Last Updated: 4/16/2012
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts
Florida International University’s students live in a dynamic intercultural and multinational city that is
focused on the arts, design, and communication. We are constantly exposed to the interplay of design,
arts, and culture that exists in a city that serves as a gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America. It is a
flexible, multidisciplinary program that prepares students to work in a variety of jobs, including positions
in public or private organizations, non-profit organizations, and professions that require extensive public
contact, communication skills, and a working knowledge of design and the arts. In today's global
business environment, effective organizational communication--internal and external--has a significant
impact on an organization's success. Reasons for the increasing importance of organizational
communication are numerous, with workplace change front and center.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Arts is composed of three distinctive tracks:
1. Organizational Communication Studies
2. Art & Performance Studies
3. Design Studies
Students majoring in Communication Arts must choose one specific track to pursue. Each track is
comprised of different courses, and requires 24 credits completion.
This three-track approach incorporates all the disciplines within The College of Architecture + The Arts,
similar to the way a Liberal Studies degree incorporates courses from Arts and Sciences.
For each track, students are required to complete the same core. The core is comprised of 36 credits of
communication courses. A strong foundation in communication is necessary for individuals to possess if
they wish to work as advocates in the fields of art and/or design, but not as performers or licensed
designers.
Possible Employment Opportunities: Organizational Communication Studies Track
Campaign Manager
Community Relations Specialist
Legislative Liaison
Lobbyist
Political Aide
Speech Writer
Employee Liaison
Investor Relations
Labor Negotiator
Pharmaceutical Representative
Promotions Manager
Human Resource Director
Sales Representative
Training and Development Specialist
The organizational communication degree emphasizes the importance of successful communication within
organizations and corporations and its influence on conducting business and maintaining a degree of
operational stability within an organization.
For more information, contact:
Communication Arts Department
Webpage: http://comm-arts.fiu.edu/
Phone: 305-348-1984
Office: VH 212
Email: comm-art@fiu.edu
Department Chair: Joann Brown, brownj@fiu.edu
Major Core Courses: 36 Credits
COM 3110 - Business and Professional Communication (3 credits)
Identification of communication situations specific to business and the professions. Analysis of variables
related to communication objectives and preparation of oral presentations and business
correspondence.
Offered online and face-to-face every semester
COM 3461 - Intercultural/Interracial Communication (3 credits)
How people communicate cross culturally, interculturally and intraculturally.
Offered online and face-to-face every semester
COM 4462 - Conflict Management (3 credits)
This course examines the intercultural dynamics that influence the formation, implementation and
evaluation of international conflict management. This course focuses on cultural and identity formation;
intercultural communication, negotiation, and dialogue; and the theories that inform this area of
scholarship.
Offered face-to-face (Prof Malachowski) fall and online every semester
SPC 3210 - Communication Theory (3 credits)
Comprehensive introduction to the study of human communication processes including verbal and
nonverbal modalities. Key historical and contemporary definitions and concepts in communication
theory are reviewed.
Offered face-to-face (Prof Schoen) fall and online every semester
SPC 3301 - Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)
Fundamental principles and terms of human communication study in the interpersonal context.
Practical application of definitions, models, and communication rules and competence discussed with
emphasis on a variety of relational stages and types.
Offered face-to-face (Prof Malachowski) fall and online every semester
SPC 3425 - Small Group Communication (3 credits)
The study of group development, group roles, decision-making, leadership, power, and conflict
management.
Offered online every semester
SPC 3540 - Persuasion (3 credits)
The study of attitude formation and change are explored to identify how individuals process and act on
information. Social influence theories/techniques and their ethical implications are examined.
Offered face-to-face spring (Prof Temple) and online every semester
SPC 3602 - Advanced Public Speaking (3 credits)
Examines public speaking as a workplace activity and provides students with practical experience.
Emphasis is placed on incorporating technology into the different types of speeches. Prerequisites: SPC
2608 or permission of the instructor.
Offered face-to-face spring (Prof Marino) and online every semester
SPC 3711 - Gender and Communication (3 credits)
Using text and films, this course examines the different styles of verbal and non-verbal communication
of men and women in various settings.
Offered face-to-face fall (Prof Schoen) and online every semester
SPC 4445 - Corporate Communication Theory and Leadership Dynamics (3 credits)
Emphasis on oral communication and leadership skills that are essential for the business community.
Offered face-to-face spring(Prof Malachowski) and online every semester
IDS 3336 – Artistic Expression (3 credits)
Exploration of the interrelatedness of societies and culture through language, music, and art are
explored to appreciate how individuals convey thoughts and respond to events from various
perspectives.
Offered face-to-face every semester (Prof Schoen)
Track in Organizational Communication Studies (24 credits)
COM 3120 - Organizational Communication (3 credits)
Explores the role of communication in organizations, as well as the role of technology, corporate
culture, leadership, teamwork, ethics, and diversity in effective communication among organizations.
REQUIRED
Offered face-to-face fall (Prof Malachowski) and online every semester
COM 3404 - Nonverbal Communication (3 credits)
Study of nonlinguistic and paralinguistic aspects of communication, including personal space, body
language, eye contact, touch, and paralanguage.
Offered face-to-face spring (Prof Malachowski) and online every semester
COM 3410 - Cultural Communication Patterns of Asia (3 credits)
Increases cultural awareness by contrasting and comparing communication patterns between Asian and
Western cultures.
Offered as Study Abroad
COM 3135 – Managerial Communication (3 Credits)
Students examine effective communication in hiring and promoting, in conflict, in community
interaction, and in the internal communication of an organization.
Offered online every semester
COM 3601 – Environmental Communication (3 credits)
Through landmark essays exploring ecological conflicts, land use policy, natural disasters, and
ecological movements, this course analyzes the communication applications related to the field.
Available starting in fall 2013
COM 4022 – Healthcare Communication (3 credits)
This course will review health communication through an examination of theoretical frameworks,
communication techniques, and technologies that promote the health of individuals and communities.
Available starting in fall 2013
COM 4310 – Research Methods in Communication Arts (3 credits)
This course will introduce students to a range of social sciences and communication studies research
methods (qualitative and quantitative).
Available starting in fall 2013
COM 4430 - International Business Communication (3 credits)
This course will provide students with the theoretical and experiential framework for examining the
meaning of communication in global business.
Offered online every semester
COM 4124– Organizational Change (3 credits)
This course introduces students to different concepts of organizational change management and
provides strategies for mitigating organizational risks for any initiative.
Offered online fall semester
COM 4620 - Communication on Ethics (3 credits)
Students will examine conceptual perspectives for understanding and evaluating communication ethics
in interpersonal relationships, small groups, organizations, and intercultural contexts.
Offered online fall semester
COM 4510 - Political Communication (3 credits)
This course examines the effect of both (free) political news and (paid) political advertising on politics
in America.
Offered face-to-face spring (Prof Temple) and online every semester
COM 4417 - Communication in Film (3 credits)
This course will examine the unique relationship between communication and film from the 1920s (the
era of silent film) through today.
Offered face-to-face spring (Prof Schoen)
SPC 3513 - Argumentation and Debate (3 credits)
Lectures and activities concerned with audience-centered reasoning. Topics include: Nature of
argument, analysis, reasoning, evidence, values, and building and refuting arguments. Prerequisites:
SPC 2608 or permission of the instructor.
Offered face-to-face fall (Prof Blaeuer)
COM 4940 – Internship in Communication Arts (1-6 credits)
On-the-job learning experiences at approved organizations allows interns to assist and observe all job
functions & duties related to various aspects of communication within their respective industry.
COM 4900 – Directed Independent Studies in Communication Arts (1-3 credits)
Specialized intensive study in a specific area of special interest to the student. Prerequisites: Permission
of the instructor and the Department Chair.