing content. Students will understand what it means to write for a brand and as a brand. By the end of this course, the students will develop a brand guide and messaging documents for a brand.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

User Experience (UX) Theory and Research – MMC 5279

In this course, students will be introduced to the theories behind Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and apply them directly to User Experience Design (UXD). The students will learn the UXD process through a hands-on approach to bi-weekly projects that build off one another and accumulate to the final project, a presentation of the student’s UXD recommendation for a website, or other digital media. The final presentation is a branded user experience complete with user flows, personas, information architecture, wireframes, and insights from usability testing to optimize their experience. This course will teach students to effectively communicate and evaluate user experiences.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Lead Generation and Management – MMC 5737

In this course, students will learn, identify, and acquire skills on best practices of digital marketing and lead generation strategy. Focusing on principles of customer relationship management methodologies and technologies, students will learn how to apply strategic initiatives on customer acquisition, retention, and loyalty in digital business to create a comprehensive lead generation strategic plan.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Social Media Advertising for Conversions – MMC 5739

This course focuses on how the students can execute techniques that generate upper and lower funnel conversions on the most popular social media platforms. Students will work on the most advanced targeting platforms to develop a road map in overcoming challenges and measuring success through cost-per-click, click-through-rate, and customer acquisition. By the end of this course, the students will be able to develop a paid social media campaign and strategy that includes branding, copywriting, and a budget.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Inbound Marketing Strategy – ADV 5815

This course is designed to give learners the needed knowledge and skills to develop productive and realistic strategies for inbound marketing. The content of this course will provide essential business, marketing and social media information, and activities to assist the learner in understanding the changes, methods, techniques, and strategies used in the processes of conceptualizing, creating, implementing, and measuring inbound strategies and initiatives.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Search and Display Advertising – ADV 5825

This course focuses on educating and instilling core values around methodologies and strategies to launch and maintain performance campaigns within Google’s AdWords platform including search, display, and video strategies. The students will learn the importance, techniques, and strategies of AdWords by analyzing the various products within the interface and what key performance indicators can fulfill the marketing goals of an organization.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Mass Communication Theory – MMC 6400

This course introduces students to the study of mass media theories, specifically focusing on theories that can be utilized as the foundation for effective communication strategies using traditional and new media. Students will assess how to bridge these theories to practice in mass communication industries. Students will also gain an understanding of the theoretical perspectives that direct mass media research and apply them to their own final project, which will require them to develop strategies to solve problems or capitalize on opportunities within the communication industries.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Mass Communication Capstone: Digital Strategy – MMC 6950

The graduate capstone course is the final course in the UF CJC Online Master’s program in which the students will demonstrate the application of the knowledge and skills gained throughout their learning in the program. The students will work individually to integrate, synthesize, and apply their knowledge to solve a real-world challenge in their specialization. This course was designed for the student to complete a professional deliverable intended to display enhanced problem solving, analytical and critical thinking, and masterful communication skills by applying theory to practice and linking theory to the professional world. This professional deliverable will serve as evidence of the various skills and abilities the student has gained during the program and can bring to a potential employer.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: Students must have all core courses completed with a grade of B or above and be in their final semester.

Foundations of Intercultural Communication – MMC 5708

This course focuses on the dynamic and rapidly changing field of intercultural communications by providing the students with the foundational knowledge needed for strategic communications. Students will work on a semester-long project concentrating on current topics using various intercultural communications methods related to a specified global problem. This project will bring theory into practice to help the students with problem-solving skills.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Global Activism and Social Change Communication – MMC 6638

In this course, the students will examine activism and social change from a local and global perspective to enhance perspective of social change as it manifests through popular media and community action. The students will incorporate social and other media to critically analyze public debates around national and global political issues to identify community organizing and the breadth of human rights activism. This course will also introduce and analyze activist rhetoric, strategies for social justice, and methods for inter-movement organizing. Students will leave this course with the tools necessary to engage in strategic communication from a global activist framework.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

International Issues and Crisis Communication – PUR 6409

This course analyzes the tools and applications in proactive strategic communications development for crisis communications and international issues. The students will learn the fundamentals for reducing risk and advancing creative and meaningful solutions to communications challenges and crises. The students will apply theory to practice by designing communications that help protect and defend individuals, companies, and organizations facing challenges to their reputation.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Mass Communication Theory – MMC 6400

This course introduces students to the study of mass media theories, specifically focusing on theories that can be utilized as the foundation for effective communication strategies using traditional and new media. Students will assess how to bridge these theories to practice in mass communication industries. Students will also gain an understanding of the theoretical perspectives that direct mass media research and apply them to their own final project, which will require them to develop strategies to solve problems or capitalize on opportunities within the communication industries.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Public Affairs Communication – MMC 5648

The course is designed to familiarize students with key strategies and tools used in public affairs campaigns to influence public policy and public opinion. The students will explore current thinking about how public affairs works at the intersection of communication strategies, policy processes, and behavior change. The students will focus on concepts and challenges surrounding social responsibility, citizen engagement, and the role of digital technologies in triggering advocacy and action. This course gives the students an opportunity to learn and apply global communication strategy and skills.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Research Methods in Mass Communication – MMC 6421

The students in this course will learn the methods and strategies to use when evaluating online communication tools. Through effective working knowledge and real-world applications, the students will analyze and apply various types of research methods and tools.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Strategic Communication: Ethics and Concepts – MMC 6213

This course introduces students to the field of Strategic Communication. Students will explore strategic communication theory, the PESO model of communication strategies, ethical communication considerations, and how desired organizational outcomes and communication strategies are necessarily interrelated. Students will demonstrate critical global perspectives while addressing communications issues for international audiences. They also will practice sensitivity for diverse cultures and ensure their messaging is localized and parallel to the cultural context.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Mass Communication Capstone: Global Strategic Communication – MMC 6950

The capstone course was designed for the student to complete a global strategic communication plan demonstrating the synthesis and application of the learning from the College of Journalism and Communications program. Under the guidance of an instructor, the student will work to develop a strategy that requires an existing global strategic communication project to solve an important problem, create a strategic plan, complete the plan that helps the organization achieve its objectives, and present the plan. The final plan will bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: Students must have all core courses completed with a grade of B or above and be in their final semester.

Introduction to Public Interest Communication – MMC 5495

In this course, the students will learn the history of public interest communications, its role in driving change, the strategic planning process, and the six spheres in which effective social change communications campaigns work. The students will be introduced to the roles of branding, storytelling, and empathy. In addition, the students will learn to use media, policy, social marketing, activism, and communities of influence to drive change.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Strategic Public Interest Communication – MMC 6414

In this course, students will learn a strategic approach to the practice of public interest communications. Public interest communications is the development and implementation of science-based, strategic communications with the goal of significant and sustained positive behavior change or action on an issue that transcends the particular objectives of any single organization. Public interest communications is science-driven, where practitioners are able to read peer-reviewed academic research, collaborate with academia, and conduct original research to draw insights to drive strategy. Students will learn how to synthesize insights from academic research, original research and best practice into communication strategies that can drive particular change that creates meaningful impact toward an issue.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Measuring Change: Research Evaluation – MMC 6477

This course takes a broad look at the role of research and evaluation in strategic communication campaigns and provides a foundation and tactics for working productively with evaluators. Funders, policymakers, and the public often want to know if a campaign “worked” in the past or will work in the future. Evaluations provide an opportunity to answer questions with some certainty, rather than simply guessing or assuming based on anecdotal experience. The students in this course will learn about the evaluation phases (formative, monitoring, and summative) and the types of research designs that evaluators use to measure campaign impact. An evaluation is ultimately an important component to successful campaigns and establish a set of tools for conducting and leveraging research as part of strategic communication practice.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Public Interest Communication Theory – MMC 6496

In this course, the students will learn public interest communications theories and their strategic applications to practice. In addition, the students will be introduced to professional resources in public interest communications related to theory and strategic application. By the end of this course, the students will understand the major areas of public interest communications theory and how those areas have been developed through empirical research.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

The Art and Science of Storytelling – MMC 6709

In this course, the students will learn the techniques and structure of effective storytelling and navigate the growing pool of research that shows how stories and narrative structure affect our brains. The students will review and experiment with new approaches to storytelling to build stories that can drive belief and behavior change.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Foundations of Design for Communicators – VIC 5006

In this course, students will be introduced to the principles of visual communication design and examine those principles through the lens of Public Interest Communications. Students will experiment with type, image, color, and shape to design visual messages and apply the design method to solve a communication problem. Students will apply the design method through a hands-on approach to weekly projects that build on one another and accumulate to the final project.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Mass Communication Capstone: Public Interest Communication – MMC 6950

In this capstone course, the student will examine public interest communications theory and their strategic applications to practice demonstrating the synthesis and application of the learnings from the College of Journalism and Communications program. Under the guidance of an instructor, the student will investigate a real-world communication issue, formulate solutions, develop strategies, and produce a project that bridges the gap between theory and practice.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: Students must have all core courses completed with a grade of B or above and be in their final semester.

Public Relations Theory – PUR 6005

The purpose of the course is to provide students with an understanding of the theoretical body of knowledge in public relations and its application to professional practice. The overall goal of the course is for students to develop an intellectual foundation in theories of public relations. This graduate-level class is designed to provide an opportunity to explore concepts and frameworks in public relations, how they are applied academically and professionally, and best employed in research and practice. We will explore the process of planning and executing public information and public relations programs to address an organization’s various publics.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Public Relations Measurement and Evaluation – PUR 6509

This course will teach you how to tell stories with data and identify insights that drive outcomes and impact organizations. Measuring and evaluating communications and engagement activities impact and highlight the objectives of an organization. Measurement and evaluation are how smart organizations learn, improve, and succeed and is instrumental to any organization.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Public Relations Strategy and Messaging – PUR 6603

This course focuses on the strategy and messaging tactics used to reach an audience directly. The students will learn how environmental variables such as political systems, level of economic development, legal systems, culture, and media control, access, and diffusion impacts planning. The students will create a strategic communications plan for a campaign to reach diverse audiences using research, planning, evaluation, messaging, public interest, and persuasion.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Strategic Writing for Public Relations – PUR 5107

The students in this course will learn the fundamentals of strategic writing communications including measurable objectives, storytelling, and audience/channel analysis to design a comprehensive communication plan to achieve internal and external organizational goals. The students will be able to analyze and evaluate new information that may impact a communication plan.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Public Relations Foundations – PUR 6006

This course is the foundational course in the public relations master’s degree curriculum. The overall goal of this course is to help students develop the knowledge and skills that lead to professional competence in the field. Students will focus on the origins and significant milestones of the profession, theories and principles of public relations, professional ethics, public relations programming, and on the roles and responsibilities of public relations professionals in today’s environment, with an emphasis on the role of social media and the importance of storytelling and content development.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Public Relations Management – PUR 6607

As a professional in the public communication field you will likely hold a management position. You will manage projects, people, clients, agencies, issues and information. You will advise senior management and may even be an integral part of that senior leadership structure. Being prepared to take on these management functions is crucial to your ability to be an effective communication professional, whether you work for a small firm or a large one, for a business or a non-profit.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Mass Communication Capstone: Public Relations – MMC 6950

The graduate capstone course is the final course in UF CJC Online Master’s program in which the students will demonstrate the application of the knowledge and skills gained throughout their learning in the program. The students will work individually to integrate, synthesize, and apply their knowledge to solve a real-world challenge in their specialization. This course was designed for the student to complete a professional deliverable intended to display enhanced problem solving, analytical and critical thinking, and masterful communication skills by applying theory to practice and linking theory to the professional world. This professional deliverable will serve as evidence of the various skills and abilities the student has gained during the program and can bring to a potential employer.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: Students must have all core courses completed with a grade of B or above and be in their final semester.

Introduction to Multimedia Communication – MMC 5006

As the media landscape continues to shift, it is imperative that those working with media messages thoroughly understand the digital world in terms of creating digital content that resonates with audiences through different media. Intro to Multimedia takes the traditional craft and attributes of telling stories and merges them with new techniques to create diverse digital media.

This course is designed to provide students a new skillset in digital storytelling ideas, production, and analysis. Students will produce creative online stories that reverberate with the widest audience possible. Creating impactful stories will require a new understanding and thought process of how digital stories differ from those in traditional media. To do this, we will look at the changing roles of storytellers in news and marketing while discussing and analyzing media consumption habits that encourage a seamless transition from active audience member to creator.

Intro to Multimedia will include aspects of advertising, journalism, and public relations to better understand online trends. It will further help students learn how to tailor their messages to reach audiences in new ways that will stick in the minds of the targeted audience. This course focuses on three core concepts simultaneously: creativity, production, and distribution. Through these concepts, base knowledge of the technological media landscape will be enhanced, culminating in the ability to see an idea, nurture it in an original way, and create unique, effective content in the desired online medium.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Introduction to Social Media – MMC 5636

This course focuses on social media best practices for content, frequency, visuals, and the mechanics behind each practice. Students will learn how social media influences public relations, marketing, customer services, and other aspects of business communications. The course explores the differences between the major social media channels, their evolution, and the current and future status of social media for business.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Social Media and Emerging Technology – MMC 6726

In this course, the students will research, identify, and analyze new social media platforms and emerging technologies related to social media. The examination of the platforms and technologies will include artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, gamification, eSports, and more. Recognizing how innovations are adopted, the students will create a process for the critical evaluation of new technologies as well as the implications of the social and ethical impact of the technologies. Finally, the students will complete a comprehensive research report on a new technology of their choice and investigate how that technology will impact, or be impacted by, social media.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: MMC 5636 Introduction to Social Media.

Branding Using Social and Mobile Media – MMC 6728

In this course, students will develop a strategic social media plan focusing on branding and analyze the impact of social media on branding efforts. Using the fundamental principles learned in this course as a foundation, the students will map the landscape of social media, create brand strategies for social media marketing, audit the competitive scope of social media activities for a brand, assess the effectiveness of social media engagement strategies, and use the most influential tools in social media engagement and branding. Using current case studies and step-by-step processes, students will learn to maximize online efforts while maintaining brand continuity and consistency.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Mass Communication Theory – MMC 6400

This course introduces students to the study of mass media theories, specifically focusing on theories that can be utilized as the foundation for effective communication strategies using traditional and new media. Students will assess how to bridge these theories to practice in mass communication industries. Students will also gain an understanding of the theoretical perspectives that direct mass media research and apply them to their own final project, which will require them to develop strategies to solve problems or capitalize on opportunities within the communication industries.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Research Methods in Mass Communication – MMC 6421

The students in this course will learn the methods and strategies to use when evaluating online communication tools. Through effective working knowledge and real-world applications, the students will analyze and apply various types of research methods and tools.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Social Media Community Management – COM 6565

This course was designed to provide students develop the necessary skills to build and grow communities, lead and moderate constructive and meaningful conversations for organizations, and succeed on social media platforms. The students will learn how to seize opportunities to open public discussions and apply best practices to create highly interactive social media aimed at specific communities of people.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Social Media Management – MMC 6730

In this course, students will learn to establish social media key performance indicators based on an organization’s goals. Students will apply strategic collaboration, tactical execution, and measurement of social media efforts to reinforce online marketing goals. Students will create social media strategies and tactics, content planning and creation, paid social management and measurement tools, and crisis management for an organization.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Mass Communication Capstone: Social Media – MMC 6950

The graduate capstone course is the final course in UF CJC Online Master’s program in which the students will demonstrate the application of the knowledge and skills gained throughout their learning in the program. The students will work individually to integrate, synthesize, and apply their knowledge to solve a real-world challenge in their specialization. This course was designed for the student to complete a professional deliverable intended to display enhanced problem solving, analytical and critical thinking, and masterful communication skills by applying theory to practice and linking theory to the professional world. This professional deliverable will serve as evidence of the various skills and abilities the student has gained during the program and can bring to a potential employer.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: Students must have all core courses completed with a grade of B or above and be in their final semester.

Advanced Web Topics 1: Advanced Design – COM 6338

Advanced Web Topics 1 is the second course in a series of core courses designed to help you learn web development from a fundamental level to an advanced level. Where MMC5277: Web Design Principles focused on a website’s presentation content in the form of HTML and CSS, this course focuses on website functionality. Since the mid-2000s, users have come to expect much more from websites than static content. Modern websites must deliver experiences that rival that of desktop and mobile applications to satisfy their users. JavaScript is the programming language of the web and the primary tool with which developers can add interactivity to websites. In this course, you learn how to use JavaScript to build user interface (UI) elements, as well as how to retrieve and process data from both users and external sources.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: MMC 5277 Web Design Principles

Advanced Web Topics 2: Programming and Specialized Topics – MMC 6278

MMC6278: Advanced Web Topics 2 builds upon the skills learned in COM6338 Advanced Web Topics I and teaches students about server-side applications through the Node.js JavaScript runtime. Students will learn to build server applications using Node that both serve and communicate with front-end applications and websites. This course will explore database technology, user authentication, serving static files, Model View Controller (MVC) architecture, and server application deployment. By the end of the course, students will be able to build monolithic server-side web applications that dynamically render front-end web views and manage user data.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: MMC 5277 Web Design Principles, COM 6338 Advanced Web Topics 1

Advanced Web Topics 3: Web Interactivity and Engagement – MMC 6145

This course teaches students the core concepts of Single-Page Applications (SPA) and client-side rendering in modern front-end web development. Students will learn how to create and deploy SPAs while managing the complexities of server-side rendering, state management, and external data requests. Students will gain an understanding of the various options available when constructing full-stack applications as well as the serverless architecture used to deploy and host them. This course will leverage all the lessons taught in previous web development courses to teach students modern full-stack JavaScript development.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: MMC 5277 Web Design Principles, COM 6338 Advanced Web Topics 1, COM 6278: Advanced Web Topics 2

Corporate and Brand Identity on the Web – VIC 5315

This course synthesizes two different, but complementary, tools of communication: graphic design and assembly (both print and electronic). The students will learn the fundamental design principles and techniques for effective visual communication. These principles and techniques are applied through projects to achieve a communication objective across different platforms. Students can expect a practical, hands-on experience. A key tool for creating your digital work in this course is Adobe Illustrator. Illustrator is an effective tool for creating original artwork and for designing logos, banners, icons, and navigational elements for online and print formats. The artwork can then easily be exported to the Web or imported into other programs.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Digital Imagery in Web Design – VIC 5325

This course familiarizes the students with the development and impact of imagery in interactive media. Students will learn how visual “language” is the basis for developing contextual symbolic meanings that are shared throughout a culture. Semiotics, information design, and persuasive communication will be explored in this course. The students will develop communicative images using their knowledge gained through lectures, discussions, and Adobe Photoshop training.

Credits: 4. Prerequisites: none

Digital Media Layout and Design – VIC 5326

This course introduces the students to the skills and concepts that enable them to create documents for both print and interactivity. Using Adobe InDesign, the students will apply their knowledge of color, type, layout, and design to create a portfolio project. While InDesign permits several possible workflows, this course will focus on those that most readily translate into digital design.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Mass Communication Theory – MMC 6400

This course introduces students to the study of mass media theories, specifically focusing on theories that can be utilized as the foundation for effective communication strategies using traditional and new media. Students will assess how to bridge these theories to practice in mass communication industries. Students will also gain an understanding of the theoretical perspectives that direct mass media research and apply them to their own final project, which will require them to develop strategies to solve problems or capitalize on opportunities within the communication industries.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

User Experience (UX) Theory and Research – MMC 5279

In this course, students will be introduced to the theories behind Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and apply them directly to User Experience Design (UXD). The students will learn the UXD process through a hands-on approach to bi-weekly projects that build off one another and accumulate to the final project, a presentation of the student’s UXD recommendation for a website, or other digital media. The final presentation is a branded user experience complete with user flows, personas, information architecture, wireframes, and insights from usability testing to optimize their experience. This course will teach students to effectively communicate and evaluate user experiences.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Web Design Principles – MMC 5277

In this course, the students will learn how the web operates as well as the associated terminologies such as frontend vs. backend languages, hosting and domains, web developer tools, and more. The students will learn HTML5, CSS, and basic JavaScript concepts that will allow them to create and host their own websites. In addition, the students will be introduced to version control concepts.

Credits: 4. Prerequisites: none

Mass Communication Capstone: Web Design and Online Communication – MMC 6950

This course introduces the student to website creation, website deployment, and hosting. Through a historical understanding of the progression of web technologies, the students will gain the foundation to clearly understand the principles of web design. In this course, the students will learn to utilize the latest programming tools like Visual Studio Code (VS Code), GIT, and essential terminal commands. Additionally, the students will learn best practices for search engine optimization (SEO) and international standards for accessibility (World Wide Web Consortium [W3C]) as they apply to HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and JavaScript.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: Students must have all core courses completed with a grade of B or above and be in their final semester.

Personal Branding and Digital Reputation Management – MMC 6035

This course introduces the students to guidelines and proven best practices that ensure individuals can produce and protect their online reputation (this course differs from other courses that focus on brand or organization reputation). The students will concentrate on the practical applications of guidelines to build their personal online reputation throughout the semester. This course will solely focus on producing and protecting an individual’s digital reputation. Case studies and current events will provide for rich discussion and reflection.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Presentation Power – MMC 5046

Presentation Power is a course designed to help students become more confident public speakers. Students will learn about the power of persuasion, apply storytelling techniques, incorporate data visualizations, and utilize various media to deliver their presentations. Each module is designed to help students more effectively share their ideas in both formal and informal settings. By the end of the course, students will feel prepared to present to groups of all sizes both online and in person.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Messaging Strategy and the Centrality of the Value Proposition – MMC 5435

The course examines the historical evolution and function of a value proposition crafted for an organization, product, or service. The student will learn the framework, need, benefit, and strategy behind a value proposition. Through active learning projects, students will move through the process of identifying the proper components to support the value proposition framework. In addition, the student will develop a sound and honest value proposition and evaluate it.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Non-Profit and Government Communication – MMC 6639

In this course, students will learn how to determine client needs, advise executives, create innovative tactics, coordinate partnerships, and team engagement for non-profit organizations and government agencies. The course specializes in building awareness for organizations committed to integral domestic or worldwide support in humanitarian assistance, environmental/wildlife advocacy, government services, social justice, disaster relief, health/human services, ethical economic practices, and education progression. The students will learn how to navigate through the nonprofit and government landscapes for successful strategic communication plan development, as well as manage clients.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Professional Internship – MMC 6949

This course was designed for the student to complete an internship to gain first-hand knowledge of trends in the field, gain the skills necessary for employment, and understand the importance of networking. Under the supervision of an experienced practitioner, the student will complete a project related to their career goals.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: Departmental approval is required.

Seminar in Mass Communication Teaching – MMC 6930

In this course, students will examine teaching strategies for mass communication courses in higher education. Students will learn to identify the purpose of higher education, understand faculty roles, and create a professional teaching portfolio. In addition, students will focus on the elements of quality course designs and examine their roles as professional educators.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

The Art of Podcasting – MMC 6936

In this course, the students will learn to build a podcast for a brand, advertising, or a strategic communication challenge. The students will learn to find subjects, create strong themes, generate ideas, develop and conduct interviews, and utilize their skills and style as a host. This course reinforces the importance of authentic communication.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

The Science of Going Viral – MMC 6936

Why do some things become popular online and others don’t? What are the key elements behind viral marketing of products, services, brands, and people? In this course, students will explore the captivating world of viral content creation and learn the secrets guiding one of the internet’s most influential creators. The course will delve into the principles, strategies, and techniques employed by influential creators, enabling students to unlock the potential to create their own viral sensations. Through a combination of theoretical analysis, practical case studies, and hands-on projects, students will gain valuable insights into the multifaceted aspects of virality. By the end of the course, students will have the necessary knowledge and skills to create and optimize content that can get any product, idea, or behavior to potentially go viral – there will even be some surprises in this course along the way.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none

Corporate Reputation and Communication – PUR 6616

This course examines the fundamental roles that communication plays in corporate reputation. The students will learn how the corporate reputation affects conceptualization, topics, attributes, monitoring, measurement, evaluation, management, effects, and valuation. This course prepares all students; especially, those involved in corporate reputation consulting, strategic planning, market research, competitive intelligence, and general management. Through interactive projects and assignments, the students explore the various roles communication plays in reputation building, maintenance, change, repair, defense, and evaluation.

Credits: 3. Prerequisites: none