IMMACULATA UNIVERSITY ADDS APPLIED COMMUNICATION TO ITS MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE PROGRAMS

The vast field of communication demands trained professionals who are able to apply their knowledge in a fast-paced working environment.  To address this demand, Immaculata University will begin offering a 36-credit Master of Arts degree in Applied Communication.

Professionals already working in the field and those preparing for a career will benefit from an advanced degree that enables them to develop practical skills in writing, represent organizational image, respond to crisis, and apply public relations theory needed and desired in all organizational relationships.  The new major features a concentration in Public Relations that expands understanding of research, writing, and delivery methods not only to achieve, but exceed client’s expectations.  This program enables students to explore various aspects of public relations including local, governmental or global applications.  Techniques of self-evaluation help strengthen the student’s ability to adapt and grow in changing climates, responsive to the continuously evolving discipline of public relations.

The Applied Communication curriculum plan is based on nine credits in the general core, six courses in the applied communication concentration, six credits dedicated to the capstone experience, and several opportunities for various industry-related electives.  Topics covered in the concentration include Communication Theory in Practice, Issues in Public Relations, Public Relations Writing, Media Relations, Crisis Communication, and Community, Government, and Global Relations.

“The graduate program in Applied Communication offers a rich theoretical framework for professionals seeking an expertise in the image enhancement of the corporate, institutional, or individual clients that they represent.  Students of this program will learn the ethical skills needed to advance in the public relations industry,” commented Stacy Linkins, coordinator of the Applied Communication major.

In addition to the new Master of Arts in Applied Communication, Immaculata University offers six other Master of Arts degrees in Educational Leadership, Music Therapy, Organization Leadership, Counseling Psychology, Nutrition Education, and Cultural and Linguistic Diversity.  Also available is a Master of Science in Nursing degree.

Immaculata University, a Catholic, coeducational institution, is located 20 miles west of Philadelphia, south of the intersection of routes 30 and 352, between Paoli and Exton.

THE COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES AT IMMACULATA UNIVERSITY
CELEBRATES ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY

The College of Graduate Studies at Immaculata University celebrates 25 years of providing graduate programs designed specifically to meet the needs of part-time, working, adult students. Starting with only 59 students in the fall of 1983, the College of Graduate Studies has grown to attract over 1200 students each semester seeking advanced training at the master’s or doctoral level. University graduates include close to 2,000 men and women who have completed degree programs. In addition, numerous students have finished programs leading to certificates and certifications in education and psychology.

From its foundation the Graduate Division, as it was originally called, has focused attention on offering career-oriented, professional programs.  Excellence, integrity, and service formed the initial core values supported by the founding program leaders, Sister Mary Lalande Drumm, IHM, and Sister Carroll Isselmann, IHM, and Sister Kathleen Mary Burns, IHM, who served as the first dean. During the 25 ensuing years, these same values have driven the expansion of program offerings and commitment to students.

In July 1983, three inaugural programs began with studies in counseling psychology, nutrition education, and educational leadership. Subsequently, programs in bilingual/bicultural and music therapy were added. Since that time, the breadth of programs has grown extensively along with the University as a whole.  Over time, doctoral programs in clinical psychology, school psychology and educational leadership and administration complemented master’s offerings. Currently, students seeking their master’s degree may choose from educational leadership, music therapy, counseling psychology, cultural and linguistic diversity, nursing, nutrition and dietetics, and organization leadership.  The recently launched master’s program in applied communication continues the tradition of programs with a career-focus addressing current issues in society.

To provide convenient access to graduate education for working students, the College of Graduate Studies offers programs at a variety of off-campus locations including healthcare facilities and educational organizations.   At the present time, approximately 15 off-site locations serving 8 counties in the region support the personal and professional goals of students advancing their careers through advanced training and education.

Sister Ann M. Heath, dean of the College of Graduate Studies, commented: “From the beginning in 1983 to the present day, the faculty, administration, and staff have focused their attention on supporting students to achieve their academic and professional goals.  This year we celebrate a history that is rooted in deep belief, great expectation, and hard work.  We celebrate, with gratitude, the commitment, service, scholarship, and spirit of all those – students, graduates, faculty, administration, staff, benefactors and friends – who have shared a part of their life in realizing a dynamic vision: creating opportunities for growth through graduate education.”

The year-long celebration for the 25th anniversary of the College of Graduate Studies will include several special events culminating in a formal reception on Wednesday, May 13, 2009.  Please check the Immaculata University Web site for more details.

Penn State Great Valley hosts speaker series
for business professionals

The Continuing Professional Education Division of Penn State Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies is offering a speaker series on Friday mornings this spring, beginning March 28 with a program titled, “Effectively Managing Your Career for Growth and Change in 2008.” Other programs to follow include: April 4­-“IT Business Analyst: Assessing Your Needs;” April 18-­“Virtualization: Transforming Your IT Organization;” May 2-­“Leading Change: Tools and Techniques;” and May 16-­“Resolving Conflict through Negotiation.” All programs, which are held in the Musser Auditorium of the Safeguard Scientifics Building on campus, begin at 7:30 a.m. with check-in and networking, continue with speakers from Penn State Great Valley’s Continuing Professional Education Department, and conclude at 10 a.m. after a question and answer session and additional networking. Cost of each program is $25, which includes continental breakfast and a $25 voucher good toward tuition for any upcoming continuing professional education non-credit program at Penn State Great Valley, in Malvern.

For information call 610-648-3281 or send email to gvskills@psu.edu www.gv.psu.edu/ce/speaker

Penn State Great Valley professor’s book makes top business book list

Dr. John J. Sosik’s book, Leading with Character: Stories of Valor and Virtue and the Principles They Teach (Information Age: 2006) has been selected as one of the "30 Best Business Books of 2007" by Soundview Executive Book Summaries. Sosik is professor of management and organization and professor-in-charge of the Master of Leadership Development program at Penn State Great Valley graduate school, Malvern.

In the book, Sosik highlights 23 principles of leading with character exhibited by some of our most transcendent leaders -including Pope John Paul II, Martin Luther King, and Nelson Mandela- along with others whose leadership qualities may be less recognized, including such figures as Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, poet Maya Angelou and children's television legend, Mr. Rogers.

“I was surprised and happy to receive this honor, because it took a lot of work to write this book. It’s nice to see that business readers are appreciating its message,” said Sosik, who lives in Exton. “People like to learn about leadership through the life stories of leaders. I wrote Leading with Character so that leaders in all walks of life can realize that character and virtue form the foundation of outstanding leadership, and it’s nice to know it’s making an impact in the business world.”

Leading with Character: Stories of Valor and Virtue and the Principles They Teach is available from the publisher at infoagepub.com or at amazon.com.

Penn State Great Valley offers new M.B.A. in
Management of Information Technology

Much of today's business success depends on sound utilization of information technology. With this in mind, Penn State Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies, in Malvern, is now offering an M.B.A. in Management of Information Technology.

The Management of Information Technology option is designed to provide IT professionals and those seeking to gain more knowledge in the area of IT with a combination of business and technical competencies. Students will acquire the tools necessary to manage information technology resources, as well as the know-how to align organizational information technology with business strategies. Middle managers in the IT field may find this M.B.A. particularly helpful in advancing their careers.

Students who pursue this degree should be, first and foremost, seeking a career in management and a degree at a highly-regarded university. For the convenience of working adults, most courses are held during evenings and on Saturdays in seven-week sessions.

Penn State Great Valley is located at 30 E. Swedesford Road, just off Route 202 in Malvern. For complete program information, visit www.gv.psu.edu/mba/mit, or call 610-648-3248.