Professional Communication
Professional communication refers to the set of skills and practices that enhance your effectiveness as a communicator in the workplace. This discipline is just as much about the art of listening as it is about story telling, and the nuances of verbal, written and digital communication.
Build Your Future with a Professional Communication Associate of Arts Degree
Public Relations is about learning to manage relationships between organizations and the publics that can affect an organization’s success. Students will learn to research, plan, implement and evaluate communication campaigns. Activities focus on how to build relationships between an organization and its publics, monitor the organization’s environment and counsel management on policies and programs.
Program Information:
Associate of Arts
- 30 Credit Hours
Location
- North Manchester
Why Choose MU for Professional Communication?
An AA Foundation
The major portion of the program can be completed inside of one academic school year while being coupled with a year of liberal arts education requirements. Students who pursue an associate degree from Manchester are able to:
- Enter their vocation with an associate degree as a foundation.
- Continue their education to fulfill an undergraduate or graduate degree from Manchester University.
While working toward an associate degree, full-time students can still enjoy the same benefits as those pursuing an undergraduate degree including: living on campus, attending convocations, participating in athletics, engaging in student life activities and developing the network of friendships and relationships found on a college campus.
What You Can Do with Your Professional Communication Associate of Arts
Public Relations
Manages public image and media relations
Corporate Communications Manager
Leads internal and external messaging
Content Strategist
Plans and manages digital content
Social Media Manager
Runs brand accounts and engagement online
Courses in Professional Communication
COMM 130 MEDIA LITERACY
Media analysis, interpretation and creation. Topics include media literacy, effects, audiences, economics, history, narrative structures and forms. Projects are designed to increase students’ media literacy and introduce media production tools. Fall.
COMM 210 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
A study of the factors involved in sending and receiving messages in interpersonal relationships. The student is encouraged to develop increased awareness of the effect one’s communicating has on others and on the self. Both theoretical and applied aspects are stressed.
A study of, and hands-on experience with, professional presentations, interviews and negotiations. Course content will emphasize strategies, technology issues, verbal and nonverbal communication, roles and ethics.
An examination of how communication is influenced by culture and how culture is created and maintained through communication. Students explore the complex relationship between culture and communication and how these issues interact with context and power in intercultural interactions. Fall.
A study of the messages that move humans to act. Emphasis on the persuasive, argumentative and propagandistic appeals used to secure or resist social change. Students employ a number of analytical tools to build critical inquiry skills and develop advocacy skills by creating and presenting ethical arguments. Spring.
Meet the Faculty
Jacob Mertens
Assistant Professor of Communication Studies
Jeffrey Diesburg
Professor of Art and Department Chair
Timothy McKenna-Buchanan, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Communication Studies, Assessment Coordinator
Judd Case
Dean of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Communication Studies
Janine Armstrong, Ph.D.
Visiting Assistant Professor, Communication Studies
Professional Communication Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
1. Students will demonstrate that they possess the core business knowledge generally expected of all business students and the depth of knowledge generally expected of students in their particular major or minor areas of study.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of fundamental business principles, including accounting, finance, marketing, and management.
- Students will apply specialized knowledge in their major or minor areas of study to practical and real-world scenarios.
2. Students will demonstrate the ability to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will gain hands-on experience, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge in professional settings and develop practical skills that are essential for their career.
- Students will demonstrate their ability to apply business concepts to real-world situations, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to think critically and to communicate effectively.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate the ability to think critically by identifying, analyzing, and resolving unstructured business problems, and by making evidence-based decisions.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Successful Graduates
Andrew Kibler ’22
Sports Information Director for Manchester University
Athaniel Whitmer ’22
News Photographer for WISH-TV
Benjamin Miles ’22
Coordinator of Athletic Communications at Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference
Non-Discrimination in the Admission Process
Manchester University is committed to non-discrimination in campus life. The University does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, ancestry, race, color, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, religion, disability or veteran status in admissions or any area of campus life, including its educational programs, scholarships and loan awards, residence life programs, athletic programs, extracurricular programs, promotion and tenure policies and practice, and alumni affairs.
Manchester University is committed to carry out the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act, which provide for accessibility of University programs to the physically disabled.