Health Communication Certificate

COMM 380. Health Communication. 3 Credits.

Introduces theories and practices of health communication. Explores health communication with interpersonal sources (e.g., physicians & other providers), groups (e.g., support groups & healthcare organizations), and effective communication through mass media and digital/social media channels. F.

COMM 360. Communicating Science. 3 Credits.

This class is designed for upper-division students in the physical, biological, social, health and engineering sciences interested in science communication. It combines findings from research into information processing with best practices in media production to build student competency in communicating about science, scientific discoveries and the scientific process to general audiences through various media, as well as more specific audiences, such as funding organizations and policymakers. Students end the semester by producing a piece of science communication for a course-created website. Prerequisite: Junior or senior status (60+hours). F.

COMM 451. Risk and Crisis Communication. 3 Credits.

This course explores identifying risks to organizational goals and key stakeholders, and communicating effectively during crisis events to maintain organizational legitimacy. Risk and crisis key theories and concepts, applications and analysis are addressed. Prerequisite: COMM 200 or consent of instructor. S.

COMM 540. Communication and Organizations. 3 Credits.

Examines the general communication processes and dynamics within and among organizations and explores the dynamics in network organizations, with a particular focus on communication in interpersonal groups and inter-organizational working teams. Theories of power and politics in and among organizations, as well as of decision-making, conflict management, and strategic communication are explored.

COMM 401. Organizational Communication. 3 Credits.

Analysis of communication behavior in formally structured relationships as it relates to the organization and to individuals. Special attention given to organizational style, status, trust and conflict-management. Informal communication networks and rumoring are studied. S.

COMM 345. Social Media Strategy. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on scholarly and commercial aspects of social media strategy as a Communicative practice. In particular, course topics include a variety of social media driven outcomes including social activism, constituent engagement, outreach and advocacy, reputation management, analytics and optimization, and enhancing the quality and impact of message transmission in the social online environment. S.