Description
The Business Communication program offers a communication degree with specialized skills and knowledge in business, writing, and design in order to prepare competent communication practitioners. Students majoring in Business Communication are prepared for a range of career opportunities in positions such as those found in corporate communication, marketing, public relations, and non-profit leadership among others or to enter graduate school. Graduates gain the skills necessary to listen to, appreciate, and empathize with diverse voices and perspectives which enhances their problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills in both the public and private sectors.
Communication courses, along with those in business, writing, and design, provide a firm foundation for communication practitioners and the adaptable skills and knowledge needed to succeed in an increasingly diverse, expanding, and dynamic workforce. Students learn the core elements of competent communication to work with or on diverse communication and creative problem-solving and decision-making teams found in today’s market. Coursework is enhanced and supplemented with practical application through reflection on adult students’ lived experiences. Ultimately, graduates of this program are the people that organizations and communities seek to help collaborate and connect with a myriad of individuals and audiences.
Objectives
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Business Communication, graduates will be able to:
- Apply communication concepts, theories and practices to diverse contexts and audiences.
- Assess competency of communication practices in personal and professional settings.
- Generate creative solutions to ethical and professional problems through critical thinking and collaborative interaction.
- Synthesize knowledge and skills in communication, business, writing, and design in professional contexts outside the classroom.
- Interpret diverse perspectives and advocate with empathy for oneself and others.
Policies
Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.00 in the major. Furthermore, the lowest acceptable grade is a “C” in all major courses. No student, regardless of major, will be permitted to advance to the next major course without earning a grade of “C” or better in the prerequisite course(s). When a grade below a “C” is earned in a major course, the student must repeat that course. The lowest acceptable grade in Stevenson Educational Experience (SEE) courses is a “D,” with the exception of ENG 151 and ENG 152, for which the lowest acceptable grade is a “C.” If a SEE course is required for the major the lowest acceptable grade is a “C.”
A course may be repeated twice without special permission. Business communication majors must apply in writing to the Associate Dean, Communication Programs requesting permission to attempt a course for the third time.
Requirements
The courses listed below are required for completion of the bachelor’s degree in business communication. Students must also complete the requirements for the Stevenson Educational Experience (SEE).
Specific pre- and co-requisites for each course are listed in the course descriptions.
Major Requirements:
Communication Core Required Courses - 30 credits
| CM 101 | Public Speaking | 3 credits |
| CM 115 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 credits |
| CM 205 | Communication Ethics | 3 credits |
| CM 211 | Intercultural Communication | 3 credits |
| CM 255 | Small Group Communication | 3 credits |
| CM 260 | Business and Professional Communication | 3 credits |
| CM 275 | Principles and Practices of Public Relations | 3 credits |
| CM 310 | Conflict Resolution and Negotiation | 3 credits |
| CM 390 | Organizational Communication | 3 credits |
| CM 490 | Capstone | 3 credits |
Business Core Required Courses - 13 credits
| MATH 136 | Introduction to Statistics | 4 credits |
| MGT 204 | Principles of Management | 3 credits |
| MKT 206 | Principles of Marketing | 3 credits |
| MKT 316 | Principles of Negotiation and Sales | 3 credits |
Writing Core Required Courses - 9 credits
| CM 323 | Writing for the Web | 3 credits |
| GPS 200 | Adult Learning Theory & Practice | 3 credits |
| MGT 210 | Business Writing | 3 credits |
Design Core Required Courses - 6 credits
| PHOTO 141 | Basic Digital Photography | 3 credits |
| GDES 125 | Fundamentals of Digital Media | 3 credits |
Technology Required Courses - 6 credits
| IS 135 | MS Office Applications | 3 credits |
| IS 260 | Presentation Theory and Application | 3 credits |
Minor in Business Communication
A minor in business communication is not available. A minor in communication is available.
Other Options
Bachelor's to Master's Option: The bachelor's to master's option is available for students majoring in business communication who wish to combine their bachelor’s coursework with work toward a master’s degree in one of Stevenson’s graduate programs. Students choosing this option may earn their master's degree in as little as one year after their bachelor's degree. Interested students must formally apply for entrance into a bachelor's to master's option in their junior year. Once admitted into this program, students develop an educational plan in consultation with their Student Success Coach. A master's degree in Communication Studies is available. For more information on this program, see the Admissions section in this catalog.