Many La Salle University alums who have studied in the Communication Management track have embarked on careers in corporate communication at health-care and pharmaceutical companies, nonprofit organizations, and communication and media training firms. Other possible careers include event planning, human resources and diversity management, social services, law, and education.

The Communication Management track provides students with the theoretical understanding and practical skills needed for success in interpersonal, group, and organizational communication.

This track’s coursework emphasizes how communication competence is achieved through analysis, problem solving, teamwork, and conflict management. Writing for business is also emphasized.

Portfolio Piece

Communication Management Capstone (COM 415) features an individual project during the senior year in which a real-world communication issue is solved. The work can be used as a case study and example of experience during job interviews.

Curriculum Overview

Communication majors are required to take the courses below to complete the Communication Management track. You can also view full course descriptions.

Group and Team Communication (COM 215)

Now more than ever, organizations require and even rely on group work to succeed­—many times in virtual settings. In this course, students will gain an understanding of and experience with the elements of group communication. Topics include:

• Nature of groups
• Link between communication and group composition
• Goals and influence processes in groups
• Group decision making
• Properties of group interaction

Persuasion, Power, and Influence (COM 312)

This enlightening course offers insight into the ways people and messages can influence decision making. Topics include:

• Persuasion theories and techniques
• Persuasion in interpersonal settings and mass-mediated campaigns
• Oral and written persuasion
• How to enhance your abilities as both consumer and practitioner

Advanced Interpersonal Communication (COM 315)

In this course, students learn how to use advanced interpersonal communication theories to improve their own skill set. Topics include:

• Individual, situational, relational, and cultural factors in communication
• Interpersonal communication competence
• Self-presentation
• Relationship goals
  

Communication Research and Analysis (COM 316)

Research is vital to effective public relations and other strategic communication efforts, and this course teaches effective research practices. Topics include:

• Strategic collection and analysis of information in professional settings.
• Using research to solve problems and pursue opportunities
• Situational and content analyses
• Designing and implementing surveys
• Interviewing and focus groups

Organizational Communication (COM 317)

Communication is the foundation of all organizations. This course focuses on historical and contemporary communication theories and practices and their impact on an organization’s success or failure. Topics include:

• Contemporary organizational issues
• Leadership communication
• Interviewing and the job search
• Organizational culture
• Impacts of globalization and technology

Advanced Personal and Professional Presentations (COM 319)

In this course, students will learn the details of delivering successful, influential professional presentations to various types of audiences. Topics include:

• Presentation of self in a professional setting
• Practical application of theory and research in public, team, and interpersonal presentations
• Preparing, delivering, and critiquing presentations
• Presenting to audiences inside an organization (supervisors, coworkers, etc.)
• Presenting to external audiences (clients, community leaders, members of funding organizations, etc.)
• Emphasis on appropriate and effective information gathering, organizational strategies, audience analysis, and verbal and nonverbal communication
• Prerequisite: COM 150

Writing for Business (ENG 303)

Employers today require solid business writing skills, no matter the profession. This course has a strong focus on improving writing skills. Topics include:

• Instruction in planning and executing effective business writing
• Writing effective, persuasive e-mails, memos, and letters
• Writing professional abstracts, proposals, and reports
• Resume writing

Communication Management Capstone (COM 415)

This course includes a semester-long application of all knowledge and skills learned from previous coursework to analyze and solve a communication issue of your interest.

• Particular focus on social issues
• Demonstration of ability to solve real-world interpersonal, group, and organizational problems
• Individual project that can be used as a reference in job interviews

Prerequisite: COM 315 (above)