Online Master's in Design Management & Communications
Online Course Schedule for Summer 2025
Capstone
MPDC Capstone
Note: Core course requirement for the DMC Program, A minimum grade of "B" is required to pass. Requires successful completion of MPDC 500/5000, 520/5042, 600/5041, 550/5043, and 620/5003.
- Course #: MPDC-7990-140
- CRN: 19698
- Instructor: Schmidt, S.
- Dates: May 19 – Aug 16, 2025
Content Strategy
In response to changing consumer expectations, marketing has become less about paid advertising and more about providing value-added content to attract and retain customers. It is no longer acceptable to speak at customers; rather, they expect to be engaged in conversation around topics that they are interested in. Moreover, the addition of new web-based and social channels has created demand for large amounts of new content. Students in this course will work with clients to develop content tailored to a specific target audience. They will learn how to create a cross-channel content plan and build a portfolio of content samples for web stories, social media, email newsletters, and other channels.
- Course #: MPDC-7150-140
- CRN: 20300
- Instructor: Franklin Parrish
- Dates: May 19 – Aug 16, 2025
In Search of the Big Idea
- Course #: MPDC-7170-140
- CRN: 17533
- Instructor: Matson, A.
- Dates: May 19 – Aug 16, 2025
Strategic Leadership in IMC
Why are some organizations innovative and forward-thinking while others continually struggle to find a competitive advantage? In one word, the answer is leadership. Leaders determine if an organization is able to be flexible, responsive and innovative in the face of change. Yet, the majority of leaders unknowingly reward behaviors that curtail strategic thinking rather than nurture it. They confuse innovation with the creation of new products and technologies. And they miss the opportunity to create a competitive advantage in areas from fundraising and programming to marketing and communications. In this course, we will learn which leadership practices create a culture that overcomes obstacles and promotes creative problem solving. Through hands on, interactive exercises, students will develop the creativity and critical thinking skills to develop high-performing teams, construct industry-leading ideas and, ultimately, generate an enduring competitive advantage.
- Course #: MPDC-7120-140
- CRN: 19729
- Instructor: Hill, G.
- Dates: May 19 – Aug 16, 2025
The Brand Concept
What is a brand? What is the definition of a great brand? Why do some brands survive generation after generation while others fail after a short shelf life? This course will explore the core principles of branding. You will learn how brands compete in an environment full of choices for consumers, and the tactics they employ to be best in class. Using a consumer-centric approach, you will learn how to think critically and creatively about measuring, sustaining, building, and defending brands in today’s competitive environment.
- Course #: MPDC-5023-140
- CRN: 20299
- Instructor: Rorer, A.
- Dates: May 19 – Aug 16, 2025
The Creative Brief
- Course #: MPDC-7130-140
- CRN: 19730
- Instructor: Handloff, R.
- Dates: May 19 – Aug 16, 2025
Visual Communications
In today’s digital world, it has become necessary for communicators to use visual tools to communicate ideas effectively. In this course, students learn how to research, apply and critique typography, color strategies, digital imaging, design principles, and visual trends. Students should have working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suites and other relevant computer programs prior to taking this course.
Note: Foundation course requirement for the DMC program. A minimum grade of "B" is required to pass.
- Course #: MPDC-5042-140
- CRN: 19697
- Instructor: Wang, X.
- Dates: May 19 – Aug 16, 2025
Visual Persuasion
Visuals can be a persuasive and powerful tool in communications. This course discusses effective strategies, tactics, and tools that are used to create persuasive and compelling visual content, messages, and products.
- Course #: MPDC-7364-140
- CRN: 19766
- Instructor: Schauble, J.
- Dates: May 19 – Aug 16, 2025