• Applied Communication Option
• Criminal Justice Option
• Environmental Management Option
• Project Management Option
• Sports Management Option
• Individualized Option

Option Area ContactsThese faculty members are responsible for supervising each of the option areas and are available to answer any specific questions you might have.

 APPLIED COMMUNICATION OPTION

 The 12 credit hour Applied Communication Option provides advanced study in the analysis and practice of effective professional communication. The courses in this option reflect the critical communication challenges facing organization leaders today: understanding and managing diversity in the workplace; leading teams and small groups; negotiating and mediating conflict; using media technologies to communicate with diverse audiences; and developing oral and written communication skills for a variety of organizational roles. Research shows that managers spend as much as 80% of their work day communicating with others and that communication abilities are positively related to managers' job performance and upward mobility. Anyone responsible for supervising or coordinating the work of others can benefit from the Applied Communication Option. Individuals with advanced training in communication find employment in a wide variety of professional fields, including management, training and development, public relations, public information/community relations, human resources management, communication management and nonprofit administration. A background in communication (e.g., speech communication, media, journalism, business communication) is ideal but not essential. Students with backgrounds in the social sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology) humanities (English, languages, arts) or business will find that courses in the Applied Communication Option complement their earlier academic training and professional experiences.

REQUIRED COURSES:

• COM 511 Communication, Community & Conflict (3 cr)
• COM 512 Communication and Diversity in the Workplace (3 cr)
• COM 613 Media Resources for Organizations (3 cr)
• COM 632 Theories and Concepts of Small Group Communication (3 cr)

REQUIRED COURSES (6 hours):

• CRM 502 Analyzing Crime Data (3 cr)
• CRM 620 Crime Theory and Policy (3 cr)

ELECTIVE COURSES - CHOOSE TWO OF THE FOLLOWING (6 hours):

• CRM 597 Special Topics and Issues in Criminal Justice (3 cr)
• CRM 610 Justice Administration (3 cr)
• CRM 650 Law Enforcement and Community (3 cr)
• CRM 670 Correctional Theory and Practice (3 cr)

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT OPTION 

 The Environmental Management Option is designed to meet the needs of established professionals who have some responsibility for managing environmental issues, broadly defined. The option assumes that the student has an appropriate academic background in the natural and applied sciences to qualify for graduate level work. Environmental protection, conservation, and resource planning issues are addressed in this 12 credit hour option.  Please NOTE: This option is NOT available via the internet. 

REQUIRED COURSES:

• ECO 540 Economics of the Environment (3 cr)
• RPL 630 Environmental Assessment (3 cr)

ELECTIVE COURSES - CHOOSE TWO OF THE FOLLOWING (6 hours):

• BIO 532 Principles of Fisheries Management (3 cr)
• BIO 562 Limnology (3 cr)
• BIO 585 Game Management (3 cr)
• BIO 626 Advanced Limnology Methods (3 cr)
• CHM 615 Chemistry of Environmental Systems (3 cr)
• GRY 648 Physiography and Resource Conservation (3 cr)
• PLN 671 Land Use Planning (3 cr)
• PLN 574 Open Space and Recreation Planning (3 cr)
• PLN 670 Planning Law (3 cr)

PROJECT MANAGEMENT OPTION

The 12 credit hour Project Management Option is designed to meet the needs of individuals who are established in careers and are seeking professional growth and advancement within their professions. During the past decade,  the concepts behind project management have been applied in such diverse industries and organizations as defense, construction, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, banking, hospitals, advertising, law, state and local governments.

Projects have the following characteristics: (1) specific objectives to be completed within certain specifications, (2) defined start and end dates, (3) funding limits (if applicable), and (4) consumable resources.  The project management approach is a departure from the traditional vertical business organizational form which emphasizes a strong superior-subordinate relationship.  It is characterized by new methods of restructuring management and adapting special management techniques with the purpose of obtaining better control and use of existing resources.   

REQUIRED COURSES (6 hours):

• IDM 601 Project Management (3 cr)
• IDM 650 Project Management Implementation (3 cr)

  ELECTIVE COURSES - CHOOSE TWO OF THE FOLLOWING (6 hours):

• IDM 510 Product Design and Development (3 cr)
• IDM 545 Project Control Systems (3 cr)
• IDM 551 Cost Analysis for Industrial Management (3 cr)
• IDM 610 Project Leadership (3 cr)

Recommended sequence: IDM 601, two electives, IDM 650

SPORTS MANAGEMENT OPTION

Sports Management is a 15 credit hour option, which includes a 6 credit hour field experience course. The Sports Management Option is designed to provide for preparation for management positions in professional, collegiate, and international sports, as well as, campus and community wellness/sports programs.
 
REQUIRED COURSES:

• PED 633 Current Problems in Sports Administration (3 cr)
• PED 639 Principles of Sports Management (3 cr)
• PED 680 Legal Aspects in Sports, Physical Education, Recreation, and Wellness Programs (3 cr)
• PED 698 Field Experience in Sports Management (3 cr)

INDIVIDUALIZED OPTION 

 The Administrative Studies program is designed to meet your particular educational needs. Don't see an option that meets your needs? Propose your own to the MSAS Program Director! The Individualized option gives you the opportunity to work closely with your academic adviser to develop a 12 credit  hour option tailored to your specific situation and career path. Students have completed the Administrative Studies degree with individualized options in Health Care Administration, Entertainment Management, Theater Management, Public Relations and others.