Professional Speech Communication Program (A Continuing Education Program)
The Professional Speech Communication Program prepares graduate students to organize and deliver information in a persuasive manner through a set of courses that focus on the art of public speaking. It is a non-degree continuing education program designed to serve graduate students who are not Drama majors and intend to work in professions that require advanced vocal and presentational skills.
By taking the courses identified in this program, students who seek employment in fields such as (but not limited to) business, civil service, healthcare, law, ministry, politics, social work and academia will be able to effectively prepare and deliver persuasive speeches and more efficiently communicate with small groups and large audiences. The program is also appropriate for working professionals who want to refine the same skills.
To complete the program, students take three courses in the Department of Drama: DR 505: Speech Communication in the Workplace (1 Credit); DR 517: Voice and Speech for the Professional (1 Credit); DR 703: Public Speaking for the Professional (1 Credit). DR 505 and DR 517 are not sequential. However, DR 703 is the final course in the program.
Each course consists of ten (two-hour) meetings per semester, though instructors may add time to specific meetings to work with individual students. The department has designed each class to meet one night per week for a total of ten weeks. Only six students may enroll in each course. The program does not provide ESL instruction. Applicants must demonstrate that they can communicate effectively in English.