By Dr. Charlene Berquist, Director, and Heather Blades, Associate Director
Conflict is a pervasive and costly part of every workplace, and increasingly employers are seeking professionals who possess strong communication skills, who can work effectively as part of a team, and who can mitigate their own conflicts and those conflicts that arise with and among peers, supervisors, and those they manage. In response to this need, the Department of Communication at Missouri State is in the process of establishing a new major in Conflict and Interpersonal Communication.
About the Program
This non-comprehensive bachelor of science degree will provide students with the theoretical knowledge to understand the causes and dynamics of conflict. Through a blend of classroom and experiential learning the Conflict and Interpersonal Communication Major will allow students to explore the causes and dynamics of conflict and develop skills that will enable them to analyze conflict situations in a variety of contexts and address these conflicts effectively.
Program Details
This 59 credit-hour major will include the following coursework:
A theory and method core that includes:
- COM 209: Survey of Communication Theory,
- COM 210: Communication Research Methods, and
- COM 350: The Rhetorical Tradition and Contemporary Applications.
A communication practices core that includes:
- COM 205: Interpersonal Communication Theory and Skills,
- COM 325 Nonverbal Communication, OR
- COM 326: Effective Listening, and
- COM 332: Small Group Communication.
A conflict studies core, that includes:
- COM 311: Introduction to Conflict Resolution Studies (a course that is currently in development),
- COM 511: Conflict and Communication,
- COM 521: Communication, Mediation, and Negotiation, and
- COM 523: Contemporary Topics in Conflict (a variable content course that is currently in development).
Students will also select an elective course from a list of 21 course options.
Employment Opportunities for Program Graduates
The Conflict and Interpersonal Communication Major will help students build a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge and skills that will be valuable in a wide variety of professional fields. Graduates of the program may build careers in dispute resolution-related fields such a mediation, arbitration, ombuds-work, peace-building, or restorative practices. Alternately, graduates may also find success in a wide range of other professions where the ability manage conflicts is a vital skill, such as human resources, management, education, community organizing, social work, law, public administration, or other areas.
For More Information
The Conflict and Interpersonal Communication Major is currently going through the University’s curricular review process. It is estimated that students will be able to enroll in the major starting in the fall of 2019. For more information on this program, please contact Dr. Charlene Berquist at 417-836-8831 or CharleneBerquist@MissouriState.edu.