Worldwide College of Arts & Sciences Communication Course Earns Quality Matters Certification
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Worldwide College of Arts & Sciences is pleased to announce that the COMD 219 Speech course has earned the Quality Matters (QM) Higher Education Certification, achieving a perfect score of 101. This recognition affirms the course’s excellence in online design, accessibility and student engagement, placing it among the top tier of certified online courses nationwide.
As a foundational course in the Bachelor of Science in Communication, COMD 219 introduces students to essential speaking, presenting and visual communication skills that prepare them for success in advanced coursework and professional settings.
“This QM certification reinforces that students in our program are learning in an environment built on best practices in online teaching and learning,” said Dr. Alex Rister, B.S. in Communication Program Chair. “From their first day in the program, students are engaging with content that meets the highest standards of quality and relevance.”
Dr. Rister co-developed the course with Dr. Allison Kwesell, with support from the Worldwide Learning Design & Technology team. Offered every major and minor term, COMD 219 serves both as a General Education option and as a prerequisite for many upper-level Communication courses, meaning every Communication major benefits from this nationally recognized design.
The certification aligns with Embry-Riddle's ongoing commitment to continuous quality improvement in online learning. Courses that earn QM certification undergo an extensive peer-review process and must meet rigorous design standards for alignment, engagement and accessibility.
“Effective communication is at the heart of aerospace education, practice and leadership,” said Dr. Alexander Siedschlag, dean of the Worldwide College of Arts & Sciences. “At Embry-Riddle, our mission extends beyond technical excellence as we prepare students to convey ideas, innovations and messages with clarity and confidence across global, high-stakes environments. This Quality Matters certification reaffirms our commitment to integrating communication as a core competence in the broader aerospace learning experience.”
This recognition highlights the broader philosophy of the Communication program, which combines academic rigor with practical application. Through specializations in Aviation, Science & Technology and Crisis, Risk & Resilience Communication, students learn to translate complex ideas into clear, impactful messages across industries.