Communications and Applied Technology
About the Program
Bachelor of Science Degree: 180.0 quarter credits
The Bachelor of Science in Communications and Applied Technology is a multidisciplinary program designed for individuals who want to increase their knowledge of all aspects of business communications and relevant communication technologies, while understanding the business principles that are necessary to achieve corporate goals.
The major offers a multidisciplinary approach combining theoretical and applied learning principles and encompasses the spectrum of internal and external communications that organizations utilize in their management and marketing functions. The program is tailored to meet the needs of people who sell, communicate, and manage in industries that are heavily customer oriented and are involved in or affected by world markets. The goal of the program is to increase students’ understanding of communication, management, applicable technology, business, the world economy, and relationships within their corporate culture.
Program Goals
- Combine communications and technology skills training with study of sound business fundamentals.
- Hone written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills for effectiveness in a variety of organizational settings, with both internal and external audiences.
- Expand written communication skills including research and design skills to produce reports, proposals, web sites, and other corporate documents.
- Provide conceptual understanding of various principles of management and organizational processes.
- Develop problem-solving, conflict-management, and decision-making skills
- Examine factors that explain international movement of persons, goods, services, financial capital, and technology across national boundaries.
- Understand legal and ethical issues in business communication, technological advancement, employer-employee relations, obligations to customers, and foreign populations.
Curriculum
To complete the Bachelor of Science degree in Communications and Applied Technology, students must earn a minimum of 180 quarter credits comprising the following:
- English Composition
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Mathematics
- Business
- Computing Technology
- Customer Operations
For additional information, please visit the Communications and Applied Technology web page.
Degree Requirements
| English Composition Requirements | ||
| ENGL 101 | Expository Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| ENGL 102 | Persuasive Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| ENGL 103 | Analytical Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| Mathematics Requirements | ||
| MATH 181 | Mathematical Analysis I | 3.0 |
| MATH 182 | Mathematical Analysis II | 3.0 |
| MATH 183 | Mathematical Analysis III | 3.0 |
| Natural Science Electives * | 9.0 | |
| Liberal Studies Electives ** | 33.0 | |
| Free Electives | 36.0 | |
| Business Minor Requirements *** | ||
| Select six of the following: | 24.0 | |
| Financial Accounting Foundations | ||
| Business Law I | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Introduction to Finance | ||
| Introduction to Marketing Management | ||
| Organizational Behavior | ||
| Operations Management | ||
| Introduction to Business Statistics | ||
| Communications and Applied Technology | ||
| CAT 200 | Strategies for Lifelong Learning | 3.0 |
| CAT 201 [WI] | Interpersonal Communication | 3.0 |
| CAT 302 | Customer Service Theory and Practice | 3.0 |
| CAT 303 | Client Relations Management | 3.0 |
| CAT 360 | Applied Organizational Research | 3.0 |
| CAT 491 | Senior Project in Communications and Applied Technology I | 3.0 |
| CAT 492 | Senior Project in Communications and Applied Technology | 3.0 |
| COM 111 | Principles of Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 230 | Techniques of Speaking | 3.0 |
| COM 240 | New Technologies In Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 270 [WI] | Business Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 330 | Professional Presentations | 3.0 |
| COM 335 | Electronic Publishing | 3.0 |
| COM 370 [WI] | Advanced Business Writing | 3.0 |
| CT 230 | Web Development I | 3.0 |
| CT 240 | Web Development II | 3.0 |
| CT 385 | Web Development III **** | 3.0 |
| PHIL 323 | Organizational Ethics | 3.0 |
| PROJ 301 | Introduction to Project Management | 3.0 |
| PRST 303 | Interpersonal Skills for Virtual Teams | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 180.0 | |
| * | Students select 9.0 credits from any of the following sciences: ANAT, BIO,CHEM, ENVR, FDSC, NFS, PHEV, PHYS. Courses from other departments may be considered with advisor approval. |
| ** | Africana studies, anthropology, fine arts (history of architecture, art, film, music, theatre), foreign language, history, linguistics, literature, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, women's studies, writing. |
| *** | No more than 2 transferred courses may be used to complete the minor. A grade of C (2.0) or better must be earned in each courses in the Minor in Business. |
| **** | After completion of CT 230, CT 240 and CT 385, students can sit for the Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW) exam. Additional self-study may be necessary. |
Writing-Intensive Course Requirements
In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.
A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Center. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.
Program Delivery
An attractive feature of the degree-completion program in Communications and Applied Technology is the flexible delivery options. This program can be completed in a variety of formats so that students can complete their degree in the design that best fits their lifestyle.
On-campus Option
Students who prefer to study on Drexel’s main campus in University City may do so during the day, evening, or on Saturdays. All but five of the courses can be completed during the day or evening. Finally, students who already have an associate’s degree or equivalent credits may complete their degree entirely on Saturdays through Drexel’s innovative Saturday Scholars program, providing virtually no interruption to their weekday routine. Please visit the Saturday Scholars Program web site for more information.
Online Option
Students who desire a quality Drexel education but who do not live or work in close proximity to the university can complete their degree entirely online. The same distinguished Drexel full-time and adjunct faculty that teach on campus also teach online courses using the same syllabus and learning objectives. Please visit the Drexel E-Learning web site for more information.
Career Opportunities
The program provides excellent preparation for management positions in corporate communication, client relations management, and sales. Because communication is integral to success in all industries, the degree prepares students from almost any industry to advance into management positions. Students who want to pursue a graduate degree will find this program’s broad foundation and writing intensive nature to be excellent preparation. Graduates have gone on to pursue master’s degrees in law, business, information technology, communication, human services, and health care management.
Visit the Drexel Steinbright Career Development Center page for information on opportunities after graduation.
Courses
CAT 180 Special Topics in Communications and Applied Technology 1.0-4.0 Credit
Special Topics in CAT. Covers special topics related to Communications and Applied Technology. Allows the College to offer new, specialized lower-level topics of interest and relevance to the major.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 3 times for 12 credits
CAT 200 Strategies for Lifelong Learning 3.0 Credits
Strategies for Lifelong Learning. This course introduces students to the skills necessary for successful lifelong learning. Theoretical and practical aspects of learning are explored. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, study skills, analytical reading, effective writing, reasoning, problem-solving, time management and strategies for management necessary to support learning in a college environment.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
CAT 201 [WI] Interpersonal Communication 3.0 Credits
Interpersonal Communication. Interpersonal communication will be studies from the perspective of emotional intelligence. Particular emphasis will be placed on emotional intelligence in the workplace and in leadership. The main objective is to make students aware that intelligence and technological expertise are not enough to be successful in the workplace. This is a writing intensive course.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
CAT 215 Emerging Trends of Video Games 3.0 Credits
Course examines the importance of the video game industry in today's world including an overview of current video game industry, the motivation for playing video games and the associated consequences. The role of video games from an international perspective also is examined.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
CAT 302 Customer Service Theory and Practice 3.0 Credits
Customer Service Theory and Practice. This course focuses on the theory of customer service and the practices that "best in class" companies apply to differentiate themselves from the competition. The course includes practical information and activities designed to teach students how to respond to customers, resolve problems, and provide quality customer service.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
CAT 303 Client Relations Management 3.0 Credits
Client Relations Management. This course introduces the skills that facilitate and enhance client relations management. Topics covered include building a trusting relationship, evaluating and managing expectations and needs, managing conflict, understanding the client's perspective, customer life cycle, consulting, serving public sector versus private sector clients, managing client relations managers, and ethical issues.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
CAT 315 Expressive Power of Video Games 3.0 Credits
Course focuses on the effects of video games from a multidisciplinary perspective including how video games have transformed social interactions. Emphasis placed on the importance of video games as a persuasive communication medium.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
CAT 360 Applied Organizational Research 3.0 Credits
Applied Organizational Research. This course presents a systematic approach to managerial methods of conducting organizational research and analysis. Students will undergo the managerial research process of specifying the problem; translating the problem into specific research questions; designing the data collection and methodology; collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data; and reporting research results and recommendations.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman or Sophomore
CAT 380 Advanced Special Topics in Communications and Applied Technology 0.5-12.0 Credits
Covers special topics of interest in Communications and Applied Technology. This course may be repeatable for credit.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 3 times for 12 credits
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman or Sophomore
CAT 399 Independent Study in Communications and Applied Technology 0.5-6.0 Credits
Independent Study in CAT. Independent study on a topic related to Communications and Applied Technology selected by the students. The independent study is supervised by a faculty member and guided by a plan of study.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 3 times for 18 credits
CAT 491 Senior Project in Communications and Applied Technology I 3.0 Credits
Senior Project CAT I. Covers planning and execution of a professional project that integrates the academic and practical knowledge the student has acquired in his or her major. Requires a formal written report and a formal oral presentation. This is part one of a two-course sequence.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if classification is Senior.
Prerequisites: (CAT 301 [Min Grade: D] or PROJ 301 [Min Grade: D]) and CAT 360 [Min Grade: D] and COM 230 [Min Grade: D] and COM 270 [Min Grade: D] and ORGB 300 [Min Grade: D]
CAT 492 Senior Project in Communications and Applied Technology 3.0 Credits
Senior Project CAT II. Covers planning and execution of a professional project that integrates the academic and practical knowledge the student has acquired in his or her major. Requires a formal written report and a formal oral presentation. This is part two of a two-course sequence.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if classification is Senior.
Prerequisites: CAT 491 [Min Grade: C]
