Information technology programs

+Associate of Applied Business in Communication Arts Technology

Andrew J. Kurtz, Ph.D., program director

In recent years communications has been revolutionized through the evolution of the World Wide Web, multimedia technology and the growth of digital telephony systems. Competition for products, services and employees is intense as businesses strive to keep pace with communication technology's dynamic growth. Business and industry are seeking communicators who are proficient in a broad range of skills and are able to embrace emerging technologies in this fast-paced, information-based environment.

The goal of the associate of applied business in communication arts technology is to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and effectively apply emerging communications technologies in a business environment. The communication arts technology program embraces traditional aspects of communication such as written and visual communication while at the same time providing instruction in the implementation of new media technologies with special emphasis on Web-based communications.

In conjuction with the College of Technology, students in the communication arts technology program have the option to tailor their electives to meet the core requirements in visual communication technology. After receiving their communication arts technology degree, students may continue to pursue their bachelor of science in visual communication technology at BGSU Firelands.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates from the program will possess the following knowledge and skills:

• Proficiency in written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills;
• Proficiency in communication design, including Web site design and implementation, graphics production and computer presentation skills;
• Proficiency in industry-standard communication software tools;
• A knowledge of team-building skills and demonstrated proficiency at teamwork within a business environment.

First year

• Communications requirement
  
  • ENG 110, 111 and/or 112 (3-8)
• General studies
  
  • Social and behavioral sciences elective (3)
• Basic courses
  
  • MATH 120, 126 or 128 (4)
  • CS 101 (3)
  • VCT 203 (3)
• Technical core
  
  • CAT 191 (3)
  • CST 181 (3)
  • VCT 204 (3)
• Core elective (chosen in consultation with adviser) (3)
  
  • ART 102 (3)
  • ARTD 211 (3)
  • BAT 102, 208 (3)
  • BUSE 253 (3)
  • CST 281 (3)
  • CS 205, 215 (3)
  • ET 245 (4)
  • MIS 200 (3)
  • VCT 208, 282, 304, 308, 368 (3)
• Tools elective (see adviser for current list)
  (2-6)

Second year

• Communications
  
  • ENG 388 (3)
  • IPC 102 or 306 (recommended) (3)
• General studies
  
  • Humanities elective (3)
• Natural sciences elective (3)
  
• Business elective (select one) (3)
  
  • ACCT 221
  • BAT 102, 204
• Technical core
  
  • BAT 205 (3)
  • CAT 251, 291 (6)
• Core elective (see above) (6-9)
  
• Tools elective (2-3)
  Tools electives are 2-3 credit hour courses designed to give students experience working with communications hardware and software. Each semester tools courses will be offered in areas such as desktop publishing, multimedia systems, Web site programming and computer desktop presentations. A total of 4-9 credit hours of tools electives are required for graduation.

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