Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Online Courses

Approaches to understanding, analyzing, and synthesizing information from varied perspectives. Emphasis is on researching, writing, and crafting sound arguments from multi-disciplinary approaches.

A research seminar that investigates the laws and ethics codes of various professions, such as education, business, health care and data management. Each seminar participant selects one profession to track throughout the semester and reports on that field’s laws, conduct requirements, legal cases and methods of conflict resolution. Evaluations are based on oral presentations, papers and participation in class discussion.

Supervised work experience in a community agency or business based on an individualized, contracted program planned in conjunction with a faculty member and approved by the student’s advisor. For six internship credit hours, a student is to work 270 hours with an approved agency; for five credit hours, 225 work hours; for four credit hours, 180 hours; for three credit hours, 135 hours; for two credit hours, 90 hours; and for one credit hour, 45 hours. A student may repeat IDST U398 once with a different internship contract description for a total of no more than six hours of undergraduate credit.

An individualized, contracted research planned in conjunction with an Interdisciplinary Studies faculty member. May be repeated for a total of no more than six credit hours.

Work with an advisor to choose a service learning or study abroad course.

Reading and research on selected topics designed to explore issues of broad interdisciplinary interest. Particular emphasis is placed on integration of knowledge at an advanced level, exploration of ethical issues, and gain experience in research and oral presentation. Seminar topics vary.

Survey of functions of management as they pertain to organizational efficiency and effectiveness using written assignments and class discussions. A focus on group and individual dynamics, ethics, culture, leadership, decision-making, globalization, employee engagement, innovation and entrepreneurship, organizational change and workforce diversity.

Introduction to life span developmental psychology providing an overview of cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development from conception to senescence.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC U101

The principles governing human interaction including factors such as group dynamics, leadership, prejudice and propaganda.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC U101

The nature of mental and emotional disorders including such topics as theories of emotional disorders and the causes and treatment of various disorders.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC U101

The importance of the nonprofit sector in the United States emphasizing the history, the relationship to business and government and the place of the nonprofit sector within American society generally.

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing (30 semester hours).

Financial management within the nonprofit sector emphasizing strategic planning, budgeting, accountability, risk management and control.
Prerequisite(s): NPAD U302 or consent of instructor

Study in selected topics in nonprofit administration. Emphasis upon competencies necessary for emerging leaders in the nonprofit sector. May be repeated with permission of advisor.
Prerequisite(s): NPAD U301

Introduction to the history, theory and emerging activities of social entrepreneurship. Course topics also cover nonprofit administration skills for social entrepreneurial organizations, scaling of social impact, and social performance measurement.
Prerequisite(s): NPAD U301 or consent of instructor

Intensive study of a selected topic planned around an area of faculty or student interest. Course may be repeated for additional credit during the same semester and subsequent semesters as topics vary.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC U101 and 54 credit hours earned

Inquiry into the role, influence and practice of planned and responsive communication between organizations and their multiple publics. Through exploring the foundations and evolving application of public relations, publicity and informational materials for varied purposes and audiences are produced using traditional and emerging industry tools.
Prerequisite(s): ENGL U102

Critical exploration of how media represent the experience, causes, and social effects of illness in the United States and in selected contexts throughout the world. Particular attention is paid to the ways that stigma is attached to people with specific health problems via print and electronic media portrayals and to the ways in which media can be used to combat public ignorance, fear, and misperceptions of illness.
Prerequisite(s): ENGL U102.

Practical and theoretical overview of the impact of social media and other emerging technologies and platforms on both communication professions as well as culture and society. Topics include strategically creating and integrating tools such as blogs, interactive maps, online video, infographics, podcast, and social media platforms for use in journalism, public relations, and marketing.
Prerequisite(s): ENGL U102 or consent of instructor.

A specific area or media field is explored relating to the professional responsibilities of the journalism student looking toward the career marketplace.
Prerequisite(s): JOUR U201

Exploration and application of the fundamental skills and processes needed for successful campaigns serving professional, corporate and non-profit clients. All aspects of public relations campaigns including publicity materials, teamwork, developing timelines and budgets and presenting proposals to clients are applied; culminating in a completed client-specific public relations plan.
Prerequisite(s): ENGL U102 and JOUR U328; or consent of instructor.

Introduces and implements strategies and tactics for organizations to avoid and mitigate crisis situations through effective communication with the public, government, and other stakeholders.
Prerequisite(s): ENGL U102

Contemporary areas of management. May be repeated with permission of advisor.
Prerequisite(s): 54 credit hours earned.

Survey of the theoretical and empirical foundations of human behavior in industries and organizations. Special consideration is given to applied problems as they relate to improving relationships between individuals and organizations.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC U101

Behavioral, emotional, and cognitive contributions to physical health.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC U101

Attitudes, beliefs, and behavior towards individuals based on group membership. Emphasis is placed on social-psychological empirical findings and relevant theoretical approaches to understanding and reducing intergroup bias.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC U101

Investigation of ethical principles informing everyday communication practice in relational, organizational, mediated, and cultural contexts. A case study approach to the building and nurturing of more ethical relationships, organizations, communities, and media practices is emphasized.
Prerequisite(s): SPCH U201

Key concepts, theoretical perspectives, research, and practical applications and strategies in organizations, organizing, and communication. The historical development of key paradigms that shape the study of organization and organizing are examined.

Narrative’s relation to illness and health and how stories are told by people who have long-term or chronic illness, by professional healthcare providers, and by nonprofessional caretakers. Topics include health narrative field collection methods and the relationship between agency and narrative among patients, providers, caregivers, and society at large. Service learning opportunities focus on collecting stories told about health and illness in professional health settings to better understand how people experience illness as patients and caregivers.
Prerequisite(s): SPCH U201 or consent of instructor.

Theories, research and practical implications of communication in organizations and organizing contexts. The relationships among power, identity and organization in local and global contexts are emphasized.
Prerequisite(s): SPCH U201 and SPCH U348

Theoretical and practical approaches to understanding communicative and relational practices in social movement organizing. Emphasizes the construction of persuasive messages and responsible advocacy for social change in traditional and digital communication contexts.
Prerequisite(s): SPCH U201