Competencies

Master of Science in Communications Competencies*

1/28/08

We intend for the graduate of our program to be a “master of connections” who

1. grounds practice in a deep understanding of the domain, as demonstrated by an ability to:

• explain organizational communication and learning in terms of parts and relationships—fields, specializations, roles, purposes, functions, tasks, structures, processes, theories, practices and how they all fit together
• identify and differentiate contexts, including where and how communication and learning functions are carried out in different types of organizations, and how professional practice may be situated in overall organizations, social and economic systems, and environments

 2. displays basic skills of a communication professional, as demonstrated by an ability to:

• effectively communicate orally, visually, and in writing with the support of general workplace productivity software and technologies
• collaborate with others, develop and work in face-to-face and virtual teams, and organize and facilitate meetings and events
• develop client relations and apply a flexible approach to consulting internally and/or externally

3. utilizes special knowledge and skills to carry out professional tasks, as demonstrated by an ability to:

• apply theories of learning, motivation, communication, persuasion, and management
• employ basic quantitative and qualitative research and evaluation methods
•  conduct needs and audience analyses
• create and/or enhance communication, learning, and performance improvement systems and strategies
• manage corporate communication and training functions and projects
• promote organizational alignment, for example, alignment of mission, values, vision, strategic plans, and culture

4. exercises leadership, as demonstrated by an ability to

• guide innovation and planned change
• develop new roles for professionals and new/emerging areas of practice

5. continually learns, develops professionally, and builds character by habitually

• engaging in critical and reflexive thinking
• reviewing literature of the field(s), and participating in professional associations and professional development activities
• insuring that legal and ethical practices are followed

* adapted from goal statements in past planning documents and 2006-2007 competency model for undergraduate and graduate programs