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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

bulletYou 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.
 
bulletDuring 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. 
 
bulletDuring 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:

Laura and Elizabeth smile on the
last day of class. 
                 
 
Sharon, Dr. Smith, and Dustin discuss
recommendations from the class during the presentation to Habitat's executive director.
Terra, Kate, and Laura talk about the class project with Habitat's executive director.

 

Also see other emphases in the Department of Speech & Theatre:
Communication Studies
Communication Disorders
Theatre & Dance

and the nationally known
Intercollegiate Debate Association
      
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN  37132


Web site last updated 08/07/2008.