Organizational Communication
Why pursue a degree in organizational communication at North Central College?
Organizational communication professionals are successful in hundreds of career paths. Typically, their skills are emphasized in roles like social and digital media, public relations, marketing, advertising, human resources, writing, politics, fundraising, sales and more. Majoring in Organizational Communication gives you the edge in a professional or corporate environment. By studying organizational communication, you’ll learn the ins and outs of internal (corporate culture and human resources) and external (media, marketing, client relations). This program is designed to provide you with excellent oral and written communication skills. At North Central College you will learn practical application working with real-world clients. As an expert communicator, you can persuade, dissuade and interpret professionally. With a range of career opportunities, an Organizational Communication major helps you develop the kinds of people skills that top employers seek in college graduates.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN
- Developing organizational talent and teams
- Managing complex projects and events
- Improving communication practices• Connecting with diverse audiences
then a degree in ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION might be for you.
Why study organizational communication at North Central College?
In the Classroom:
Coursework topics:
- Business and Professional Communication
- Digital Writing
- Global Media in a Digital Age
- Group Interaction
- Health Communication
- Intercultural Communication
- Interpersonal Communication
- Organizational Communication
- Persuasion Theory
- Public Relations
- Public Speaking
- Rhetoric and Public Discourse
Beyond the Classroom
As an organizational communications major, you can:
- Apply for internships and jobs through robust faculty and alumni networks or the Center for Career and Professional Development.
- Join Cardinal PR, the public relations club, which works on real-world client-based projects.
- Receive individualized coaching with our nationally ranked speech and debate team.
- Achieve high honors at regional and national speech competitions.
- Join the National Communication Association’s official honor society Lambda Pi Eta.
- Conduct research and present your findings at professional conferences or at North Central’s own Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research.
- Get published in the award-winning Chronicle news magazine and ncclinked.com news website.
- Go LIVE on the air, manage social media channels, or become a producer at the student-run radio station WONC, named the best college radio station in the country in 2015.
- Study abroad to complement your degree.
Organizational Communication, B.A.
Organizational Communication focuses on how people communicate in diverse organizational contexts. Students learn to think critically about communication practices in organizations, as well as develop specific skills for the development, presentation, and analysis of messages for different organizational stakeholders. Depending on the specific courses selected, as well as recommended coursework in a minor, students are prepared for positions in business, industry, non-profit, health care, community and governmental organizations, and may take career paths in internal corporate communication, human resources, training and development, media and community relations, public relations, sales and marketing, customer/client service, community advocacy, technical communication, and management.
Because the major is compatible with a number of fields, and in order to develop expertise in a subject related to their career goals, students are strongly encouraged to pursue a minor. Please consult with Communication faculty and your academic advisor.
The Communication faculty also highly recommend that majors incorporate field experience working in a professional environment by completing at least one internship. Students should work closely with faculty and Career Services to identify appropriate internship opportunities.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Communication and Media Studies.
Core Courses
-
COMM 185 - Global Media in a Digital Age
COMM 185 - Global Media in a Digital Age
4.00 credit hours
A survey of the development, structure, economics and regulation of the major media with a special emphasis on digital communication and the rise of the internet. Though the primary focus of the course is on media in U.S., some time and attention is devoted to global media industries. The sociological and cultural impact of media on society and civic life will be a central theme throughout the course.
-
COMM 214 - Group Interaction
COMM 214 - Group Interaction
4.00 credit hours
Students are introduced to the theory and practice of small group communication and decision-making. The course features an extensive group project, where students develop their abilities to participate, observe, analyze, evaluate and intervene in small group communication.
-
COMM 280 - Business and Professional Communication
COMM 280 - Business and Professional Communication
4.00 credit hours
An intermediate course in which students develop the skills and strategies for use in written, face-to-face and electronic communication in professional settings. Students learn fundamentals of writing and presenting in professional contexts and may investigate organizational communication practices such as interviewing, performance feedback, training and meeting management.
-
COMM 301 - Rhetoric and Public Discourse
COMM 301 - Rhetoric and Public Discourse
4.00 credit hours
Students develop an understanding of rhetorical communication in the public sphere. The course explores historical and contemporary rhetorical theory, which students use to critique the rhetoric of current public issues. In addition to developing an understanding of the integral role rhetoric plays in civic life, students develop their abilities to analyze, critique and contribute to public discourse.
-
COMM 330 - Organizational Communication Theory
COMM 330 - Organizational Communication Theory
4.00 credit hours
Students develop an understanding of the major theoretical perspectives contributing to the study of organizational communication, from classical management through cultural, critical, feminist, postmodern and constitutive approaches. Students conduct basic field research and learn how to employ theoretical perspectives for analyzing communication practices in organizations.
-
COMM 430 - Advanced Organizational Communication
COMM 430 - Advanced Organizational Communication
4.00 credit hours
This capstone course bridges theory and practice by emphasizing key organizational communication activities. With particular emphasis on contemporary research and current practices, students discuss topics such as superior-subordinate and peer interaction, stakeholders and decision-making, socialization, gender, globalization, emotion, conflict, identity, image, technology and change. Through individual and collaborative projects, students continue to develop their abilities to analyze, critique and practice organizational communication.
Communication Context
One of the following:
-
COMM 200 - Interpersonal Communication
COMM 200 - Interpersonal Communication
4.00 credit hours
An introductory study of the theory and practice of human communication within diverse relationships and contexts. The emphasis will be on dyadic (one-on-one) communication and the basic verbal and nonverbal strategies affecting perception and comprehension within the communication process. Key subtopics will include nonverbal communication, verbal styles, relationship development and conflict management. Requires participation in written and oral activities designed to develop and improve interpersonal skills.
-
COMM 250 - Introduction to Public Relations
COMM 250 - Introduction to Public Relations
4.00 credit hours
An introductory course familiarizing students with core public relations concepts, historical underpinnings, foundational theory and careers in PR. An overview of the functions, practices and growing application of public relations in private industry and the public sector, the course examines the nature and role of public relations, activities of public relations professionals, the major influences impacting organizational behavior and the ethics of public relations.
-
COMM 285 - Argumentation and Debate
COMM 285 - Argumentation and Debate
4.00 credit hours
An intermediate course that addresses both theory and practice in argumentation. Through preparation and participation in debates, students learn the basic principles of debate, emphasizing the development of research, critical thinking and oral presentation skills.
-
COMM 287 - Advanced Public Speaking
COMM 287 - Advanced Public Speaking
4.00 credit hours
Building upon the fundamentals learned in
Advanced Communication
Two of the following:
-
COMM 317 - Intercultural Communication
COMM 317 - Intercultural Communication
4.00 credit hours
A study of the basic components involved in intercultural communication. Topics considered include, but are not limited to: cultural biases, cultural determinants of experiences and backgrounds, social perception, verbal interaction, nonverbal interaction and opinion leadership.
-
COMM 335 - Freedom of Expression
COMM 335 - Freedom of Expression
4.00 credit hours
Examines the First Amendment's protection of freedom of speech, religion, press and association, and its role as a cornerstone of American democracy. Students study foundational U.S. Supreme Court cases that have defined and delimited these freedoms. They learn how to analyze legal and moral arguments and conduct basic legal research. They also develop an understanding of the political and philosophical conflicts surrounding the exercise of First Amendment freedoms.
-
COMM 350 - Public Relations Strategy
COMM 350 - Public Relations Strategy
4.00 credit hours
An advanced-level course in PR examining organizational principles, applied theory and strategic planning practices—including social media integration-underscoring the effective management of public relations. Team-based applications of PR research planning, tactics and implementation for real-world clients. The course also emphasizes best practices in PR writing across platforms.
-
COMM 367 - Persuasion Theory
COMM 367 - Persuasion Theory
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to the study of persuasive communication from a social scientific perspective. Theories examines the characteristics of source, message and audience. Topics covered include strategic planning and organization of persuasive messages, audience analysis, motives and values, effective use of language, the role of context and purpose, propaganda and the abuse of persuasion, campaign planning and brand messaging. Students present and analyze persuasive materials orally and in writing as a way of developing communication and critical abilities.
-
COMM 370 - Health Communication
COMM 370 - Health Communication
4.00 credit hours
Summative course examining the intertwining of communication with issues of health and medicine. Emphasis on the unique cultural, media, political-legal, interpersonal and organizational factors influencing communication in healthcare settings.
-
COMM 389 - Gender, Sexuality and Mass Media
COMM 389 - Gender, Sexuality and Mass Media
4.00 credit hours
An advanced introduction to the complex relations between gender and the mass media. Special emphasis is placed on the social construction of gender and sexuality, representations of the body and feminist theories of media.
-
COMM 390 - Seminar in Communication
COMM 390 - Seminar in Communication
4.00 credit hours
Examination of special topics within the area of communication studies.
-
COMM 397 - Internship
COMM 397 - Internship
0.00-12.00 credit hours
Valuable professional experiences supplement classroom instruction and allow students to apply theories and concepts to broader issues and system. Students explore career options within a specific area of study and critically reflect on the experience in a structured manner. May be repeated with different professional experience.
-
COMM 400 - Communication Theory and Research
COMM 400 - Communication Theory and Research
4.00 credit hours
An advanced study of the different traditions of communication theory and their epistemological, normative and ontological assumptions. The focus of this course is on student comprehension of the breadth of thinking within the field of communication and on the responsibility for positioning oneself as a scholar or professional within this field of thought.
-
COMM 490 - Seminar in Communication
COMM 490 - Seminar in Communication
4.00 credit hours
Examination of special topics within the area of communication studies.
-
COMM 497 - Internship
COMM 497 - Internship
0.00-12.00 credit hours
Valuable professional experiences supplement classroom instruction and allow students to apply theories and concepts to broader issues and system. Students explore career options within a specific area of study and critically reflect on the experience in a structured manner. May be repeated with different professional experience.
-
COMM 499 - Independent Study
COMM 499 - Independent Study
1.00-12.00 credit hours
Individual studies undertaken with guidance of a faculty member. May be repeated with different content.
Note:
*Completion of
Writing Courses
Two of the following:
-
MEDI 200 - Digital Media Writing
MEDI 200 - Digital Media Writing
4.00 credit hours
Digital media writing introduces students to writing on different types of platforms including the web, applications and social media. Students learn to write in a variety of different genres including blog writing, online news and public relations. The course also hones writing and research skills for digital writing.
-
MEDI 250 - Copy Editing
MEDI 250 - Copy Editing
4.00 credit hours
Basic techniques and responsibilities of a publications editor. Topics include editing for both style and content, working with photos, writing photo captions and writing headlines. Course includes a review of libel law and attention to the ethical dilemmas facing journalists.
-
MEDI 255 - Social Media
MEDI 255 - Social Media
4.00 credit hours
Examines social media as an evolving, complex system of channels used to communicate, exchange messages and persuade. This class focuses on the crafting of messages for distinct social media channels and audiences. Among the things that we will consider are the uses of social media in advertising, social movements, and political campaigns.
Foreign Language
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the
Philosophy Course
-
PHIL 210 - Professional Ethics
PHIL 210 - Professional Ethics
4.00 credit hours
Professional ethics in selected career fields including law, business and biomedicine. Students may apply basic concepts to the career of their choice, relate their personal ethics to professional ethics and become better informed consumers of professional services. This course begins with an examination of the alternative bases for making moral judgments.
Organizational Communication Minor
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Communication and Media Studies.
At least 20 credit hours to include:
-
COMM 214 - Group Interaction
COMM 214 - Group Interaction
4.00 credit hours
Students are introduced to the theory and practice of small group communication and decision-making. The course features an extensive group project, where students develop their abilities to participate, observe, analyze, evaluate and intervene in small group communication.
-
COMM 330 - Organizational Communication Theory
COMM 330 - Organizational Communication Theory
4.00 credit hours
Students develop an understanding of the major theoretical perspectives contributing to the study of organizational communication, from classical management through cultural, critical, feminist, postmodern and constitutive approaches. Students conduct basic field research and learn how to employ theoretical perspectives for analyzing communication practices in organizations.
-
COMM 430 - Advanced Organizational Communication
COMM 430 - Advanced Organizational Communication
4.00 credit hours
This capstone course bridges theory and practice by emphasizing key organizational communication activities. With particular emphasis on contemporary research and current practices, students discuss topics such as superior-subordinate and peer interaction, stakeholders and decision-making, socialization, gender, globalization, emotion, conflict, identity, image, technology and change. Through individual and collaborative projects, students continue to develop their abilities to analyze, critique and practice organizational communication.
Two of the following:
-
COMM 185 - Global Media in a Digital Age
COMM 185 - Global Media in a Digital Age
4.00 credit hours
A survey of the development, structure, economics and regulation of the major media with a special emphasis on digital communication and the rise of the internet. Though the primary focus of the course is on media in U.S., some time and attention is devoted to global media industries. The sociological and cultural impact of media on society and civic life will be a central theme throughout the course.
-
COMM 200 - Interpersonal Communication
COMM 200 - Interpersonal Communication
4.00 credit hours
An introductory study of the theory and practice of human communication within diverse relationships and contexts. The emphasis will be on dyadic (one-on-one) communication and the basic verbal and nonverbal strategies affecting perception and comprehension within the communication process. Key subtopics will include nonverbal communication, verbal styles, relationship development and conflict management. Requires participation in written and oral activities designed to develop and improve interpersonal skills.
-
COMM 250 - Introduction to Public Relations
COMM 250 - Introduction to Public Relations
4.00 credit hours
An introductory course familiarizing students with core public relations concepts, historical underpinnings, foundational theory and careers in PR. An overview of the functions, practices and growing application of public relations in private industry and the public sector, the course examines the nature and role of public relations, activities of public relations professionals, the major influences impacting organizational behavior and the ethics of public relations.
-
COMM 280 - Business and Professional Communication
COMM 280 - Business and Professional Communication
4.00 credit hours
An intermediate course in which students develop the skills and strategies for use in written, face-to-face and electronic communication in professional settings. Students learn fundamentals of writing and presenting in professional contexts and may investigate organizational communication practices such as interviewing, performance feedback, training and meeting management.
-
COMM 285 - Argumentation and Debate
COMM 285 - Argumentation and Debate
4.00 credit hours
An intermediate course that addresses both theory and practice in argumentation. Through preparation and participation in debates, students learn the basic principles of debate, emphasizing the development of research, critical thinking and oral presentation skills.
-
COMM 287 - Advanced Public Speaking
COMM 287 - Advanced Public Speaking
4.00 credit hours
Building upon the fundamentals learned in
-
COMM 301 - Rhetoric and Public Discourse
COMM 301 - Rhetoric and Public Discourse
4.00 credit hours
Students develop an understanding of rhetorical communication in the public sphere. The course explores historical and contemporary rhetorical theory, which students use to critique the rhetoric of current public issues. In addition to developing an understanding of the integral role rhetoric plays in civic life, students develop their abilities to analyze, critique and contribute to public discourse.
-
COMM 317 - Intercultural Communication
COMM 317 - Intercultural Communication
4.00 credit hours
A study of the basic components involved in intercultural communication. Topics considered include, but are not limited to: cultural biases, cultural determinants of experiences and backgrounds, social perception, verbal interaction, nonverbal interaction and opinion leadership.
-
COMM 335 - Freedom of Expression
COMM 335 - Freedom of Expression
4.00 credit hours
Examines the First Amendment's protection of freedom of speech, religion, press and association, and its role as a cornerstone of American democracy. Students study foundational U.S. Supreme Court cases that have defined and delimited these freedoms. They learn how to analyze legal and moral arguments and conduct basic legal research. They also develop an understanding of the political and philosophical conflicts surrounding the exercise of First Amendment freedoms.
-
COMM 350 - Public Relations Strategy
COMM 350 - Public Relations Strategy
4.00 credit hours
An advanced-level course in PR examining organizational principles, applied theory and strategic planning practices—including social media integration-underscoring the effective management of public relations. Team-based applications of PR research planning, tactics and implementation for real-world clients. The course also emphasizes best practices in PR writing across platforms.
-
COMM 367 - Persuasion Theory
COMM 367 - Persuasion Theory
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to the study of persuasive communication from a social scientific perspective. Theories examines the characteristics of source, message and audience. Topics covered include strategic planning and organization of persuasive messages, audience analysis, motives and values, effective use of language, the role of context and purpose, propaganda and the abuse of persuasion, campaign planning and brand messaging. Students present and analyze persuasive materials orally and in writing as a way of developing communication and critical abilities.
-
COMM 370 - Health Communication
COMM 370 - Health Communication
4.00 credit hours
Summative course examining the intertwining of communication with issues of health and medicine. Emphasis on the unique cultural, media, political-legal, interpersonal and organizational factors influencing communication in healthcare settings.
-
COMM 389 - Gender, Sexuality and Mass Media
COMM 389 - Gender, Sexuality and Mass Media
4.00 credit hours
An advanced introduction to the complex relations between gender and the mass media. Special emphasis is placed on the social construction of gender and sexuality, representations of the body and feminist theories of media.
-
COMM 390 - Seminar in Communication
COMM 390 - Seminar in Communication
4.00 credit hours
Examination of special topics within the area of communication studies.
-
COMM 397 - Internship
COMM 397 - Internship
0.00-12.00 credit hours
Valuable professional experiences supplement classroom instruction and allow students to apply theories and concepts to broader issues and system. Students explore career options within a specific area of study and critically reflect on the experience in a structured manner. May be repeated with different professional experience.
-
COMM 400 - Communication Theory and Research
COMM 400 - Communication Theory and Research
4.00 credit hours
An advanced study of the different traditions of communication theory and their epistemological, normative and ontological assumptions. The focus of this course is on student comprehension of the breadth of thinking within the field of communication and on the responsibility for positioning oneself as a scholar or professional within this field of thought.
-
COMM 490 - Seminar in Communication
COMM 490 - Seminar in Communication
4.00 credit hours
Examination of special topics within the area of communication studies.
-
COMM 497 - Internship
COMM 497 - Internship
0.00-12.00 credit hours
Valuable professional experiences supplement classroom instruction and allow students to apply theories and concepts to broader issues and system. Students explore career options within a specific area of study and critically reflect on the experience in a structured manner. May be repeated with different professional experience.
-
COMM 499 - Independent Study
COMM 499 - Independent Study
1.00-12.00 credit hours
Individual studies undertaken with guidance of a faculty member. May be repeated with different content.
Organizational Communication Internships and Jobs
A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.
Internships
- Sports marketing intern, Chicago Bulls/ Sox Training Academy, Lisle, Ill.
- Marketing and public relations intern, First Nonprofit Insurance Company, Chicago
- Membership and communications intern, Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, Chicago
- Sales intern, Live Nation Motorsports, Aurora, Ill.
Graduate Schools
Recent graduates in organizational communication have been accepted at:
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Michigan State University
- University of Oklahoma
- The John Marshall Law School, Chicago
- University of Iowa
- Northwestern University
- University of Colorado-Boulder
- University of South Carolina
- Purdue University
Careers
Recent graduates in organizational communication include:
- Senior manager, Insights and Strategic Planning, Sara Lee
- Director of convention services, Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association
- Training manager, Spiegel Catalog
- Graphics manager, OfficeMax
- Guest connections representative, Walt Disney Co.
- Print production specialist, Abbott Laboratories
- Assistant vice president for external affairs, North Central College
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