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About the
interdisciplinary major in
Organizational Communication
The interdisciplinary
major in Organizational Communication is anchored by the
Department of Speech and
Theatre. This major prepares students for careers in employee
communication, special events and fund raising, strategic communication, and
conflict management.
Program of Study for Fall 2003
through Summer 2008
Program of Study beginning with
Fall 2008
 | You may want to tailor your
major to your specific interests, such as
Student Affairs and Student Life,
Non-Profit Organizations,
Special Event Planning,
Internal (Employee) Communication,
Consulting,
Fundraising,
Intercultural and
International Organizations, Arts
Organizations, Sports and Fitness
Organizations, and Health Care
Organizations. |
 | During the first and second years, students take
introductory courses in organizational communication and interpersonal
communication, along with required general studies
courses such as English, natural sciences, math, history, humanities, and
social sciences. |
 | During the junior and senior years, students learn about organizational conflict,
strategic communication, international and intercultural communication,
special events and fundraising, organizational culture, and communication research
and audits. They
may choose courses in business, entrepreneurship, sociology, psychology, speech, mass
communication, and other areas. A three-hour internship (120 work hours) is required in the junior
or senior year, and
internship lists are updated weekly at the
MTSU Career
and Employment Center. |
Minor and required electives
A minor is not required. Students have 25
hours or more in electives and may earn a minor if they wish. They also must
choose from among several groups of courses for an 18-hour cognate.
Experiential Learning

Several courses in the Organizational Communication major are experiential
learning courses (EXL). These include hands-on learning projects and
count toward the requirements of the EXL Scholars Program that formally began on
campus in fall 2006. Research shows that students are more engaged in
learning when they can learn “by doing.” For more information about the
EXL Scholars Program, check the website:
http://www.mtsu.edu/~exl.
Courses in Organizational Communication:
| Course Number |
ORCO Course Name |
Semester Offered |
ORCO 3240
|
Introduction to
Organizational Communication (some sections are EXL) *
Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 2200. Theories and processes of communication within
organizations.
|
Fall, Spring,
and online in Summer |
| ORCO 3245 |
Women, Leadership, and
Communication
Three credits. Prerequisite: Junior standing and ORCO 3240 or WMST
2100 or LEST 3010. Addresses communication
behaviors and issues unique to women in leadership positions. Students
exposed to various activities and discussions designed to develop critical
thinking skills, broaden perspectives, adapt decision-making skills to the
professional environment, and create professional relationships.
|
Occasionally |
ORCO 3250
|
Organizational
Communication in Communities (EXL)
Three credits. Theories and techniques involving
communication between organizations and their constituencies. Identification
and analysis
of communication involving corporate philanthropy and fundraising, special
events, volunteers, image, crises, and ethical considerations.
|
Fall and Spring |
| ORCO 3500 |
Strategic
Communication in Organizations
Three credits. Prerequisite: Junior standing and ORCO 3240. Organizational communication and its relationship to employees,
leadership, corporate culture, diversity, change, and innovation.
|
Fall and Spring, and
online in Summer |
| ORCO 3650 |
Conflict and
Organizations (EXL)
Three credits. Prerequisite: Junior standing and ORCO 3240. The role of communication in conflict management/resolution
between or among individuals and groups. Examines workplace violence, fraud,
mediation, grievances, substance abuse, and discrimination.
|
Fall, Spring, and
online in Summer |
ORCO 3750
|
Organizational
Communication Analysis (EXL)
Three credits. Prerequisite: Junior standing and ORCO 3240. Critical analysis of organizational communication using survey
research and other methods including studies of content, readability,
readership, information dissemination, and organizational effectiveness.
|
Fall, Spring, and
online in Summer |
| ORCO 3800 |
Introduction
to Arts Management
Three credits. (Same as THEA 3800.) Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Management of a not-for-profit arts organization. Topics include
organizational design, strategic planning, budgeting, marketing, and
fundraising within the context of a visual or performing arts organization.
Guest lecturers from regional arts organizations. Projects and discussion
for individual interests in various arts disciplines. Laboratory hours
and/or crew requirement.
|
Fall |
| ORCO 4000 |
Topics in Organizational
Communication (some sections are EXL)
Three credits. Prerequisite: Junior standing. An in-depth
study of a special topic which is significant in organizational
communication literature and/or practice.
|
Fall and Spring |
| ORCO 4200 |
Multinational
Organizations (EXL)
Three credits. Prerequisites: Junior standing and ORCO 3240. A critical
study of nonprofit multinational organizations and expatriate employees,
including analysis of organizational preparation and training.
|
Fall |
| ORCO 4220 |
Internship in
Organizational Communication (EXL)
One to three credits. Prerequisites: Junior standing, ORCO 3240, and
permission of department. Practical experience in applying course work to
actual situations and projects in organizations, both on and off campus.
Students will use knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in a
supervised internship program. This course may be repeated for a maximum of
six credits.
|
Fall, Spring, and
online in Summer |
| ORCO 4450 |
Directed Study in
Organizational Communication
Three credits. Prerequisites: Junior standing, ORCO 3240, and permission of instructor. Intensive independent study to
pursue research in a specified area which is significant in organizational
communication literature and/or practice.
|
Fall, Spring, and
Summer |
ORCO 4500
|
Senior
Capstone in Organizational Communication (EXL)
Three credits. Prerequisite: Senior standing and ORCO 3500
and ORCO 3750 . Capstone course combines tools learned in both statistical
methods and research methods courses with theory from other courses in the
major. Communication audit designed to address specific issues in a variety
of organizations. Addresses broader issues such as consulting ethics and
social responsibility.
|
Fall and Spring |
| ORCO 4850 |
Development for Arts Organizations
Three credits. (Same as THEA 4850.) Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Development of not-for-profit arts organizations. Focuses on comprehensive
approaches to fundraising. Includes not-for-profit arts organizations, board
structures, and the terminology and tools of the fundraising profession.
Ideal for future artist, not-for-profit manager, or those interested in
fundraising. Laboratory hours required.
|
Spring |

*ORCO 3240 Organizational Communication is part of the
Regents Online Degree
Program, and is offered online during Fall, Spring, and Summer.

Students enjoy brainstorming on group projects in Dr. Donnell's Creative
Collaboration
class,
Spring Semester 2008.

Org Com students having fun with Dr. McCormick.
Spring 2002 ORCO 4500 Capstone Class:
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Laura and Elizabeth smile on
the
last day of class.
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Sharon, Dr. Smith, and Dustin discuss
recommendations from the class during
the presentation to Habitat's executive
director. |
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Terra, Kate, and Laura talk about the class project with Habitat's executive director.
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