Information and Communication Studies

Department Website 

Tom Reichert, Ph.D., Dean, College of Information and Communications
Lyda Fontes McCartin, Ph.D., Co-Director, Information and Communication Studies Unit
Damion Waymer, Ph.D., Co-Director, Information and Communication Studies Unit

Overview

Information & Communication Studies explores the intersection of information and communication disciplines, covering topics from interpersonal communication to digital media effects. The unit offers interdisciplinary programs like the Master of Data and Communication and the Master of Information Security and Cyber Leadership, preparing students for the evolving job market.

This cutting-edge academic initiative equips students with critical skills in collaboration, analysis of complex information issues, and information management. By combining strengths from information science and communication studies, the program positions graduates to excel in diverse professional contexts, setting them apart in their future careers.

COMM 507  - Health Communication: The Science and Practice  (3 Credits)  
Explores the role of journalism in shaping perceptions of scientific issues and task. Emphasis on methods of effectively communicating about science, health, and the environment.
Cross-listed course: JOUR 507
COMM 509  - Environmental Communication: The Science and Practice  (3 Credits)  
The role of journalism in shaping perceptions of environmental and scientific issues and tasks. Emphasis on methods of effectively communicating about science and the environment.
Cross-listed course: JOUR 509
COMM 542  - Public Opinion and Persuasion  (3 Credits)  
Theory and practice of persuasive communication and the role of persuasion in shaping public opinion.
Cross-listed course: JOUR 542
COMM 562  - Online Communication and Personal Relationships  (3 Credits)  
Examines how people form their identities and manage their personal relationships using new communication technologies (social network sites, online dating, mobile computing, video games). Topics include impression management, deception and trust, self-perception and identity, social support and relationship maintenance.
COMM 572  - Communication and Interethnic Behavior  (3 Credits)  
The relation of communication processes to interethnic and interracial attitudes and behavior. Psycho-social foundations of interethnic communication and conflict, group identification and communication processes, interpersonal communication and culture, communication about race and ethnicity, mass media content and effects.
COMM 596  - Study Abroad in Journalism and Mass Communications  (3 Credits)  
Study abroad course will focus on topics in journalism and mass communications and will be taught as a study abroad experience. Individual topics will vary by title.
Cross-listed course: JOUR 596
ICOM 709  - Fundamentals of Data and Digital Communication I  (3 Credits)  
A comprehensive overview of data science basics and applications for communications. Introduces basic concepts, applications, and tools of data science for communication purposes. Includes basic theories and approaches in communications.
ICOM 710  - Fundamentals of Data and Communication II  (3 Credits)  
An advanced and comprehensive overview of data science applications and sophisticated methodologies for communications. Explores advanced concepts, complex applications, and sophisticated tools of data science for strategic communication purposes. Includes advanced theories and contemporary approaches in communications.
Prerequisites: C or better in ICOM 709 or ISCI 534.
ICOM 788  - Implementing Data and Digital Communications  (3 Credits)  
A capstone experience for data and communication students to implement concepts and skills in data analysis learned throughout the program.
Prerequisites: C or better in ICOM 709.
Cross-listed course: JOUR 788
ICOM 795  - Special Topics in Information and Communications  (3 Credits)  
Discussion and critical examination of selected topics regarding information and communications including communication studies, data visualization, information security, leadership and management and other related topics. Topics vary by title. May be repeated a maximum of 3 times.