What is an Organizational Communication major?
Communication is one of the fastest growing majors at the college level. Organizational Communication focuses on the communication processes and strategies that occur within both our for-profit and non-profit business organizations. The Organizational Communication major is perfect for the student who wants the "people" side of a business degree. This major does not focus on the numbers and management strategies of a business degree but on learning to facilitate communication strategy in business. The New College major is an interdisciplinary major drawing from a variety of communication classes. An important theme running throughout the major is leadership development. We want our students to be able to assume leadership roles whatever their position in their workplace.

What can I do with this major when I graduate?
Organizational Communication majors can look forward to working actively in their organizations as facilitators of communication strategies. Students may work in human resources, training and development, marketing, sales, public relations (media relations, public affairs, crisis management), event planning, fund raising, change management, internal communication and publications, organizational development, career development, management, communication or marketing analysis, and as transition specialists, communication technology consultants, and management coaches. The major also offers opportunities for internal and external consulting.

Do I need any special skills for this major?
Admission to the PACE major requires thirty hours of college credit work and some supervisory experience. Supervisory experience can be from volunteer work.

What does PACE mean?
PACE means Program for Accelerated College Education. New College PACE programs are designed for students to move through quickly and achieve their goal of graduation. The Organizational Communication major courses can be completed in five semesters of continuous attendance. Courses in the major are offered year round.

Can I major in Organizational Communication without being a PACE student?
At New College the Organizational Communication major is offered only in the PACE format.

What are the advantages of the PACE program?
Courses are offered continuously, including summer semesters. The program is designed for students to move through the major in five semesters so that graduation can be achieved efficiently.

What is a cohort of students?
The PACE programs are designed as cohort model programs. This means that a group of students may move through the program together. When they stay together in their cohort, they begin the program together and graduate together. Cohort students often form study groups and become "cheerleaders" for one another as they work together to achieve their goals. However, students are not required to remain "in cohort" or to take a set number of courses per semester.

How many semesters does it take to complete this major?
The core major courses can be completed in five continuous semesters. Some students may need additional general education or elective hours, depending on what classes they transfer into the program. A total of 120 hours of course work is required for graduation from St. Edward's New College.

Are classes offered during the summer?
Yes.

How many semester hours of credit do I need to complete the major?
The Organizational Communication major is a 42 semester hour major.

Does this major offer opportunities to challenge classes through the Assessment of Prior Learning process?
Students can challenge courses in the major through the Assessment of Prior Learning process (portfolio). The student's prior learning and experiences will determine which courses can be challenged for credit. If credit is granted through the portfolio process, the student does not have to take the challenged class.

Where are courses in this major offered and when are they offered?
New College uses the St. Edward's University campus and/or a north Austin location, our Professional Education Center, to deliver courses in this major. Course offerings may occur on Friday evenings, Saturdays and/or evenings during the week. Some courses may be delivered online.

Is there someone I can call to get detailed information about the major?
Director of the program, Dr. Sue Currey, can be reached at 428-1333 or at nitac@stedwards.edu to answer questions. Please feel free to contact her.