This capstone course provides students in the Business Economics program with an opportunity to synthesize and apply economic knowledge in real-world business contexts. Students will explore the strategic role of economics in firm decision making, analyze competitive environments using economic tools, and evaluate how market structures, data trends, and global forces shape business strategies. Through the lens of innovation, disruption, and sustainability, students will assess how economic reasoning guides ethical and financially sound decisions. The course culminates in a strategic economic proposal in which students develop actionable recommendations to address a current business challenge. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, data interpretation, and professional communication of economic insights. Prerequisites: ECO 406 and ECO 408

This course provides students with an immersive opportunity to connect theory to practice in early childhood education. A key component of the course is the inclusion of virtual experiences that allow students to observe and practice with professionals and families in supporting children with diverse needs. Through guided observations and reflective practice, students will explore the principles of creating inclusive, responsive, and supportive learning environments that nurture each child’s development. The course emphasizes the importance of collaboration, ethical decision-making, and cultural responsiveness in fostering meaningful relationships with children, families, and colleagues. Students will also gain insight into the professional roles and responsibilities within the field, preparing them to navigate diverse educational settings.

In this course, students will explore how strong, positive partnerships with families and communities can enrich early childhood education and child development. Emphasis is placed on understanding child development within the broader contexts of family, culture, language, and society.  Learners will design inclusive strategies that reflect and celebrate the strengths and values of diverse families and discover ways to connect with resources to enhance learning and foster meaningful community ties. Through collaborative planning, students will apply assessment tools and data-informed practices to support young children’s growth across all learning domains. The course also challenges students to reflect on their role as compassionate educators and advocates, capable of nurturing trusting relationships and leading positive change in the field.

Advanced Message Design and Creation builds on foundational communication skills by focusing on the design and production of persuasive, creative, and audience-centered messages across a variety of media. Students will learn how to develop content strategies, design messages that align with brand identity, and adapt content for multiple formats including blogs, podcasts, video, and digital storytelling platforms. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, argumentation, and ethical responsibility in message creation, as well as mastery of professional style conventions. By the end of the course, students will produce polished original work that demonstrates advanced skills in concept development, platform adaptation, and professional presentation.

Communications Research and Methods provides an introduction to the research practices that support effective professional communication. The course emphasizes the ability to locate, evaluate, and apply accurate and unbiased information in communication contexts, with attention to the role of research in maintaining credibility and trust. Students will examine both qualitative and quantitative approaches to communication research, including methods of audience analysis and the interpretation of media use data. While academic perspectives on research are included, the focus is on applications that support professional communicators, particularly those working independently. Students will complete two applied research projects that require the use of research tools to verify accuracy, analyze audiences, and inform communication strategies.

Ethics in Communication introduces students to the ethical foundations and philosophies that shape communication practices across media and professional contexts. While drawing on journalism as a historical foundation, the course expands to include independent and entrepreneurial communicators such as content creators, freelancers, influencers, and digital media professionals. Students will examine major ethical theories and standards and apply them to case studies that explore truth-telling, transparency, privacy, representation, accountability, and the impact of digital platforms. Special attention will be given to the ethical dimensions of AI in communication, including issues of authorship, accuracy, disclosure, and responsible use of emerging tools. Emphasis is placed on ethical decision-making in real-world communication situations, particularly where individuals act without the oversight of traditional institutions. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to recognize ethical dilemmas, evaluate competing responsibilities, and apply ethical reasoning to guide their professional communication practice

This course introduces students to the foundational concepts and tools for building a professional digital presence. Students will explore personal branding, online identity, audience engagement, and content strategy across different modes of communication (e.g., podcast, video, written word, etc.) via multiple platforms. Emphasis is also placed on reflective analysis of both planning and content, ethical participation in digital spaces, and the creation of an initial digital presence plan that students can build on throughout their academic and professional journey. Prerequisites: SPE 103