Core Courses (12 credits)

The following four core content courses are required of all degree candidates admitted fall 2008 and thereafter.

• Communication and Society (offered every fall semester)
• Communication Research (offered every fall semester)
• Organizational Communication (offered every spring semester)
• Mediated Communication (offered every spring semester

Pick Set (3 credits)

Students are required to select one of the following four "pick set" courses. Other courses in the pick set may count towards electives.

• Knowledge Management in Organizations
• Media Studies: Theory and Practice
• Persuasion and Advocacy
• Advanced Communication Analysis

Elective Courses (18 credits)

Students are required to complete18 credits in electives. Electives may be satisfied through elective courses, internships, practicum, and courses outside of MCIS (as long as the number of transferred coursework and outside electives does not equal more than six credits). Substantive courses are offered through areas of study linked to each of SC&I departments:

• Communication Studies
• Knowledge Management
• Media Studies

Students admitted who lack relevant work experience are strongly encouraged to take a 3-credit internship (i.e., General Internship-with outside organization, MCIS Teaching Internship, or MCIS Practicum-participaton in faculty research).

Special rules apply to International Students regarding internships/fellowships and CPT (Curricular Practical Training). You should check with the International Services Office for detailed information. 

Capstone Seminar (3 credits)

The capstone seminar is the final requirement students complete in the program. Capstone requires students to integrate what they have learned in the MCIS program through the completion of a clearly focused case study, literature review, or empirical project. The projects can be of an applied or scholarly nature. All projects are informed with literature and scholarly knowledge gained through the program.

MCIS Colloquium (0 credits)

Attendance at MCIS sponsored or approved colloquia or workshops, with one attendance required for each course registration each term. Required of all students each term.

Special Opportunities

Johnson and Johnson Fellows (who are funded through the Johnson & Johnson Fellowship Program) will take 3 credits of internship each semester of their fellowship. These credits count toward the students' elective requirements. Otherwise, Fellow requirements are the same as all other MCIS students.

These students are selected by Johnson and Johnson to be Fellows and spend about 20 hours each week on site at J & J. They are given a stipend plus have their tuition paid and gain valuable experience in learning about corporate communication, corporate social responsibility programs, among other network and project opportunities. All MCIS applicants are considered for J & J Fellowships as part of our admissions process. Nominated students are asked to supply a professional resume for further consideration. Typical Fellow placements are for three semesters.

Research Associates (who are selected in their first semester of study) have somewhat different requirements (6 credit core; 3 credit pick-set; 3 credits of practicum; 3 credits of teaching internship; 18 credits of electives; 3 credit capstone). These students apply in the first semester of study to be involved in more intensive research-focused training. In addition to coursework they will be involved in empirical research with a faculty member; assist in teaching a research methods course; and focus their study and capstone project with a research orientation. Students who are aiming toward doctoral level study or a research career may wish to consider applying to be a Research Associate. There is no funding associated with this opportunity.

Processes and Competencies Emphasized

Courses across the MCIS Curriculum examine a wide range of organizational processes including:

• Analysis and Evaluation
• Change Management
• Communication campaigns
• Collaboration
• Decision Making and Problem Solving
• Facilitation and Mediation
• Group Skills
• Intercultural Management
• Information Retrieval and Analysis
• Interpersonal Relationships
• Interviewing
• Knowledge Management
• Leadership
• New Technolgies
• Organizational Reputation/Identity: Building and Maintenance
• Persuasion
• Stakeholder/Constituency/Audience Analysis
• Team Building
• Using Technology