Communication Systems
The major in communication systems combines the theoretical focus of communication studies with the practical skills of information technology, resulting in a program that prepares students to perform on the cutting edge of modern media systems. This program is flexible, emphasizing the interdisciplinary study and project work that are critical in a rapidly-changing field. With a communications systems background, students can enter the dynamic fields of the information industry, media and communication, management, public policy, and a variety of other corporate and non-profit areas.
Because many courses in the major are taught by working professionals, communication systems students gain both a theoretical foundation in communication studies and technology and learn practical strategies for applying that knowledge in the workplace. The technology challenges facing organizations are nearly always intertwined with communication needs. Individuals with a combination of communication expertise with proficiency with technology are invaluable in almost any professional environment.
Communication Systems Courses
COMM_ST 102-CN Public Speaking (1 Unit)
Theory, composition, delivery, and criticism of public speeches.
COMM_ST 205-DL Theories of Persuasion (1 Unit)
Survey of major theories that explain how to change another person's attitudes and behaviors. Applications to persuasion within a variety of contexts, including relationships, organizations, legal campaigns, and the mass culture.
COMM_ST 250-DL Team Leadership and Decision Making (1 Unit)
Theories and research relating to communication in small groups and group decision making.
COMM_ST 270-CN Theories of Mediated Communication (1 Unit)
Introductory survey of current issues in research on the mass media, the Internet, and computer-mediated communication.
COMM_ST 360-CN Theories of Organizational Communication (1 Unit)
Theories and research dealing with communication in formal organizations and institutions.
COMM_ST 362-CN Professional-Client Communication (1 Unit)
Various processes of professional-client communications, including organizational theory, social, and managerial activities.
COMM_ST 363-CN Bargaining and Negotiation (1 Unit)
Communication in bargaining and negotiation in organizational settings. Cognitive and motivational theories emphasizing bargaining and negotiation strategies.
COMM_ST 364-CN Collective Decision Making and Communication in Organizations (1 Unit)
Research on how organizations make, communicate, and implement collective decisions. Assessing decision effectiveness, group decision making, leadership in organizations, and organizational design.
CIS 130-DL Tools and Technology of the Web (1 Unit)
Introduction to the current tools and technologies used for designing and developing interactive websites. May not be audited or taken P/N.
CIS 212-DL Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming (1 Unit)
Introduction to core elements of object-oriented programming; transfer of those concepts into Java language. May not be audited or taken P/N.
Prerequisite: CIS 110-CN.
CIS 313-DL Telecommunications and Computer Networks (1 Unit)
This course provides an overview of telecommunications and data communications. Course work includes local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN) components such as switches, routers, telecommunication circuits, and protocols. Advanced topics such as information security, information assurance, advanced networking technologies, and others will be overviewed as well.
CIS 317-DL Database Systems Design and Implementation (1 Unit)
Database Systems Design and Implementation.
CIS 345-CN Information Security (1 Unit)
Practical knowledge to understand, manage, and ensure the security of an organization's information assets. Concepts of information security, business continuity, disaster recovery, and risk management are presented. May not be audited or taken P/N.
Prerequisite: CIS 313-CN or equivalent.