Adult Degree Completion Program

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Common Core Courses

FOUNDATIONS OF ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT (ORGL 3113)
This course is an introduction to the Organizational Leadership Bachelor of Science Program. Essential components will include: overview of program expectations; principles of adult learning; resources for success including library, campus, online resources and mentoring relationships; personal wellness/stress and time management techniques; study and test-taking skills; and basic computer skills for working in an online environment.

PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION (ORGL 3223)
A study of communication in the workplace within a framework of organizational ethics. Essential components and course content include: listening, verbal and nonverbal communication, written expression, and professional presentation methods.

DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION (ORGL 3333)
This course will enable the student to develop an understanding of the application and interpretation of basic data analysis. Essential components and course content will include basic data analysis from a user perspective. Hands-on exercises will enable students to utilize Excel to solve problems and interpret results.

SURVEY OF FISCAL MANAGEMENT (ORGL 3443)
A managerial overview of fiscal management within organizations. Essential components and coursework content will include: understanding the components and articulation of financial statements, knowledge and application of financial ratios leading to an understanding of organizational performance across time and in comparison to industry standards, utilization of financial information in the acquisition of capital and budgeting decisions, and rudimentary understanding of cash flows.

ETHICS AND ORGANIZATIONS (ORGL 4113)
This course is designed to examine the dynamics of workplace and personal ethics through the study of basic philosophical theories. Essential components and course content will include: leadership in the context of self-governance, responsibility, adherence to principles, integrity and constancy of purpose. Current case studies will be used to apply ethical theories.

THE INDIVIDUAL, THE ORGANIZATION, AND SOCIETY (ORGL 4223)
An examination of contemporary issues that affect organizations. Essential topics include environmental stewardship, social responsibility of the organization, effects and implications of globalization, the status of individual freedom within the organization, diversity, and the ramifications of technological change. This seminar course will be organized around student discussion and topical papers.

LEADING AND MANAGING (ORGL 4333)
This course is a study of theories that influence leadership and management with application to a variety of work situations. Essential components and coursework content will include: basic leadership and behavior styles, negotiation, critical thinking, change, conflict resolution, ethics and social responsibility and diversity in the workplace. Assessment of personal leadership abilities and personality traits will be included.

MARKETS AND STAKEHOLDERS (ORGL 4443)
This course introduces the student to the concept of markets and stakeholders. Essential components and course content will include: an overview of competitive markets, buyer behavior, development of new markets and products, marketing communication, distribution channels, pricing and marketing mix strategies. It will include a discussion of external environmental factors and stakeholder analysis. Students will be able to evaluate market needs, select target markets and develop an appropriate market mix.

CAPSTONE (ORGL 4553)
This course provides the student the opportunity to integrate concepts and theories covered in the core with their area of focus. Students will design and implement a capstone project related to their area of focus culminating in a written and oral presentation. This course must be taken in the student's final enrollment period.

PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP (ORGL 4993) Optional
Supervised professional-level assignment with an organization, firm government agency, or not-for-profit entity within the selected area of focus. Prerequisites: All core courses except for ORGL 4553 Capstone.

Institutional Area of Focus Courses - Business or Communication

Communication Option

Students will complete 12 to 15 hours from the following list of courses:

ADVANCED BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL SPEAKING (COMM 3313)
Emphasis is placed on both theory and application of public speaking, speech criticism, and listening skills in culturally diverse business and professional settings. Students will employ presentation software when delivering a variety of business presentations such as informative, after dinner, persuasive, sales, and team speeches. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisite: COMM 1113 or departmental permission.

TEAM LEADERSHIP PROCESSES (COMM 3353)
Designed to enhance leadership skills and the knowledge of team leadership processes. Topics include the attributes of teams, critical evaluation of information and reasoning processes, creation of effective work climates, and contemporary approaches to leadership. The objective of this course is to learn how to provide leadership in the communication process of work teams. Lecture 3 hours.

CORPORATE AND ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION (COMM 3383)
The theory and function of communication within businesses, government, hospitals, schools, industrial firms, and other organizations with emphasis on concepts and principles needed for effective communication. Lecture 3 hours.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION (COMM 3393)
Improving communication between persons. Discovering and overcoming obstacles in person-to-person communication. Self-awareness of the student's own communication behavior as well as that of others. Projects in listening, speaking and communicating nonverbally. Lecture 3 hours.

PERSUASION (COMM 3633)
A study of persuasive communication, including social, psychological, and rhetorical theories of human motivation; audience analysis, methods of adaptation; emotional, logical and rhetorical appeals; analysis of persuasive premises in advertising, social and political campaigns; and special emphasis on ethical responsibilities of the speaker, media, and listener. Lecture 3 hours.

INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION (COMM 3713)
Students will analyze the basic elements of culture and how those elements interact with the communication process to affect relationships. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisite: COMM 1113.

CONFLICT MANAGEMENT (COMM 3833)
An analysis of conflict situations in personal, professional, and cultural contexts. Role of communication in creating, expressing, and influencing conflict messages and behaviors. Topics include theories of conflict, cooperative processes, dialogue, mediation, interpersonal barriers and power. Lecture 3 hours.

COMMUNICATION THEORY (COMM 4623)
Advanced survey of major philosophical and theoretical issues in human communication research. Discussion of social scientific and humanistic perspectives, research methods, and theory development. Analysis and critique of contemporary theories in the field. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisites: 9 hours of communication courses or instructor permission.

ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION INTERNSHIP (COMM 4723)
Supervised work experience in a professional setting which relates to the student's career objectives. The internship will allow practical experience in corporate and organizational communication. May be repeated for a maximum of six hours. Prerequisites: Upper-division standing and department permission.

PHOTOJOURNALISM I (JOUR 3043)
The study of the principles and techniques of photography with an emphasis on composition and design. Students will learn and use digital darkroom techniques with the use of scanning software and image editing software. Lecture 3 hours.

MEDIA GRAPHICS (JOUR 3343)
Explores techniques, processes, and procedures for the publication of print media with an emphasis on the elements of design using the pagination program InDesign and the image editing software Adobe Photoshop. Lecture 3 hours.

PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC RELATIONS (PBRL 3823)
Study of current concepts in public relations as a management function in business, industry, government, and education. Practical work in producing public relations tools. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisite: Junior standing. Lecture 3 hours.

Business Option

Students will complete 12 to 15 hours from the following list of courses:

PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS I (ECON 2013)
An introduction to, and analysis of, the general concepts of the American capitalistic system; supply and demand; the determinants of the level of total output, employment, and prices; monetary policy; and American economic growth policies. Lecture 3 hours.

PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS II (ECON 2023)
A continuation of ECON 2013 with analysis of the concepts of allocation of resources to the firm and the distribution of final output to the individual; domestic economic problems of agriculture, unions, monopoly, and social goods; international trade and payments; and foreign economics. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisite: ECON 2013

PRIN OF FINANCIAL ACCTG (ACCT 2013)
Basic principles of financial accounting, including how to record transactions, prepare financial statements, analyze selected accounts and use accounting information in decision-making. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or by consent of advisor.

PRIN COST/MANAGERIAL ACCTG (ACCT 2023)
Basic principles of cost accounting related to manufacturing and other enterprises. Use of management and cost accounting information in decision-making. Lecture 3 hours, Prerequisite: ACCT 2013

BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS (BUS 3113)
Principles of effective business communication; organizational communication theory; document design; practice in preparing letters, memoranda, business reports, and employment-related messages; professional oral presentation. Prerequisite: ENGL 1213 or equivalent.

BUSINESS LAW I (BUS 3213)
An overview of the legal system, principles of contract law, Uniform Commercial Code and how it has changed contract law, rights of debtors and creditors and bankruptcy. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of Chair.

BUSINESS LAW II (BUS 3223)
A continuation of Business Law I. Agency, partnership, and corporate law with an emphasis on selecting the form of business organization. Sections on personal and real property, bailments, and real estate transactions. A brief look at wills, estates, and trusts. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisite: BUS 3213.

PERSONAL FINANCE (FIN 2113)
Problems and applications in personal finance. Study includes budgeting, credit use, financial institutions, insurance, real estate, taxes, investment, retirement, and estate planning. Lecture 3 hours.

PRINCIPLES OF FINANCE (FIN 3603)
A basic course in financial structure; sources, acquisition and management of short-term and long-term funds in both the money and capital markets; money market; instruments; the comparative evaluation of corporate capital structure in terms of risk, control and flexibility. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisites: ECON 2023 and ACCT 2023.

PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT (MGMT 3013)
An introductory management course dealing with the fundamental principles of management: planning, organizing, and controlling. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of Chair.

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (MGMT 3513)
A comprehensive review of human resources policy development, along with a description and analysis of human resources techniques. The interdependence of human and operating functions is discussed. Focuses on the primary management functions as they relate to employment law, recruitment, selection, training, performance appraisal, compensation, and safety and health. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisite: MGMT 3013 or permission of Chair.

ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR (MGMT 4013)
Concerns the application of knowledge relating to human behavior theory as it applies to the business environment. Includes motivation theory, leadership patterns, organization climate, interpersonal relations, intergroup behavior, etc. Emphasis is on behavioral research findings. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisite: MGMT 3513.

CONSUMER MOTIVATION & BEHAVIOR (MKTG 3423)
An examination of the internal and external influences on buyer behavior; analysis of the buying process; consumer decision-making; aggregate consumer behavior over time. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisites: MKTG 3413, Junior standing.

RETAILING (MKTG 3433)
Designed to assist students seeking knowledge of the retail field. Principles and methods of organizing and operating a retail firm with particular emphasis on store layout, buying, pricing, sales promotion, control of stock, and evaluation. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisites: MKTG 3413 and MGMT 3013.

SALES MANAGEMENT (MKTG 3533)
Problems of organization; planning and control of sales; formulation of sales policies and the operation of a sales force. Using the principles of selling along with supervising a sales program. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisites: MGMT 3013 and MKTG 3413.