Corporate Communications Certificate

This is an introductory, “gateway” course to the certificate. The course will demonstrate the critical role strategic communication plays in supporting a company’s business strategy. Through classroom learning and interaction with current chief communications officers and industry leaders, students will gain an understanding of all aspects of corporate communications: media relations, brand PR, internal communications, crisis communications, social and digital communications, government relations, investor relations, executive communications, public affairs, and corporate social responsibility/ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance.)  

This course explores corporate communications from a leadership perspective. Through real-world cases and industry experts, students will learn how organizations navigate complex, multi-stakeholder environments. Topics include senior communicators and the C-suite, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in polarized contexts, crisis and risk management, change communication, business acumen, and the evolving media and AI landscape. 

* Prerequisite: ADPR 3870 — Introduction to Corporate Communications OR prior approval by ADPR department. 

Examination of the ways organizations satisfy consumer and organizational needs and wants for products and services. Emphasis is placed on how the elements of the marketing mix are used to provide customer satisfaction in the marketing of goods and services, both domestically and internationally. 

Management functions and processes as applied to organizations and to individuals in organizations. Topics to be covered include strategy, job and organization design, ethics and social responsibility, diversity, global influences, leadership, motivation, human resource management, and organizational change. Other emerging managerial issues may be introduced. 

This course describes the field and the role of public affairs and advocacy in shaping public policy, legislation and politics.

Students develop crisis analysis, planning, and communication skills through class discussion, analysis of theories, case studies, and development of a crisis communication plan.

Promoting athletic teams, coordinating and planning corporate sports sponsorships, and working with athletes and managers are all part of sports promotion. This course looks at the role of marketing communications in sports. Media relations, crisis management, advertising and sports sponsorships, contemporary sports writing, and event planning will be studied.

This course offers students a practical introduction to business literacy from a communication perspective. Students will learn the fundamentals of how organizations operate and make decisions. Students will also learn how communications professionals collaborate with key functions such as legal, finance, marketing and human resources to deliver communication strategies. 

* Prerequisite: ADPR 3870 — Introduction to Corporate Communications OR prior approval by ADPR department 

Students study the operation and objectives of corporate public relations programs using the case study approach. Emphasis is given to relating the management function of decision making and policy formation to the communication process.

Case studies and theory are applied to contemporary situations in this course to explore how economics and politics affect issues of inclusion, corporate purpose, communication and leadership across cultures.

Focuses on the practice of communication for students’ success in their academic and professional careers. Specific communication skills will be practiced within the following contexts: public speaking/presentations, interpersonal communications, managing conflict, presenting data, and business writing.

The basic concepts and analytical tools of finance in both corporate finance and investments. Topics include risk and return, financial institutions, efficient markets, valuation theory, capital budgeting, portfolio theory, cost of capital, and international finance.

This course is a broad survey of leadership theory, research, and practice in organizations. Students will engage in activities to increase self-awareness and learn more about themselves to help them excel in leadership roles. Practical tactics, techniques and strategies will be used to ensure students are prepared for leadership roles.

An introduction to fundamental concepts of business practices of the music industry. Course will focus on the primary sectors of the music industry and necessary skills for beginning and maintaining a professional career in music, and will emphasize practical applications of classroom knowledge to the music business.

Designed to help students deal with the ethical implications of an increasingly complex business world. Covers methods for analyzing and applying personal values, recognizing organizational and environmental forces that influence ethical behavior, and heightening the student’s abilities to recognize ethical issues and engage in effective moral debate in a business setting.

Introduction to risk identification, risk evaluation, and risk treatment methods. Consideration is given to both business and personal risks, with an emphasis on insurance as a risk management tool. The course is designed for non-majors, as well as a basis for more advanced courses in Risk Management and Insurance.

This is an introductory, “gateway” course to the certificate. The course will demonstrate the critical role strategic communication plays in supporting a company’s business strategy. Through classroom learning and interaction with current chief communications officers and industry leaders, students will gain an understanding of all aspects of corporate communications: media relations, brand PR, internal communications, crisis communications, social and digital communications, government relations, investor relations, executive communications, public affairs, and corporate social responsibility/ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance.)  

This course explores corporate communications from a leadership perspective. Through real-world cases and industry experts, students will learn how organizations navigate complex, multi-stakeholder environments. Topics include senior communicators and the C-suite, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in polarized contexts, crisis and risk management, change communication, business acumen, and the evolving media and AI landscape. 

* Prerequisite: ADPR 3870 — Introduction to Corporate Communications OR prior approval by ADPR department. 

This course offers students a practical introduction to business literacy from a communication perspective. Students will learn the fundamentals of how organizations operate and make decisions. Students will also learn how communications professionals collaborate with key functions such as legal, finance, marketing and human resources to deliver communication strategies. 

* Prerequisite: ADPR 3870 — Introduction to Corporate Communications OR prior approval by ADPR department