Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication

The Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication is a comprehensive undergraduate program that focuses on the internal dynamics and human interactions within various organizational settings. Students in this program complete courses designed to develop interpersonal communication skills, problem-solving and critical thinking, informative and persuasive message construction for both public speaking and small group interactions, and essential communication competencies for effective leadership in organizations.

Program Overview

The program provides a comprehensive curriculum covering various aspects of communication within organizations. Students explore topics like interpersonal communication, organizational behavior, public relations, and conflict resolution. The Organizational Communication curriculum includes 48 hours specific to this major. Students are also expected to complete at least 120 required credits, including the general education requirements, and at least 39 senior division hours.

Curriculum

The Organizational Communication curriculum includes the following required courses:

• SC001 Exit Interview (0)
• SC105 Fund of Oral Comm (3)
• SC155 Fund of Interpersonal Comm (3)
• SC200 Introduction to Communication Research (3)
• SC230 Communicating Professionally (3)
• SC302 Managerial Communication Processes (3)
• SC350 Organizational Communication (3)
• SC359 Ethics of Dialogue and Deliberation (3)
• SC415 Communication and Group Leadership (3)
• SC425 Persuasion (3)
• SC483 Internship in Speech Comm (3)
• SC491 Senior Research Project in Organizational Communication (3) Students also choose from a range of elective courses, including:
  • SC215 Intercultural Communication (3)
  • SC316 Gender Communication (3)
  • SC355 Relational Comm Strategies (3)
  • SC335 Interviewing (3)
  • SC363 Communication Theory and Research (3)
  • SC406 Negotiation and Conflict Management (3)
  • SC482 Special Topics (3)
  • MG301 Principles of Management (3)
  • MG356 Foundations of Human Resource Management (3)
  • PS431 Non-Profit Management (3)
  • PS436 Grants and Fundraising (3)

General Education Requirements

The program requires students to complete general education courses in the following areas:

• Social and Behavioral Sciences 6 hours
• Constitution Requirement 3 hours
• Written Communication 6 hours
• Oral Communication 3 hours
• Natural Sciences 7 hours (from two disciplines, one to include a lab)
• Mathematics 3 hours
• Humanities and Fine Arts 9 hours (from at least two disciplines)
• Additional requirements 5 hours (to include UI100 for native students)
• Civics examination

Four-Year Sample Plan

The program provides a sample plan for students to complete the degree in four years. The plan includes the following courses:

• First Year: UI100, EN100, General Education courses
• Second Year: SC105, SC155, SC200, SC230, Electives
• Third Year: SC350, SC359, Org Comm Electives, Electives
• Fourth Year: SC415, SC425, Org Comm Electives, Electives

Degree Requirements

The program requires students to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours, including the general education requirements and at least 39 senior division hours. Students must also maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA in the major and overall to graduate with a BS degree.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Organizational Communication program have secured jobs in various fields, including:

• Customs Broker
• Compliance Coordinator
• Contract Administrator and Marketing Director
• Customer Relation Assistant
• Youth Development Professional
• Youth Specialist
• Associate Regional Director
• Insurance Producer
• Healthcare Recruiter
• Senior Benefits Consultant
• Regional Sales Professional
• Franchise Sales Executive

Internship Opportunities

The department seeks to facilitate experiential learning opportunities for students through internships with local organizations or companies. Some of the companies where students have completed internships include:

• Avoca Search
• Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce
• City of Maryland Heights, MO
• Old Town Cape
• Associated Wholesale Grocers
• Cape Catfish
• Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
• Swiftprint Communications
• Veteran's Affairs Medical Center

Graduate Programs

Recent graduates have gone on to pursue graduate degrees at institutions such as:

• Ball State University
• Clemson University
• Indiana University
• Lindenwood University
• Northwestern University
• Saint Louis University
• University of Arkansas
• University of Central Florida
• University of Illinois
• University of Missouri-St Louis

Degree Outcomes and Jobs

The program prepares students for careers in various fields, with median annual salaries ranging from $69,780 for Public Relations Specialists to $140,590 for Training and Development Managers.