College of Communications and Information Studies

ISC majors who were members of the 2009 National Student Advertising Competition presentation team.

This section includes information on pre-major requirements, degree requirements, paths, and a listing of courses offered by the ISC program.

To see a list of course offerings for the current semester, visit the Office of the Registrar's Schedule of Classes.

Registration for classes is performed online through WebUK.

Degree Requirements (PDF): Includes information on pre-major requirements as well as major requirements.

List of ISC Courses (PDF): A list of courses offered at the School. Not all courses are offered each semester, so students need to plan their schedules accordingly.

THE FOUR ISC PATHS

- Account Management

The Account Management path deals with the planning and implementation of integrated communication. Account management students will learn how to analyze business objectives and communications alternatives within a company through case studies drawn from existing industry situations. Account management students will also cover the basics of budgeting, measuring research effectiveness, and managing the client—firm relationship. Lastly, account management students will cover the strategic use of the media in integrated promotional campaigns.

- Direct Response

The Direct Response path deals with the practice of narrowing the intended audience into a selected few (the target audience) in which strategic marketing techniques allow for direct contact between the company and the consumer. Direct marketing students will learn the basics of database marketing, strategic business planning, fund raising, mailing lists, print and electronic media, telemarketing, mobile apps and social media. The main focus will consist of integrating the direct marketing aspect of communication into the overall marketing mix.

- Creative

The Creative path deals with crafting the persuasive message. Students will learn how to transform their ideas into effective words and images which inform and persuade. The emphasis is on a disciplined, strategic approach in creative decision-making across all media types. Students will cover the basics of setting objectives, writing body copy, design principles, layout and storyboarding, and regulations that affect advertising messages. Lastly, creative students will learn strong presentation skills and how to prepare a portfolio for after-graduation success.

- Public Relations

The Public Relations path deals with the basic concepts of public relations, including its theory and practice, professional history, function in organizations, and role in society. Students will learn how to write position papers, speeches, brochures, media releases, and newsletters. PR students also learn how to apply the principles obtained in actual case studies where the student will be expected to demonstrate a high level of proficiency in written and oral communication skills.

WARNING: Although every effort is made to ensure that materials on this page are accurate and up to date, it is provided for the convenience of the user and should not be considered the official version. The official version of these materials is available in the University of Kentucky Bulletin. The user is advised to refer to and rely upon the official version of this material when making significant decisions or judgments.