COMM 702 - Public Relations Tools & Strategy (4 Credit Hours)

In the fast-changing field of communication, practitioners need to be aware of new channels of communication and understand the culture and etiquette of emerging communication contexts. In this course, students apply current tools, such as social media and mobile applications, to address a public relations challenge for an organization. The strengths and weaknesses of current tools will be discussed, using case studies to identify methods of integrating current tools in an organization's public relations plans and processes. The organization's overall communication strategy for achieving communication-related goals is addressed in this course with an emphasis on tools and tactics that align with the identified goals.

COMM 703 - Public Relations and Crisis Communication Management (4 Credit Hours)

In today's hyperconnected world, organizations face an ever-increasing risk of reputational damage due to the rapid spread of information and heightened public scrutiny. Effective issue management and crisis communication are crucial for organizations to protect their reputations and maintain stakeholder trust. This course equips you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of crisis prevention, response, and recovery.

COMM 705 - Professional Portfolio (1 Credit Hours)

Launch your career with a professional portfolio that showcases your skills, experience, and accomplishments. This graduate-level course will teach you how to leverage current technologies (e.g., AI and social media) as you curate a portfolio that demonstrates program outcomes and supports achieving your personal and professional goals.

COMM 708 - Capstone Experience (4 Credit Hours)

In this integrative capstone course, students will complete a thesis or project on a communication topic. Under the guidance of an advising professor, students will design and conduct an original research study or applied project, analyze the findings, and write a thesis that contributes to the field of communication.

Course Prerequisites - COMM 702

COMP 101 - Problem Solving With Computing (2 Credit Hours)

Many organizations today utilize computers and information systems to store, organize, analyze, and summarize data to solve problems. As a result, computing is a tool that can benefit students in many different fields. At the heart of solving problems with computers is the study of structured thinking using algorithms. This course is designed for students with no prior programming experience and teaches the building blocks of algorithms, including variables, expressions, selection and repetition structures, functions and parameters, and array processing. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

Course Prerequisites - PF 121 or PF 321, MATH 150

COMP 111 - Introduction to Computer Science & Object-Oriented Programming (4 Credit Hours)

This course provides an introduction to software construction using an object-oriented approach. The student learns and reflects on problem analysis, object-oriented design, implementation, and testing. To support the concepts and principles of software construction, the student will design, code, test, debug, and document programs using the Java programming language. Basic data types, control structures, methods, and classes are used as the building blocks for reusable software components. Automated unit testing, programming style, and industrial practice are emphasized in addition to the object-oriented techniques of abstraction, encapsulation, and composition. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

Course Prerequisites - PF 121 or PF 321, Take COMP 101 or pass the programming aptitude and competency exam.

COMP 121 - Object-Oriented Data Structures & Algorithms I (4 Credit Hours)

This course continues the objected-oriented approach to software construction. The student learns and reflects on advanced object-oriented techniques, algorithm efficiency, class hierarchies, and data structures. To support the concepts and principles of software construction, the student will design, code, test, debug, and document programs using the Java programming language. Design principles, I/O, exception handling, linear data structures (lists, stacks, and queues), and design patterns are emphasized in addition to the object-oriented techniques of inheritance and polymorphism. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

Course Prerequisites - PF 121 or PF 321, COMP 111, MATH 160

COMP 201 - Principles of Computer Organization (2 Credit Hours)

This course is one of four courses that holistically explore the structure of computational systems. This course deals with the nature of computer hardware. The course will cover the structure of current computer systems at the level of functional organization, representation of data and programs, the design of the memory hierarchy, and the design of the I/O system. The course will introduce basic assembly language. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

Course Prerequisites - PF 121 or PF 321, ENG 120, COMP 111

COMP 204 - Principles of Computer Networks (2 Credit Hours)

This course serves as an introduction to the function, design, administration, and implementation of computer networks. Topics include network infrastructure, architecture, protocols, applications, and the OSI networking model. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

Course Prerequisites - PF 121 or PF 321, ENG 120, COMP 101, COMP 111, ITEC 136, or ITEC 175

COMP 215 - Programming Language: Principles & Practice (4 Credit Hours)

This course conveys a high-level vision of programming language theory. It begins with the principles and methodologies of computer programming language such as syntax, semantics, grammar, and parsing. An assortment of programming paradigms is introduced to cover both the traditional imperative and some alternative approaches to program development. These paradigms are presented by the rudiments of a number of representative languages. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

Course Prerequisites - PF 121 or PF 321, ENG 120, COMP 121, COMP 201