Organizational Communication
Do you like to observe human interaction? Are you interested in leadership and decision making? Do you handle conflict well and make good decisions? If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, you should consider majoring in organizational communication, a program of study that focuses on internal communication and workplace relationships.
Preparing You For Success
As an organizational communication major, you learn the foundations of interpersonal communication, business, research, teamwork and leadership. Case studies and real-world analysis enhance classroom learning. The major also offers the flexibility to explore intercultural communication, diversity, social media and conflict management.
By the time you graduate, your experiences may include:
- Networking and professional development through the International Association of Business Communicators
- Opportunities to attend professional conferences and publish research with faculty
- Internships with organizations such as the Peoria Park District, OSF Healthcare, Six Flags, and Caterpillar
Making Your Mark
Organizational communication majors often pursue careers in leadership, not-for-profit agencies and corporate business, and they also pursue graduate programs in communication, mediation and law. Recent Bradley graduates work as recruiters, human resource administrators, market researchers and consultants with companies such as OSF Healthcare, Monsanto, Enterprise, and Ford.
Major Requirements
Core Requirements - 9 hrs.
- COM 101: Survey of Communication - 3 hrs.
- COM 300: Communication Theory - 3 hrs.
- COM 417: Issues & Perspectives in Communication - 3 hrs.
Required Courses - 18 hrs.
- COM 201: Journalistic Writing - 3 hrs.
- COM 219: Public Relations - 3 hrs.
- COM 292: Organizational Communication - 3 hrs.
- COM 392: Case Studies in Organizational Communication - 3 hrs.
- COM 393: Small Group Communication - 3 hrs.
- COM 400: Communications Research - 3 hrs.
Elective Courses - 9 hrs. (choose three)
- COM 318: Health Communication - 3 hrs.
- COM 326: Digital Analytics - 3 hrs.
- COM 327: PR Writing - 3 hrs.
- COM 384: Organizational Accidents - 3 hrs.
- COM 387: Strategic Communication in Organizational Contexts - 3 hrs.
- COM 388: Social Media Communication - 3 hrs.
- COM 394: Communication & Conflict Management (BCC-SB) - 3 hrs.
- COM 395: Interviewing Communication Processes & Strategy - 3 hrs.
- COM 397: Virtual Team Communication & Collaboration - 3 hrs.
- COM 416: Researching Organizational Culture (WI, EL) - 3 hrs.
Communication Courses (choose one) - 3 hrs.
- COM 305: The Persuasive Process - 3 hrs.
- COM 315: Intercultural Communication Theory (BCC-WC, BCC-MI) - 3 hrs.
- COM 430: Media Management - 3 hrs.
- COM 495: Communication Internship - 3 hrs.
Total Hours - 39
Course Sequence
Sample program plan information is provided for sample purposes only. Students should consult with their academic advisor about their individual plan for course registration and completion of program requirements.
| First Year - Fall Semester | ||
|---|---|---|
| COM 101 | Survey of Communication | 3 hours |
| EHS 120 | The University Experience | 1 hour |
| BA/BS | Elective | 3 hours |
| BCC | Core Course | 3 hours |
| BCC | Core Course | 3 hours |
| BCC | Core Course | 3 hours |
| Total | 16 hours | |
| First Year - Spring Semester | ||
|---|---|---|
| COM 103 | The Oral Communication Process | 3 hours |
| COM 201 | Journalistic Writing | 3 hours |
| BA/BS | Elective | 3 hours |
| BCC | Core Course | 3 hours |
| BCC | Core Course | 3 hours |
| Total | 15 hours | |
| Sophomore - Fall Semester | ||
|---|---|---|
| COM 219 | Public Relations | 3 hours |
| COM 292 | Organizational Communication | 3 hours |
| BA/BS | Elective | 3 hours |
| BA/BS | Elective | 3 hours |
| BCC | Core Course | 3 hours |
| Total | 15 hours | |
| Sophomore - Spring Semester | ||
|---|---|---|
| COM 305 | The Persuasive Process | 3 hours |
| COM 392 | Case Studies in Organizational Communication | 3 hours |
| BA/BS | Elective | 3 hours |
| BCC | Core Course | 3 hours |
| BCC | Core Course | 3 hours |
| Total | 15 hours | |
| Junior - Fall Semester | ||
|---|---|---|
| COM 300 | Communication Theory | 3 hours |
| COM 393 | Small Group Communication | 3 hours |
| BCC | Core Course | 3 hours |
| BCC | Core Course | 3 hours |
| COM | Internship | 3 hours |
| Total | 15 hours | |
| Junior - Spring Semester | ||
|---|---|---|
| COM 387 | Strategic Communication in Organizational Contexts | 3 hours |
| COM 395 | Interviewing Communication: Process and Strategy | 3 hours |
| BA/BS | Elective | 3 hours |
| BCC | Core Course | 3 hours |
| BCC | Core Course | 3 hours |
| Total | 15 hours | |
| Senior - Fall Semester | ||
|---|---|---|
| COM 400 | Communications Research | 3 hours |
| COM 416 | Researching Communication in Organizational Culture | 3 hours |
| BA/BS | Elective | 3 hours |
| BCC | Core Course | 3 hours |
| BCC | Core Course | 3 hours |
| Total | 15 hours | |
| Senior - Spring Semester | ||
|---|---|---|
| COM 417 | Issues and Perspectives in Communication | 3 hours |
| BA/BS | Elective | 3 hours |
| BA/BS | Elective | 3 hours |
| BA/BS | Elective | 3 hours |
| BCC | Core Course | 3 hours |
| Total | 15 hours | |
Total Hours: 121