Marketing Communications, Applied Business (AAS)

The Marketing Communications, Applied Business (AAS) program prepares students to be effective, efficient, entry-level marketing professionals and microbusiness owners. Students develop skills in customer service, digital design tools, human behavior in organizations, and social media.

About This Major

This program prepares students to be an effective staff member in business, government, or non-profit organizations and/or microbusiness owner. Students learn how to work with others, how to help others, how to use social media to the business's advantage, and how to use entry-level digital tools.

Program Details

• Degree: Associate of Applied Science
• Major: Applied Business
• Emphasis: Marketing Communication
• Program Code: 1302

Student Learning Outcomes

All CMU/CMU Tech associate graduates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in specialized knowledge/applied learning, quantitative fluency, communication fluency, critical thinking, personal and social responsibility, and information literacy. In addition to these campus-wide student learning outcomes, graduates of this major will be able to:

• Identify essential marketing concepts used in entry-level marketing positions.
• Create marketing material using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, and other marketing materials programs.
• Evaluate the use and strategy of the implementation of social media.
• Define and identify the significance of trustworthiness, confidentiality, dependability, self-motivation, and attitude.

Institutional Degree Requirements

The following institutional degree requirements apply to all CMU and CMU Tech Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees:

• 60 semester hours minimum.
• Students must complete a minimum of 15 of the final 30 semester hours of credit at CMU/CMU Tech.
• 2.00 cumulative GPA or higher in all CMU/CMU Tech coursework.
• A course may only be used to fulfill one requirement for each degree/certificate.
• No more than six semester hours of independent study courses can be used toward the degree.
• Non-traditional credit, such as advanced placement, credit by examination, credit for prior learning, cooperative education, and internships, cannot exceed 20 semester credit hours for an AAS degree.
• Pre-collegiate courses (usually numbered below 100) cannot be used for graduation.

Specific to this Degree

• 62 semester hours total for the AAS in Applied Business, Marketing Communication emphasis.

Essential Learning Requirements

(18 semester hours)

• Communication:
  • ENGL 111: English Composition I-GTCO1 (3 semester hours)
  • ENGL 112: English Composition II-GTCO2 (3 semester hours)
  • SPCH 101: Interpersonal Communication (3 semester hours)
• Mathematics:
  • MATH 107: Career Math (or higher) (3 semester hours)
• Other Essential Learning Core Courses:
  • Select one Social and Behavioral Sciences, Natural Sciences, Fine Arts, or Humanities course (3 semester hours)
  • Select one Social and Behavioral Sciences, Natural Sciences, Fine Arts, or Humanities course (3 semester hours)

Other Lower Division Requirements

• Wellness Requirement:
  • KINE 100: Health and Wellness (1 semester hour)
  • KINA 1XX: Activity Course (1 semester hour)

Foundation Courses

(21 semester hours)

• ABUS 102: Business Basics (3 semester hours)
• ABUS 128: Workplace Behavior (3 semester hours)
• ABUS 156: Problem Solving in the Business Environment (3 semester hours)
• ABUS 210: MicroBusiness Money Management (3 semester hours)
• ABUS 257: Managing Office Technology I (3 semester hours)
• BUGB 211: Business Communications (3 semester hours)
• MANG 201: Principles of Management (3 semester hours)

Program Specific Degree Requirements

(21 semester hours, must earn a grade of "C" or higher in all courses)

• Core Courses:
  • ABUS 105: Internet Marketing Strategies (3 semester hours)
  • ABUS 114: Digital Layout (3 semester hours)
  • ABUS 120: Digital Design Tools (3 semester hours)
  • ABUS 155: Social Media for Business (3 semester hours)
  • ABUS 160: Introduction to Customer Service (3 semester hours)
  • ABUS 299: Internship (3 semester hours)
  • MARK 231: Principles of Marketing (3 semester hours)

Plan of Study Grid

First Year:

• Fall Semester:
  • ABUS 102: Business Basics (3 semester hours)
  • ABUS 120: Digital Design Tools (3 semester hours)
  • ABUS 257: Managing Office Technology I (3 semester hours)
  • KINE 100: Health and Wellness (1 semester hour)
  • ENGL 111: English Composition I-GTCO1 (3 semester hours)
  • MATH 107: Career Math (3 semester hours)
• Spring Semester:
  • ABUS 105: Internet Marketing Strategies (3 semester hours)
  • ABUS 114: Digital Layout (3 semester hours)
  • ABUS 128: Workplace Behavior (3 semester hours)
  • ABUS 160: Introduction to Customer Service (3 semester hours)
  • ENGL 112: English Composition II-GTCO2 (3 semester hours) Second Year:
• Fall Semester:
  • ABUS 156: Problem Solving in the Business Environment (3 semester hours)
  • BUGB 211: Business Communications (3 semester hours)
  • MANG 201: Principles of Management (3 semester hours)
  • SPCH 101: Interpersonal Communication (3 semester hours)
  • Essential Learning - Social and Behavioral Sciences, Natural Sciences, Fine Arts, or Humanities course (3 semester hours)
  • KINA 1XX: Activity Course (1 semester hour)
• Spring Semester:
  • ABUS 155: Social Media for Business (3 semester hours)
  • ABUS 210: MicroBusiness Money Management (3 semester hours)
  • ABUS 299: Internship (3 semester hours)
  • MARK 231: Principles of Marketing (3 semester hours)
  • Essential Learning - Social and Behavioral Sciences, Natural Sciences, Fine Arts, or Humanities course (3 semester hours)

Advising Process and DegreeWorks

Documentation on the pages related to this program is intended for informational purposes to help determine what courses and associated requirements are needed to earn a degree. The suggested course sequencing outlines how students could finish degree requirements. Some courses are critical to complete in specific semesters, while others may be moved around. Meeting with an academic advisor is essential in planning courses and altering the suggested course sequencing.

Graduation Process

Students must complete the following in the first two months of the semester prior to completing their degree requirements:

• Review their DegreeWorks audit and create a plan that outlines how unmet requirements will be met in the final semester.
• Meet with their advisor and modify their plan as needed. The advisor must approve the final plan.
• Submit the "Intent to Graduate" form to the Registrar's Office to officially declare the intended graduation date and commencement ceremony plans.
• Register for all needed courses and complete all requirements for each degree sought.

Colorado Mesa University

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Overview:

Colorado Mesa University (CMU) is a public university located in Grand Junction, Colorado. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as online courses and programs. CMU is known for its affordable tuition, small class sizes, and strong emphasis on hands-on learning.

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Services Offered:

CMU provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Admissions & Costs:

Admissions counseling, application process, financial aid, scholarships, tuition and fee information, and resources for admitted students.

Academics:

Program search, course catalog, degree requirements, graduate studies, online courses, non-credit courses, semester calendars, and academic advising.

Study and Performance Resources:

Library access, study room reservations, textbook purchasing, tutoring services, and transcript requests.

Getting Help:

IRIS (student assistance), accessibility services, career services, IT help desk, university center information, student services, student wellness center, tutoring, faculty contact information, campus office contacts, directory search, and campus maps.

Campus Life:

Dining services, housing and residence life, student life activities, campus safety, parking services, MAVcard campus ID, and resources for current students.

Events:

Calendar of events, performing arts, commencement ceremony, welcome week, homecoming, parents' weekend, student showcase, and event space reservations.

Campus Activities:

Outdoor program, recreation center, NCAA athletics, clubs and organizations, club sports, and intramural sports.

Working Here:

Faculty and staff employment opportunities, student employment, human resources, and payroll.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

CMU offers a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:

Outdoor Adventures:

The Outdoor Program provides opportunities for outdoor trips and equipment rentals.

Social Engagement:

Student life offers numerous on-campus activities, clubs, and yearly concerts.

Downtown Exploration:

Grand Junction's historic downtown provides dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable Education:

CMU offers a quality education at a competitive price, with one of the lowest tuition rates in Colorado.

Small Class Sizes:

Students benefit from personalized attention and close relationships with professors.

Hands-on Learning:

CMU emphasizes practical experience and prepares students for successful careers.

Vibrant Campus Life:

Students can enjoy a diverse range of activities, clubs, and events.

Beautiful Location:

Grand Junction offers a sunny climate and access to outdoor recreation.

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Academic Programs:

CMU offers over 120 academic programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

Art, Communication, English, History, Music, Theatre, and more.

Business and Technology:

Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, Hospitality Management, and more.

Education:

Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, and more.

Health Sciences:

Nursing, Health Sciences, and more.

Social Sciences:

Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, and more.

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Other:

CMU has additional locations, including:

CMU Tech:

A technical college offering associate degrees and certificates.

Montrose Campus:

A branch campus offering select undergraduate programs.

CMU also offers online programs through its Distance Education program.