courses and plan of study 

This course provides an introduction to the field of human performance technology (HPT). It examines basic concepts and principles of human performance, the theoretical underpinnings of the field, research and application literature, and various approaches to solving human performance problems. A systematic approach to the analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation of performance improvement interventions within organizations is emphasized.

This course helps students learn how theories of human learning and motivation can be applied to the instructional process to make the process more effective, efficient and/or appealing. The course focuses on two areas: the theoretical principles that have shaped the field of instructional design (ID) and the practical application of those principles. 

This course examines how the use of computers as a delivery medium impacts the design and development of instruction. Students will learn to identify and apply effective design principles, with an emphasis on project management, planning and implementation issues. They will also design an original storyboard for a web-based lesson or instructional unit in their discipline and collaborate with team members to design, implement and evaluate an online lesson or instructional unit. 

Prerequisite: EDCI 57200

This course is designed to provide an in-depth study of motivation as one of the fundamental variables underlying human learning, behavior and instructional design. The course focuses on theories of motivation, the general principles that have contributed to the field of instructional design and the application of those principles in practical design settings. 

This course will focus on how to communicate in a time of crisis in order to manage the situation and disseminate key messages to various stakeholders. 

This graduate course covers topics related to professional writing and strategic communication. Topics include grammar basics, audience considerations, credibility and ethics, and documentation style. In addition, writing will be discussed in a variety of contexts such as media, public relations, advertising, and business communication.

This course will provide an overview of social media and its relationship to strategic communication. Students will learn about the available forms of social media (e.g., Blogs, Social Networks, and Wikis) as well as their uses, strengths and weaknesses for building and managing relationship with stakeholders. Students will also gain exposure to methods for analyzing social media metrics as a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of social media strategies as tools for developing corporate, nonprofit, and governmental images and brands.

Communication is the essence of leadership, and this course aims to identify how communication can fuel productivity, drive consensus and push the organization to a leadership position within a market. At the same time, communication can sabotage one’s success or be used as a weapon to silence voices and promote political agendas. This course aims to empower you to shape leadership throughout the organization and to know how to advise other leaders in their efforts to overcome communication challenges.

The modern workplace had transformed well before a global pandemic magnified the paradigm shift already under way. In the United States, both consumers and the first five-generation workforce began to demand more from brand statements and value propositions. Those demands include genuine commitment to inclusion and diversity internally and corporate social responsibility externally. This course highlights the vital role professional communicators have in conveying brand and value statements that emanate from the organization’s cultural core and carry forward to the consumer universe. 

The focus of the project is determined by the student. Students are responsible for identifying potential projects within their community, school or workplace. Projects should address an instructional design, communication or training need that would provide a meaningful applied learning experience. Students are encouraged to consult with relevant stakeholders to explore project opportunities and obtain any necessary approvals. 

The project scope will vary by student. Generally speaking, students should plan on spending 10 to 12 hours of work on the practicum project per week. This reserves approximately 80 to 100 hours in total toward the completion of this project.