B.S. Hospitality and Communication
Degree Requirements
All BU undergraduates complete coursework in the BU Hub
To graduate, students must complete:
128 total academic units , divided among foundational, core, elective, and general elective coursework
600 hours of work experience , completed in two 300-hour internships
An international experience via study abroad or other approved options
The Hospitality and Communication major curriculum includes the following requirements:
REQUIREMENTS CREDITS
Foundational Courses
20 cr.
SHA Core Courses
24 cr.
COM Core Courses
16 cr.
SHA Elective Courses
12 cr.
COM Elective Courses
12 cr.
General Electives
28+ units/cr.
2 Field Experiences 0 cr.
1 International Experience 0 cr.
TOTAL CREDITS 128 CR.
Foundational Courses
The Bachelor of Science in Hospitality & Communication will provide you with strong foundation courses taken in the College of Arts and Sciences that develop students’ writing skills, provide an economics groundwork, advance mathematical comprehension, hone knowledge of another language, and give you an opportunity to enrich yourself with humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences coursework.
Foundational Courses: 20 credits
FOREIGN LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT: Two semesters of the same modern foreign language (proficiency through level two)
CAS PS 101 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Basic introduction to field of psychology; topics include theories and findings governing learning, memory, perception, development, personality, social and abnormal psychology. Three hours large lecture and one hour discussion section or three hours of small lecture class with no discussion sections. Students are required to participate as subjects in psychology studies. 4 cr. either sem. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry I, Critical Thinking. Effective Fall 2019, this course will fulfill a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry I, Critical Thinking, Ethical Reasoning.
* Can be fulfilled with a 4 or 5 on AP Psychology Exam
CAS MA 113 4 credits. Fall and Spring
CAS MA 113 may not be taken for credit by any student who has completed any MA course numbered 300 or higher. Students may receive credit for not more than one of the following courses: CAS MA 113, MA 115, or MA 213. Basic concepts of estimation and tests of hypotheses, ideas from probability; one-, two-, and multiple-sample problems. Applications will be in social sciences and students will be able to understand the basics of using a sample to predict uncertainty. Carries MCS divisional credit in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Quantitative Reasoning II. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning II, Critical Thinking.
CAS MA 119 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Applications of mathematics for personal financial decision-making. Systems of equations, exponential functions, logarithms, probability, descriptive statistics, and numerical simulation, for modeling saving, borrowing, inflation, purchasing power, taxation, government benefits, risk management, insurance, annuities, and investments. Carries MCS divisional credit in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry I, Quantitative Reasoning I. This course also fulfills the learning outcomes for Life Skills. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning I, Social Inquiry I, Critical Thinking.
Core Courses
The sequence of core requirements courses provide a broad foundation in hospitality and event management, as well as communication studies.SHA Core Courses: 24 credits
SHA HF 100 4 credits. Fall and Spring
BU Hub Learn More Digital/Multimedia Expression Historical Consciousness Teamwork/Collaboration
This introductory course is open to all BU students and is the prerequisite for School of Hospitality courses. Students gain an historical perspective and identify current events and trends in lodging, restaurants and event management. It provides an overview of the global hospitality/tourism industry including the critical elements of managing services. The Boston market, multimedia assignments and team-based projects are integrated into the learning environment. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Historical Consciousness, Digital/Multimedia Expression, Teamwork/Collaboration. 4 cr. Offered in the Fall and Spring.
SHA HF 150 4 credits. Fall and Spring
BU Hub Learn More Creativity/Innovation Digital/Multimedia Expression Social Inquiry II
Central to the hospitality industry is the provision of memorable, high-quality customer experiences across digital and physical touchpoints. This allows hospitality and other service organizations to turn satisfied customers into brand evangelists. This course introduces the emerging domain of customer experience management (CEM)--the discipline of understanding and managing customer interactions with the organization to improve satisfaction, loyalty, and advocacy. CEM is a unique domain that draws on practices from the fields of marketing, marketing research, technology and data science, and operations and service science, with the aim of understanding and improving customer experiences with the organization. The course will cover the definitions and basic requirements of customer experience management, and also provide detailed frameworks and tools and techniques to allow students to gain proficiency in the language and practice of customer experience design and improvement. Effective Fall 2023, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Digital/Multimedia Expression, Social Inquiry II, Creativity/Innovation.
SHA HF 260 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: SHAHF 100; Undergraduate Corequisites: SHAHF 220. Note: Students must take SHAHF 220 and HF 260 concurrently in the same section (e.g., A1/A1). Contact your academic advisor with any questions. - This course provides an understanding of the role & function of marketing in the hospitality industry. It offers an overview of generic principles of marketing for any industry (including consumer products & manufacturing) and introduces specialized principles for the hospitality industry. For all topics, it uses examples taken primarily from the hospitality industry. Subjects covered include marketing strategy, marketing research, consumer behavior, segmentation, positioning, product and concept development, pricing, distribution, & marketing communications (including advertising & PR). Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy. 4 cr. Offered Fall and Spring.
SHA HF 282 4 credits. Fall and Spring
BU Hub Learn More Oral and/or Signed Communication Research and Information Literacy Writing, Research, and Inquiry
This course is intended as a 'practicum' in hospitality communications. This course is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors. The focus is on the development of those communication skills that are critical to being effective managers. There will be readings on communication, but the majority of the course will focus on skills development. Each week students will be required to deliver presentations to the class. These presentations will be videotaped and critiqued. By the end of this course students will be much more comfortable, clear, and confident speakers in any situation. Effective Fall 2024, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU HUB areas: Oral/Signed Communication, Research and Information Literacy, Writing, Research, and Inquiry.
SHA HF 375 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: SHA HF 220 - This course provides an introduction to the methods and techniques utilized in planning, organizing, promoting and delivering of businesses and social events, and the role events play in generating a tourist and business market. Information will be presented that will allow the student to gain general knowledge of planning events. Specifically, the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) sector of the events will be examined in depth from a professional planner's perspective. Information presented will allow the student to gain knowledge of planning events from the role of a meeting professional and assist in preparing for the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) exam. 4 cr. Offered Fall & Spring.
SHA HF 432 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: SHA HF 231, Seniors only - This course will focus on leadership and management for the hospitality industry. Using a leadership continuum as a framework, we will explore several different levels of leadership, from a "traditional" leadership role as the head of a major corporation to the more personal aspect of self- leadership. Several different leadership models will be analyzed and applied to the hospitality industry. Leadership tools will be explored - hands-on, realistic tools that you will be able to use in your personal lives, while in school and in the business world upon graduation. 4 cr. Offered Fall & Spring.
COM Core Courses: 16 credits
Note: Students may not start taking COM courses until their sophomore year. Core courses can be taken concurrently with other COM core courses.
COM CM 211 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Students will learn the essentials of effective presentation, from preparation, audience analysis, and content development to critical thinking when presenting. Students will incorporate theories and skills of effective communication in a variety of contexts (e.g., common business and social settings). Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Oral and/or Signed Communication. 4 cr. Either sem.
COM CM 215 4 credits. Fall and Spring
An introduction to the field of public relations: its theoretical origins, scope, and principles. Discussion focuses on researching problems, setting objectives, identifying audiences, designing messages, choosing communication channels, and evaluating results for all types of organizations. Ethical decision making, on-line communication, and career opportunities are also analyzed case studies in the field. The format is a combination of informal lecture and small-group discussion, case analysis, and guest lecture. Open the freshmen. 4 cr. Either sem.
COM CM 217 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Explores the history, nature, function, and social and economic aspects of advertising: ethical responsibilities, psychological appeals, marketing, media research, product analysis, creative strategies, and agency operation. Students prepare comprehensive advertising plans, including marketing strategy and speculative advertising campaigns. Open to freshmen. 4 cr. Either sem.
COM CO 101 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Corequisites: Students must have taken or be taking CAS WR120 or equivalent while ta king COM CO101. - Introduces students to many fundamental principles of communication. Students also learn about the intertwined nature of communication professions as they explore the major fields of study in communication. Guest lectures from various industries inform students of potential future career paths. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry I, Digital/Multimedia Expression.
Elective Courses
Students are required to complete 24 elective units , divided evenly between the two schools. Students may either select courses across both the Event Management & Public Relations Concentration and the Branding & Marketing Communication Concentration, or commit to one of the two:
Event Management & Public Relations Concentration
SHA Options:
SHA HF 376 Special Event Planning and Operations
SHA HF 376 4 credits.
Undergraduate Prerequisites: SHA HF 375 - This course is designed to provide an introduction to the principles of special event management. The planning, development, and management of corporate and social events, entertainment events and festivals will be the focus of the study. Specific topics will include the foundations of planning an event, including conceptualization, event design, working with vendors/contracts, budgeting, marketing strategy, revenue generation through tickets and sponsorship, and event technology. 4 cr. Offered Spring Semester.
SHA HF 220 Food and Beverage
SHA HF 220 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: SHAHF 100; Undergraduate Corequisites: SHAHF 260. Note: Students must take SHAHF 220 and HF 260 concurrently in the same section (e.g., A1/A1). Contact your academic advisor with any questions. - This course focuses on principal operating problems facing managers in the restaurant industry. Topics such as concept development and entrepreneurship, menu analysis, cost control, operational analysis, and customer service processes are addressed. 4 credits, offered Fall & Spring.
SHA HF 321 Advanced Food + Beverage Management
SHA HF 321 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: SHA HF 220 - This intermediate-level course is designed to complete a student's foundation in food and beverage management. Critical issues in the food service industry are explored in depth. Course content will vary. Analysis of daily operations with a focus on developing viable solutions to problems is emphasized. The course content is grouped into six thematic competency clusters. 4 cr. Offered Spring Semester.
SHA HF 295 Private Club Management
SHA HF 295 2 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: SHA HF 100 - Provide students with an introduction to the hospitality management specialization of Club Management. Lecture topics will include: what clubs are, organizational structure of clubs, service in the club environment, profit or non-profit, and professionals in club management. There will also be guest speakers, classroom case studies and field trips. 2 cr. Offered Fall Semester.
SHA HF 307 Hospitality Entrepreneurship
SHA HF 307 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: SHA HF 220, SHA HF 260, SHA HF 310 - This course is intended to be a capstone experience for students seeking to understand hospitality entrepreneurship and innovation as a professional business system. Student teams will create, develop and design a concise Pro Forma Business Plan for a start-up non-profit or profit-driven hospitality enterprise. At the end of the semester teams will make a competitive presentation integrating the principles and skills mastered in previous coursework to a panel of successful hospitality entrepreneurs. 4cr. Offered Fall.
SHA HF 360 Hospitality Sales Management
SHA HF 361 Advanced Consumer Behavior in Hospitality
SHA HF 361 4 credits.
Undergraduate Prerequisites: SHA HF 260 - In order to create and deliver value for customers, marketers must develop a deep understanding of how their consumers make decisions when purchasing and using their services. In this course those consumer behavior theories will be explored that are most applicable to different types of hospitality purchase experiences. 4 cr. Offered Spring Semester.
SHA HF 210 Financial Accounting for the Hospitality Industry
SHA HF 210 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: SHA HF 100, CAS MA 119 - An introductory course in Accounting designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the language of business. This course examines the basic accounting processes of recording, classifying, and summarizing business transactions. It also provides an opportunity to study elements of financial statements such as assets, liabilities, equity, revenue, and expenses. 4 credits, offered Fall & Spring.
COM Options:
COM CO 201 Introduction to Communication Writing
COM CO 201 4 credits. Fall and Spring
BU Hub Learn More Oral and/or Signed Communication Research and Information Literacy Writing-Intensive Course
Undergraduate Prerequisites: First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120) - The College of Communication's core undergraduate writing course. Students refresh their grammatical and stylistic skills and apply those skills to professional writing assignments. Prepares students to write with clarity, conciseness, precision, and accuracy for the communication fields. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Writing-Intensive Course, Oral and/or Signed Communication, Research and Information Literacy. (Students on the Hub cannot take WR100 as a pre-requisite.)
COM CM 331 Writing for Communication
COM CM 331 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: CO201 AND First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120). - Intensive exposure to some of the basic writing formats in the communications profession: news releases, letters, features, and profiles. Lead writing, editing, and techniques of interviewing. Extensive writing and rewriting. Develops basic writing skills for different audiences. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Writing-Intensive Course.
COM CM 442 Business Fundamentals of Public Relations
COM CM 442 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: COM CM215 - This course provides a foundation in business skills for public relations. Through readings and discussions, in-class exercises, guest speakers and a final team project, students will gain a strong foundation in the major concepts and issues at the intersection of business and public relations. The course will sharpen students' business acumen through increasing their business and financial literacy on topics such as public company reporting, reading financial statements, and the basics of S.E.C. filings.
COM CM 443 Digital Media and PR
COM CM 443 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: COM CM215 - Explores the effects of new media on the fundamental theories, models, and practices of public relations. Studies how websites, blogs, citizen journalism, social media, direct-to-consumer communication, podcasting, viral marketing, and other technology-enabled changes are affecting interpersonal, small group, and mass media relationships. Also covers and uses the interactive tools that are re-defining the practice of public relations. The course combines lecture, discussion, guest speakers, case study, and research to help students uncover and appreciate the power and potential of interactive media.
COM CM 481 Media Law and Policy
COM CM 481 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: Sophomore standing. - Study of the laws that apply to communication practitioners. Topics covered include the First Amendment, defamation, invasion of privacy, copyright, regulation of advertising, obscenity, and indecency, and the emerging field of cyberspace law. Sophomore standing.
COM CM 513 Investor Relations
COM CM 513 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (COMCM215) - Graduate Prerequisites: (COMCM701) - Students examine the challenges of marketing a company to the financial community. The course is broken down into three areas: the development of IR as a profession; the tools of the trade, such as bonds and stocks; and the field's communication techniques. Students prepare case analyses as a way of understanding various SEC disclosure requirements, communication with analysts and the media, and financial marketing techniques.
COM CM 525 Public Relations Ethics
COM CM 525 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: CM215 or CM701 - This course will acquaint students with ethical standards and expectations society has for public relations practitioners. Through the study of case studies and other readings it will prepare students so they can adequately wrestle with ethical complexities, dilemmas and ambiguities so as to form personal ethical underpinnings for their future careers. 4 credits. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Ethical Reasoning.
COM CM 548 International Public Relations
COM CM 548 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (COMCM215 or CM701) - This course focuses on the global practice of public relations with an emphasis on corporate and agency practice. A major goal of the course is to help students become knowledgeable about the ever-increasing development of public relations throughout the world and the opportunities it offers within corporations, government, business, and non-governmental organizations. (This course was formerly CM448; if you have taken CM448, you cannot take CM548.) (Undergrad prereq: CM215.)
COM CM 522 Managing Corporate Crisis
COM CM 522 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (COMCM215) - Graduate Prerequisites: (COMCM701) - Students learn about the strategy and tactics associated with effectively preventing, preparing for, managing, and responding to a variety of crisis scenarios that stretch an organization's vital relationships and resources. The course will focus on the options and opportunities available to communication professionals and leaders as they manage a wide range of crisis scenarios. Students will be instructed on how to navigate and provide executive counsel before, during, and after a crisis, while also preparing detailed crisis plans. The course includes lectures, in-class discussions, guest speakers, case examples, and crisis simulations. Students will be challenged to investigate and gain a command of the critical thinking skills, tools and strategies required for successful crisis management and communication in 21st century corporate, non- profit, and government settings.
COM CM 580 PRLab
COM CM 580 Var credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (COMCM215 & COMCM331) sophomore standing - Graduate Prerequisites: (COMCM701 & COMCM707) - PRLab at Boston University is the nation's oldest student run public relations agency. PRLab allows students to gain valuable industry experience in an agency style setting, working in the corporate, nonprofit and government sectors. Students engage in media relations, event planning, branding, copy editing, content creation and social media management. Over the course of the semester, students create professional portfolios. 2 or 4 cr. Effective Fall 2022, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Teamwork/Collaboration.
Branding & Marketing Communication Concentration
SHA Options:
SHA HF 460 Experiential Marketing
SHA HF 460 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: SHAHF 100, and (SHAHF 260 or QSTMK 323), and (CASWR 150/151/152 or CGSRH 104); First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120). - This is an advanced course focusing on hospitality marketing strategies for hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions or other related events and experiences. In this course we will build upon and integrate basic marketing principles into complex marketing strategies designed to capture market share. All projects are for real situations with real "clients" to be delivered in real time, enabling us to work with industry professionals. Special attention will be placed on market research, targeted marketing, digital marketing, and presentation skills. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Writing-Intensive Course, Creativity/Innovation. 4 cr. Offered Fall & Spring.
SHA HF 368 Digital Marketing Strategies
SHA HF 368 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: SHA HF 260 - This is an advanced course in hospitality marketing focused on the variety of digital marketing tools currently available for hotels and restaurants. The course is designed to follow HSMAI's CHDM (Certified Hospitality Digital Marketing) study guide to meet the industry standard for digital marketing professionals. There will be a review of the most revenue-generating internet marketing techniques and finally booking mechanisms and distribution channels. The course includes concentration on content marketing, social media and developing social campaigns; OTAs and understanding the distribution channels; as well as online reputation management and the technical tools used to monitor results. The class will be structured as a lecture; you must bring your laptops for all in class exercises. 4 cr. Offered Spring Semester.
SHA HF 361 Advanced Consumer Behavior in Hospitality
SHA HF 361 4 credits.
Undergraduate Prerequisites: SHA HF 260 - In order to create and deliver value for customers, marketers must develop a deep understanding of how their consumers make decisions when purchasing and using their services. In this course those consumer behavior theories will be explored that are most applicable to different types of hospitality purchase experiences. 4 cr. Offered Spring Semester.
SHA HF 307 Hospitality Entrepreneurship
SHA HF 307 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: SHA HF 220, SHA HF 260, SHA HF 310 - This course is intended to be a capstone experience for students seeking to understand hospitality entrepreneurship and innovation as a professional business system. Student teams will create, develop and design a concise Pro Forma Business Plan for a start-up non-profit or profit-driven hospitality enterprise. At the end of the semester teams will make a competitive presentation integrating the principles and skills mastered in previous coursework to a panel of successful hospitality entrepreneurs. 4cr. Offered Fall.
SHA HF 360 Hospitality Sales Management
SHA HF 367 Hospitality Distribution Channel Management
SHA HF 210 Financial Accounting for the Hospitality Industry
SHA HF 210 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: SHA HF 100, CAS MA 119 - An introductory course in Accounting designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the language of business. This course examines the basic accounting processes of recording, classifying, and summarizing business transactions. It also provides an opportunity to study elements of financial statements such as assets, liabilities, equity, revenue, and expenses. 4 credits, offered Fall & Spring.
SHA HF 302 Research Methods for Hospitality + Tourism
SHA HF 302 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: None - The dynamic nature of the hospitality and tourism industry requires leaders who are adept in the art and science of management. One of the objectives of the SHA program is to prepare you for leadership roles throughout the industry by "honing your abilities for critical thinking, clear expression, and problem- solving - all vital skills for success in the business world". One of these skills is the ability to interpret and conduct research. There are two factors that make this skill ever more critical in today's world. First, as members of a rapidly evolving society, we are exposed to the results of research on a regular basis -- polls and surveys, newspaper and magazine interviews, business research reports, findings from academic research, among others. An understanding of the process that was utilized in producing such research, interpreting its findings and appreciating the implications of relevant findings for our industry has become increasingly important in a media-saturated environment. Second, the dynamic nature of our business often requires leaders to initiate research that helps their businesses stay ahead of the game. This can range from small ad hoc research projects at a unit level to large, multi- million dollar exercises at the level of the corporation. It is important to understand how such research can be implemented and its findings utilized to improve firm performance. This course consists of three sections that are fundamental to the research endeavor. In the first section, we briefly explore what research is all about and the skills needed to prepare oneself for a research endeavor -- how research works, research philosophies and approaches, ethical considerations, and how to develop literature review skills. In the second section, we focus on different approaches to data collection -- quantitative and qualitative. We explore the implications surrounding the use of these different approaches for study design. The third section examines the tools and techniques involved in the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data. While the course emphasizes primary research methods, we will also briefly discuss the role and value of secondary data in the research endeavor.
COM Options:
COM CO 201 Introduction to Communication Writing
COM CO 201 4 credits. Fall and Spring
BU Hub Learn More Oral and/or Signed Communication Research and Information Literacy Writing-Intensive Course
Undergraduate Prerequisites: First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120) - The College of Communication's core undergraduate writing course. Students refresh their grammatical and stylistic skills and apply those skills to professional writing assignments. Prepares students to write with clarity, conciseness, precision, and accuracy for the communication fields. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Writing-Intensive Course, Oral and/or Signed Communication, Research and Information Literacy. (Students on the Hub cannot take WR100 as a pre-requisite.)
COM CM 331 Writing for Communication
COM CM 331 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: CO201 AND First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120). - Intensive exposure to some of the basic writing formats in the communications profession: news releases, letters, features, and profiles. Lead writing, editing, and techniques of interviewing. Extensive writing and rewriting. Develops basic writing skills for different audiences. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Writing-Intensive Course.
COM CM 313 Corporate Communication
COM CM 313 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: CM215 - Explores the trends and issues affecting corporations, crisis management, public affairs communication, consumer affairs, employee relations, environmental problems, and issues of multinationals. Uses case studies.
COM CM 416 Strategic Brand Solutions
COM CM 419 Advertising Management
COM CM 419 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: COM CM217 - Administration of a complete advertising program. Case-study method used to explore the marketing mix, budgeting, medial strategy, planning, coordinating advertising with promotion, working with client or agency, and the social responsibility of advertisers.
COM CM 443 Digital Media and PR
COM CM 443 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: COM CM215 - Explores the effects of new media on the fundamental theories, models, and practices of public relations. Studies how websites, blogs, citizen journalism, social media, direct-to-consumer communication, podcasting, viral marketing, and other technology-enabled changes are affecting interpersonal, small group, and mass media relationships. Also covers and uses the interactive tools that are re-defining the practice of public relations. The course combines lecture, discussion, guest speakers, case study, and research to help students uncover and appreciate the power and potential of interactive media.
COM CM 522 Managing Corporate Crisis
COM CM 522 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (COMCM215) - Graduate Prerequisites: (COMCM701) - Students learn about the strategy and tactics associated with effectively preventing, preparing for, managing, and responding to a variety of crisis scenarios that stretch an organization's vital relationships and resources. The course will focus on the options and opportunities available to communication professionals and leaders as they manage a wide range of crisis scenarios. Students will be instructed on how to navigate and provide executive counsel before, during, and after a crisis, while also preparing detailed crisis plans. The course includes lectures, in-class discussions, guest speakers, case examples, and crisis simulations. Students will be challenged to investigate and gain a command of the critical thinking skills, tools and strategies required for successful crisis management and communication in 21st century corporate, non- profit, and government settings.
COM CM 585 AdLab
COM CM 585 Var credits. Fall and Spring
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (COMCM217 or CM708) - Experience in student-run, full-service advertising agency. Students organize, manage, and perform all functions: solicit business, perform market and consumer research, contact clients, write plans, create advertising campaigns, evaluate media, and prepare campaign evaluations for community service agencies. Variable credit. Effective Fall 2023, this course fulfills a single unit in the following Teamwork/Collaboration.
General Electives
Students are required to fulfill their remaining academic unit requirements to reach 128 credits, as well as any remaining BU Hub requirements through elective coursework at any college within the University. Elective courses should be selected by the student to complement and broaden the student’s background. Students who are considering studying abroad through any of Boston University’s Study Abroad programs should save some of their electives for the term in which they plan to study abroad. Additionally, students interested in minoring in another school or subject at the University should utilize their elective allotment for that purpose. Physical Education and ROTC courses do not count toward degree units.
Two Field Experiences—(0 Credit Hours)
In addition to regular coursework, all SHA majors complete two 300-hour, non-credit work experiences. The purpose of each work experience is to help the students make connections in the field as well as gain the kind of experience that will allow them to obtain meaningful employment after graduation. These requirements are linked to the noncredit courses SHA HF 140 and SHA HF 240.
International Experience—(0 Credit Hours)
All SHA students are required to demonstrate significant exposure to a culture outside of their home country. For many students, this experience involves participating in a Boston University Study Abroad program either during a semester or summer. For others, it may involve specifically designed coursework completed at the University. This requirement is linked to the noncredit course SHA HF 440. Students are NOT eligible to apply for a study abroad program unless they have completed at least one 300-hour work experience.
