Degree Programs

• Undergraduate
  • Overview
    • Concentrations
  • Organizational Communication(BA)
  • Public Relations (BA)
  • Speech Communication (BA)
  • Communication Studies Minor
• Graduate
  • Public and Organizational Relations (MA)

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Overview of the Undergraduate Major  

Communication Studies majors pursue a common curriculum that includes nine core courses and three electives. Additionally, they select a four-course concentration, choosing among Organizational Communication, Public Relations or Speech Communication.

Communication Studies Core Curriculum and Elective Requirements

Core Courses (Complete all.)

• SPCM 172: Principles of Human Communication
• SPCM 201: Communication Theory
• SPCM 230: Listening
• SPCM 234: Public Speaking
• SPCM 271: Interpersonal Communication I
• SPCM 301: Communication Research
• SPCM 375: Nonverbal Communication
• SPCM 438: Principles of Persuasion
• SPCM 478: Applied Communication

Elective Courses (Choose any three.)

• SPCM 103: Voice and Speech Improvement
• SPCM 104: Media and Society
• SPCM 222: Principles of Public Relations
• SPCM 242: Speaking Culturally
• SPCM 250: Intercultural Communication
• SPCM 272: Interpersonal Communication II
• SPCM 274: Organizational Communication
• SPCM 290: Communication and Gender
• SPCM 304: Mediated Communication Theory
• SPCM 322: Public Relations Writing
• SPCM 323: Public Relations Cases
• SPCM 334: Television Production in Comm. Studies
• SPCM 342: Argumentation and Debate
• SPCM 374: Group Processes
• SPCM 384: Organizational Assessment
• SPCM 388: Seminar in Public Relations
• SPCM 413: Visual Communication
• SPCM 404: Seminar in Mediated Communication
• SPCM 442: Speaking in Varied Contexts
• SPCM 474: Seminar in Organizational Communication
• SPCM 422: Public Relations Management
• SPCM 435: Communication Arts Activity
• ENWR 206: Business Writing

Catalogue of Course Descriptions

Recommended 4-Year Course Sequence

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Organizational Communication (BA concentration)

The four-course sequence in Organizational Communication is:

• SPCM 274: Survey of Organizational Communication
  
  
• SPCM 374: Group Processes
  
  
• SPCM 384: Organizational Assessment
  
  
• SPCM 474: Seminar in Organizational Communication

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Public Relations (BA concentration)

Why do corporations, politicians and rock stars hire public relations specialists?
Public Relations professionals provide highly valued services that are vital to just about every industry invested in bridging relationships with the public. Public Relations professionals pitch story ideas to newspapers, magazines and broadcasting editors to elicit media coverage for their clients. They act to build relationships with between their clients and their client's constituents. Necessary skills include professional planning and evaluation, public communication (speech writing and news-conference facilitation),technical writing (news releases,brochures,memos,training materials,etc.), and interpersonal/group processes (negotiation, conflict management, etc.). The Public Relations concentration is a focused and progressive course of study, helping students develop and hone theoretical understanding and practical skills for careers in consulting, human resources, marketing, advertising, public relations and politics, among others.

The four-course sequence in Public Relations is:

• SPCM 222: Principles of Public Relations
  
  
• SPCM 322: Public Relations Writing
  
  
• SPCM 323: Public Relations Cases
  
  
• SPCM 422: Public Relations Management

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Speech Communication (BA concentration)

When you think about it, communication is the cornerstone of your daily life especially in professional settings.
So why not improve the listening, speaking, writing and visual communication skills that are so important to your success? The Speech Communication concentration prepares students to be well-rounded, dynamic and effective communicators. Students explore concepts and practice skills pertaining to public presentation, listening, persuasion, relationship building, nonverbal communication, intercultural communication, small group dynamics, visual messages and media. The theoretical knowledge and practical skills that students work with enable them to understand the nature, processes, and effects of human interaction. The Speech Communication concentration applies a general approach to the broad field of communication, applicable to a wide range of careers including advertising, management, education, broadcasting and electronic media, journalism and public relations.

The four-course sequence in Speech Communication is:

• SPCM 103: Voice and Speech Improvement
  
  
• SPCM 242: Speaking Culturally
  
  
• SPCM 342: Argumentation & Debate
  
  
• SPCM 442: Speaking in Varied Contexts

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Communication Studies Minor

The Communication Studies minor entails the following coursework:

Sect I Coursework Requried (12 credits)

• SPCM 172: Introduction to Human Communicationt
  
  
• SPCM 201: Communication Theory
  
  
• SPCM 230: Listening
  
  
• SPCM 271: Interpersonal Communication I
  
  

Sect II Any TWO courses from the following options (6 credits)

• SPCM 103: Voice and Speech Improvement
  
  
• SPCM 104: Media and Society
  
  
• SPCM 222: Principles of Public Relations
  
  
• SPCM 250: Intercultural Communication
  
  
• SPCM 274: Organizational Communication
  
  
• SPCM 374: Group Processes

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Public and Organizational Relations (MA)

Graduate Program Advisor: Dr. Todd Kelshaw 973.655.5162; kelshawt@mail.montclair.edu

OVERVIEW

Why this program? Communication effectiveness in interpersonal, small group, organizational, and public settings is probably the most valued professional attribute. Whether speaking to the press, presenting at a conference, leading problem-solving meetings, designing media kits, managing interpersonal conflicts, or handling organizational crises, exceptional communication is the cornerstone of success. This is especially true in today's world, in which team-based innovation, multiculturalism, and global connectedness are increasingly important.

The Department of Communication Studies' Master of Arts (MA) in Public and Organizational Relations is a highly applicable and marketable degree, both for current and aspiring professionals as well as scholars who wish to continue their education at the doctoral level. Program alumni typically secure jobs in public relations, marketing, human resource management, sales, organizational consulting, broadcast media, public administration—nearly every profession and industry that values communication skills, spanning corporate, non-profit, and governmental settings.

What are some unique features? Features of the program include small classes, individualized attention from expert faculty, independent study and internship opportunities, ability to take cognate classes in other departments, and a thesis/non-thesis graduation option. Coursework addresses theories, research methods, and practices of written, spoken, visual, and mediated communication, featuring topics such as leadership, conflict management, problem solving, cultural diversity, persuasion, listening, organizational identity, crisis management, new media, and more. Graduate classes typically meet once a week in the evening. The program's 33 credits may be completed in 4 semesters by full-time students, or 5-6 semesters part-time.

Among the program’s greatest strengths is its careful integration of communication theory, empirical research methods and hands-on application. Such approach enables students to ask and answer social scientific and humanistic questions about pressing communication issues while building valuable communication skill-sets. What makes the program further unique is its recognition of public relations and organizational communication as thoroughly entwined disciplines and practices. It is important to have grounded and reflective knowledge of organizational communication in contexts that are “internal” (e.g. leadership, conflict management, and meeting facilitation) and “external” (e.g. media relations, organizational identity maintenance, and crisis communication). The curriculum is designed to develop students’ competence across wide-ranging areas of contemporary organizational life while allowing them to take elective courses in topic areas of their choice.

What kinds of learning take place? The program’s small and highly interactive courses are taught by professors who are nationally and internationally recognized. Program faculty take the art of teaching seriously, bringing the most advanced communication concepts and modalities to the classroom—and often collaborating with students on research projects and fieldwork. Advanced students may conduct internships, which faculty and staff assist in arranging and overseeing. Such internships may be in Fortune 500 companies, public relations firms, professional sports organizations, broadcasting companies, government agencies, non-profit organizations, multinational N.G.O.s, etc. Furthermore, students participate in regional, national, and international membership associations, in which they may gain experience by presenting scholarship as well as networking with some of the top professionals in the field.

PROGRAM OF STUDY

Posted in University Catalog:

• Curriculum requirements and course descriptions

ADMISSION

Who should apply?

By integrating communication theory, empirical research methods, and hands-on application, the M.A. in Public and Organizational Relations is made appropriate for pre- and continuing professionals as well as those who will pursue doctoral studies.

Applicants are recommended to have completed an undergraduate major or the equivalent from relevant humanistic and/or social scientific areas such as anthropology, broadcasting, business, communication studies, journalism, political science, psychology, and sociology. Some students may need to improve their preparatory backgrounds through undergraduate courses for which graduate credit cannot be given.

How to apply?

Applicants to the M.A. in Public and Organizational Relations must complete and submit an application to the Graduate School and provide prior academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, evidence of completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), an essay that clarifies the applicant’s learning goals, and the payment of an application fee.

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