Communication Studies

Course Descriptions
COMM 1100  Interpersonal Communication   3.0 cr Is a course that helps students recognize that we live and work in relationship with others and must communicate effectively with them to achieve our goals. This class helps students acquire the skills to effectively communicate with family members, intimate others, co-workers, friends, and acquaintances. After reviewing relevant interpersonal theory, students will examine and identify their own communication attitudes and behaviors. Students will also learn and apply techniques for improving communication in their relationships through active practice. Students will participate in multiple activities, both in and outside the classroom setting, to build their interpersonal communication skills. This course is open to all students and meets the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) 8710.2000, Subp. 7, Standard 6C, D, F, & G.
COMM 1110  Public Speaking   3.0 cr Is the introductory study of the theory and practice of public speaking. Public presentation skills are required for individuals to be successful in our workplaces, communities and many other contexts in today's society. Students will learn about the different types of public speeches commonly encountered and learn how to research, organize and write their ideas into clear and understandable forms of public communication. Students will also practice the delivery skills needed to present ideas effectively. Students will be required to speak and participate often and will also be required to present their speeches in a classroom setting with an audience of their peers and an instructor. This is an online public speaking course and students must come to campus to deliver speeches.
COMM 1130  Effective Communication in Organizations   3.0 cr Provides an overview of the role of communication in organizations and the various skills needed to become more effective as individuals in organizational settings. Specifically, this course will look at the communication contexts of interviews, meetings, teamwork, and presentations. Additional topics will include organizational culture and change, cultural and ethical issues, interpersonal relations, and conflict and negotiation.
COMM 2210  Oral Interpretation of Literature   2.0 cr Explores aesthetic theory of literature and of oral reading. Includes practice in reading for emphasis, interpretation, and mastery of reading techniques.
COMM 2230  Small Group Communication   3.0 cr Introduces students to the practice and theory of communicating in small group settings. Working in groups is an integral part of living in today's society. Community and workplace situations require us to be able to lead, participate, and follow effectively. Participating in this course will assist students in developing the leadership, conflict management, problem solving and discussion skills necessary to function in group settings. Students will apply small group communication theory in small, task-oriented groups and develop presentation skills to showcase their understanding of what it means to be an effective group member. Evaluating the effectiveness of their own and others' group communication behaviors is also required.
COMM 2240  Intercultural Communication   3.0 cr Explores factors that influence communication between individuals of different cultures. In our global society we are increasingly called upon to communicate in a variety of intercultural contexts. Students will develop an understanding of the relationship between cultural orientation and communication behaviors. Identifying their own cultural biases and assumptions will help students increase their awareness and tolerance of individual and group differences. Students will learn to demonstrate cultural sensitivity in interpersonal contacts and identify skills for interacting with people from culture groups other than their own. Students may not earn credit for both COMM 1114 and COMM 2240.
COMM 2250  Topics in Communication Studies   cr This course is a topics course. Please refer to the course section note for more information on this course. This course may be repeated under different topics.

With this transfer pathway, you will be able to transfer to the following programs:

• Metropolitan State University: Professional Communication – BA
• Minnesota State University, Mankato: Communication Studies – BS
• Minnesota State University, Moorhead: Communication Studies - BA
• Southwest Minnesota State University
  • Communication Studies – BA
  • Communication Studies, Public Relations Emphasis - BA
• St. Cloud State University
  • Communication Studies – BA
  • Communication Studies Interdepartmental – BS
  • Communication Studies Supplementary – BA
• Winona State University: Communication Studies (General, Leadership & Advocacy or Organizational) – BA

Professional Organizations

• American Communication Association (ACA)
• American Forensics Association (AFA)
• Association for Business Communication (ABC)
• Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC)
• Association for Women in Communications (AWC)
• Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP)
• International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)
• League of American Communications Professionals (LACP)
• National Communication Association (NCA)
• Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)
• Toastmasters International (TI)

Effective communication seldom occurs naturally. Communication expertise is honed by applying your knowledge through practice and diverse experiences. If you enjoy studying communication, but have another career path in mind, you will benefit greatly from taking several communication courses as electives. You will broaden your career prospects, increase your self-confidence and become a more sophisticated communicator. Interpersonal and public-speaking skills are always in high demand in the workplace.

Career fields in communication

If you are excited about majoring in communication, you will have dozens of career options.

Advertising

• Advertising
• Marketing specialist
• Copywriter
• Account executive
• Sales manager
• Media planner
• Media buyer
• Creative director
• Media sales representative

Communication education

• Language arts coordinator
• High school speech teacher
• Forensics/debate coach
• Drama director
• College or university professor

Electronic media, radio, television and journalism

• Broadcasting station manager
• Director of broadcasting
• Community relations director
• Film editor
• News director
• News writer
• Advertising sales coordinator
• Media buyer
• Market researcher
• Actor
• Announcer
• Disc jockey
• News anchor
• Public relations manager
• Business manager
• Account executive
• Talk show host

Government service and politics

• Public information officer
• Speechwriter
• Legislative assistant
• Campaign director
• Research specialist
• Program coordinator
• Negotiator
• Lobbyist
• Press secretary

Health care

• Health educator
• School health care administrator
• Medical grants writer
• Hospital director of communication
• Clinic public relations director
• Health communication analyst
• Research analyst
• Medical training supervisor
• Communications manager for health agencies
• Health personnel educator
• Medical center publications editor
• Hospice manager
• Health care counselor
• Activities director
• Marketing director
• Health facility fund raiser

Public relations

• Publicity manager
• Advertising manager
• Marketing specialist
• Press agent
• Corporate public affairs specialist
• Account executive
• Development officer
• Fund raiser
• Membership recruiter
• Sales manager
• Media analyst
• Media planner
• Creative director
• Audience analyst
• News writer
• Public opinion researcher

Below are just a few examples of possible career paths that can start with taking Communication courses at Inver Hills.

• Public Relations Specialists
• Advertising Sales Agents
• Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers
• Editors
• Market Research Analysts
• Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
• Public Relations and Fundraising Managers
• Writers and Authors
• Announcers
• Reporters, Correspondents, and Broadcast News Analysts
• Technical Writers
• Actors
• Producers and Directors

Taking Communication courses at Inver Hills is smart on several key levels:

1. You will receive an excellent education with one-on-one interactions with Communication faculty
2. You will benefit from small class sizes while developing practical, real-world communication skills
3. You will save money and continue your academic and professional careers with less student debt *

* On a national scale, student loan debt has mushroomed to $1.2 trillion, which is greater than credit card debt and auto loan debt combined. In Minnesota, the average debt for four-year grads tops $30,000; 70 percent carry a student debt load.

Tuition and fees for one year at Inver Hills costs a little less than $5,300. Compare that to $15,000 to $20,000 at a for-profit college, or $40,000 to $50,000 at a private college or university. You can complete your first two years at Inver getting a topflight education firsthand from Ph.D. instructors and then transfer to a four-year as a junior all while saving thousands of dollars. It's a no-brainer.

Additional resources

• Scholarship Information
• Cost of Attendance
• Inver Hills Foundation
• Financial Aid Office