A communications certificate is an academic non-degree program that can help graduate students or working professionals further their expertise in strategic communication.
Communication skills are essential in most fields, and advanced knowledge of professional communication is applicable to a wide range of positions and industries. Common fields related to communications include education, writing, public relations, marketing, sales, and broadcasting.
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Many students pursue online communication certificates to help them advance their current careers or to help them qualify for new positions. Read on to see if a communications graduate certificate is right for you.
Online Communications Certificate Programs
The skills we associate with communications are often fundamental to any organization’s success. The study of valuable communication skills like leadership, research, and interpersonal collaboration can help you further your expertise in this discipline.
Students who enroll in communications graduate certificate programs often have their own preexisting careers in the communications field. Those that do not may hold a degree in a communications-related discipline. A graduate certificate program in this field will involve many subjects to help you build your specialty in communications.
These subjects include:
- Public speaking
- Interpersonal communication
- Writing for organizations
These are only a few of the many subjects you may encounter in your studies. You can research communications certificate programs to discover the specific subjects different programs cover.
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Oftentimes, this certificate is used as a gateway to a graduate degree in a related field or increased career prospects. Here are some career paths associated with communication fields:
- Public relations specialist
- Journalist
- News analyst
- Writer
- Teacher
- Marketing specialist
- Sales representative
- Training and development specialist
Of course, these only represent a few of the many occupations associated with communication studies. The careers you can qualify for may also depend on your prior education and experience.
Common Graduate Certificate in Communications Programs
There are various types of communication graduate certificate programs you can choose from, each with its own focus. Below is a list of common graduate certificate programs in the field to help you see your options:
- Business Communication. This program covers how to give presentations, proposals, and reports in business organizations.
- Communication Studies. This program gives students a general knowledge of communication across subjects like communication theory, media, and interpersonal communication.
- Digital Media. You can learn about digital media and marketing under a curriculum that involves topics like integrated marketing communications and marketing communications strategy.
- Health Communication. You can study how to influence consumer behavior toward health and healthcare.
- Journalism & New Media. This program teaches about the evolution of reporting from the lens of consumers, producers, users, and industries.
- Organizational Communication. You can learn about how communication and leadership play a role in organizational relationships, values, and culture.
- Public Relations and Advertising. This program focuses on how strategic communication influences an audience.
- Strategic Communications. This certificate is a combination of advertising, international public relations, social media management, visual communication, and crisis communication for the purpose of designing communication campaigns.
This list only offers a quick glance at the types of communications programs that may be available. You can research available programs to see which ones best match your interests and professional goals.
Communications Careers and Salaries
Online communication certificate programs can help graduate students and working professionals advance their skill sets and qualifications in the essential area of communications.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for media and communication occupations is $62,340. Here are examples of careers in communications and related fields.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers | $133,380 |
| Training and Development Managers | $120,130 |
| Public Relations and Fundraising Managers | $119,860 |
| Technical Writers | $78,060 |
| Writers and Authors | $69,510 |
| Market Research Analysts | $63,920 |
| Editors | $63,350 |
| Public Relations Specialists | $62,800 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $61,570 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $48,370 |
Because of the versatility of this certificate and the skills it teaches, it’s common for students to pursue occupations in public relations, media, writing, marketing, and education. That said, it’s also possible for students to enter additional fields with a communications certificate.
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While no degree or certificate can guarantee a specific career or salary, a graduate certificate in communications can help you advance your professional qualifications and skill sets in this sector. The types of positions you may qualify for could depend on a number of factors, such as your chosen industry, prior education, level of experience, and potential employer.
Strategic Communications Certificate Curriculum & Courses
The number of courses found in a graduate certificate program can vary, and the type of courses will depend on the program’s specialization.
Here are some examples of courses you may come across in a communications certificate program:
- Foundations in Business Writing: This course will give students a foundation in professional writing so that their prose is cohesive and their thoughts are well-conveyed.
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: You’re taught how to make better decisions, especially when facing external pressures.
- Communicating Across Cultures: This course teaches you how to identify and overcome common cross-cultural challenges.
- Team Communications: You’re taught how to foster relationships with your team members to become valued and efficient in group settings.
- Develop Effective Business Conversation Skills: This course offers a series of interactive exercises that can nurture your ability to say what you mean.
- Negotiate for Agreement: In this course, you are taught how to apply tactical negotiation techniques to daily scenarios.
- Writing Business Reports and Proposals: You are taught how to plan, draft, and edit reports and proposal writing.
- Argument: You can develop argumentative skills by studying principles and criticism.
- Discussion: In this course, you could become a better critical thinker through the study of group process theory.
- Public Speaking: You’re taught how to become a better public speaker through repeated exposure and research.
It’s helpful to research the specific program you’re interested in to see which courses they offer.
Admissions Requirements
Much like with a communications degree online, the admissions requirements for an online communication graduate certificate vary by school and program. Here are some general admissions criteria:
- Minimum GPA of 2.0 or 3.0, on average
- Bachelor’s degree or higher
- Online application
- GRE or GMAT scores (not required by all schools)
This criteria is subject to change depending on the school of your choice. You can check with a prospective school’s website or admissions office to discover their specific admissions requirements and submission deadlines.
Accreditation
Regional accreditation is a status that postsecondary schools can receive if they are found to meet high-quality educational standards set by regional accrediting organizations. An accredited university is subject to benefits that other institutions are not, including federal financial aid. Students who attend these schools may in turn be eligible for this aid.
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Accreditation can also be valuable for employment, as many employers favor applicants who have academic credentials from accredited institutions. Holding an accredited credential testifies to your ability to perform at a high level.
Communications Licensure and Certifications
There are numerous industry certifications available for communications professionals, such as:
- Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP): This certification is for skilled business communicators who have experience providing strategic communication to an organization.
- Communication Skills for Business (CSB) Professional Communication: This certification demonstrates that recipients have professional communication skills for being effective in work environments.
- Certified Public Relations Manager (CPRM): This credential is for experts in business communication who have public relations skills and abide by a code of ethics.
The certification you choose to pursue may influence your career prospects. It’s strategic to hold a certification that aligns with your goals.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Many students require financial aid to assist them in meeting the cost of their education. One option is to apply for federal aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal and state aid often comes in the form of student loans, grants, or work-study programs.
Scholarships are another form of aid. If you apply to a scholarship program and are selected to receive this aid, you won’t have to pay it back. Schools, professional agencies, and private organizations are some sources that commonly offer scholarships. Some employers also offer tuition benefits to encourage the professional development of their workers.
What Is a Certificate in Communication?
A certificate in communication is an academic award that teaches students how to better analyze information and communicate their thoughts. A graduate certificate is intended for students or working professionals who already hold a bachelors degree.
A certificate program is shorter than a degree program, often only including 4 to 8 courses. It curates coursework to give you as comprehensive knowledge of communications as possible in a shorter program. As part of your studies, you will likely cover oral, written, interpersonal, group, social media, and technological forms of communication. These skill sets are essential in a wide range of positions and fields.
What Can You Do with a Communications Online Certificate?
Communication is vital in most fields, and a graduate certificate in communications can help students and professionals cultivate this skill set. You might use this certificate to advance in your current job or to pursue a new position in a communications-based field.
Because a communications certificate builds a student’s oratory, written, and presentational skills, graduates often work in the fields of public relations and education. Others work as news analysts, journalists, writers, or promotions and marketing specialists.
A communication certificate can also be beneficial for those in sales, politics, and professional training and development. What you do with your certificate may be determined by your goals and prior experience.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Communication Certificate Online?
Online communication graduate certificates can generally be completed in less than 1 year. Depending on their specific requirements, some programs can even be finished in 5 to 6 months with full-time study.
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It’s typical for graduate certificate programs in communication to require a minimum of 10 to 12 credits. Online schooling often makes it so that you are able to base the curriculum around your schedule. While part-time studies can extend your time to completion, they can also allow you to complete the program on your own timeframe.
What’s the Difference Between a Communications Certification vs. Certificate?
Here are the key differences between an online communication certification and a communications certificate.
| Communications Certification | Communications Certificate |
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If you want to pursue industry certification, it’s helpful to choose one that closely aligns with your career goals. Depending on your specialty, a communications certificate program may help you prepare for a certification exam.
Is a Communications Certificate Online Worth It?
Yes, a communications certificate online is worth it for many professionals. The knowledge and skills you acquire can be used across a range of industries, especially in education, public relations, marketing, and media.
Communications graduate certificate programs can help you grow your abilities in public speaking, research, leadership, collaboration, and strategic and interpersonal communication. A communications certificate is also beneficial for future job markets. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, media and communication occupations are expected to grow by 6% over the next ten years.
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You might pursue a graduate certificate to further your current career or to pursue a new role in communications or a related field.
Universities Offering Online Graduate Certificate in Communications Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Arizona State University offers a Technical Communication Graduate Certificate. This program may be a good fit for professionals in diverse fields who want to improve their communication strategies. The curriculum consists of 18 credits of coursework and covers concepts like content strategy, web authoring, copyright and intellectual property, and technical editing. Classes meet fully online, and each one is 7.5 weeks long.
ASU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Ball State University offers an online program for a Graduate Certificate in Corporate Communications. The curriculum is designed to help current managers, administrators, and professionals learn how to communicate clearly and effectively in the corporate sector.
The program requires the completion of 15 credit hours. Potential classes include Public Relations Campaigns, Evaluation Techniques, and Global, Digital, and Ethical Public Relations.
Ball State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Bowling Green State University offers a Strategic Communication Graduate Certificate. The program aims to provide working professionals with theoretical, practical, and experiential communication learning opportunities. The curriculum consists of five courses, each of which is 7 weeks long. The program can be attended fully online and can typically be finished in 6 months.
Bowling Green State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Butler University offers a Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication. The curriculum is designed to help students from varied professional and educational backgrounds develop advanced communication skills. The 12 credit curriculum can be completed entirely online. Students may tailor their studies to their professional goals by selecting an elective most suited to their interests.
Butler University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Colorado State University offers a Graduate Certificate in Communication and Technology. Potential courses include Public Relations, Digital Video Editing, and Advanced Professional Writing. The program’s convenient online learning model is designed with working professionals in mind. Students must complete a minimum of 12 credits to obtain the certificate.
Colorado State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Grand Canyon University offers a Graduate Certificate in Communication. This program is designed specifically for educators pursuing teaching roles in settings like universities, colleges, and technical schools. The curriculum covers topics like media literacy, pedagogy, organizational culture, strategic communication, and interpersonal skills in the workplace. Classes can be attended fully online.
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Indiana University offers an online Communication Studies Graduate Certificate program. It may be an ideal fit for teachers needing to meet Higher Learning Commission qualification standards or any professionals wanting to improve their communication expertise.
The program requires the completion of 18 credits. Potential courses include Intercultural Communication, Communication and Conflict Management in Organizations, and Media Criticism.
Indiana University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Northeastern University offers a 100% online program for a Graduate Certificate in Organizational Communication.
Classes cover concepts like negotiation and mediation, branding, crisis communication, ethical issues, and interpersonal dynamics. The program admits new students four times a year. On average, full-time students can complete the program in 6 months, while part-time students can typically finish in 12 months.
Northeastern University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Northern Arizona University offers a Communication Studies Gradate Certificate. The curriculum is designed to provide students from diverse professional fields with broadly applicable communication skills. Course topics include interpersonal, organizational, and public communication theories. Classes can be attended fully online or in a blend of online and in-person formats.
Northern Arizona University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Ohio University offers a Graduate Certificate in Communication Studies. Students can select a concentration in Team Leadership and Communication or Communication and Change. Classes are housed fully online, and each one is 15 weeks long. The program admits new students year-round.
Ohio University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Pittsburg State University offers a Communication Graduate Certificate. This program is intended for students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree and require additional education to qualify for career advancement or promotion opportunities. The program must be completed within 12 months of enrollment. Its 18 required credit hours can be completed fully online.
Pittsburg State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Purdue University offers a Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication Management. The 12 credit curriculum covers concepts like crisis communication, social media, leadership, and global communication. Classes meet online, and each one is 8 weeks long. After completing the certificate program, many students pursue advanced positions in their field or continue on to a master’s level program.
Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Sam Houston State University offers a Communication Studies Graduate Certificate. Students can choose between concentrations for Educators and Dual Credit Instructors or for Leadership, Management, and Diversity Professionals. Full-time students can typically complete the 18 required credits in 1 year, while part-time students can usually finish in 18 months. All classes meet online.
Sam Houston State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Alabama offers a Graduate Certificate in Digital Communication. The program’s convenient online learning model is designed to help accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals. It requires the completion of 15 credit hours. Potential courses include Media Strategy and Analytics, Digital Communication Strategy, and Advanced Digital Marketing.
The University of Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Florida offers a 100% online program for a Global Strategic Communication Graduate Certificate. This program may be an ideal fit for professionals hoping to excel in intercultural communications in their field. New students are admitted three times a year. Most full-time students can complete the four required courses in 2 semesters.
The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Kansas offers a Workplace Communication Graduate Certificate. The curriculum aims to help students develop the communication skills needed to foster teamwork, address conflict, and promote inclusion in the workplace. The program consists of 4 courses, all of which meet online via web conferences.
The University of Kansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Maryland Global Campus offers a Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communications. Potential classes include Foundations of Strategic Communication, Communication Techniques and Tactics, and Decisive Thinking, Communicating, and Leading. The program utilizes a 100% online learning model. Up to 6 qualifying credits may be transferred in toward the program’s 18 required credits.
The University of Maryland Global Campus is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of Southern India offers a fully online program for a Graduate Certificate in Instructional Communication.
Students can opt for the regular 12 credit certificate track or the 18 credit advanced track. The program admits new students two times each year. Courses cover key concepts like research methods, pedagogy, instructional communication, conflict resolution, leadership, media ethics, and crisis communication.
The University of Southern Indiana is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of Wisconsin—Whitewater offers a Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication. Students may customize their education by selecting the courses that best suit their professional interests. All classes meet asynchronously online to help accommodate busy students. The 9 required credits can potentially be completed in just 1 semester.
UW-Whitewater is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Washington State University offers an online program for a Strategic Communications Graduate Certificate. This program is designed for students interested in public relations, advertising, and digital communications careers. To graduate, students must complete the 12 required credits while maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher. Potential courses include Multimedia Content Creation, Ethics for Professionals, and Crisis Communication.
WSU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Getting Your Graduate Certificate in Communications Online
An online communications graduate certificate is a strategic way for professionals to elevate their careers or branch off into new ones. Communications professionals provide infrastructure to organizations, and they’re needed in a wide range of industries.
A graduate certificate in communication lets you study advanced communication principles and theory, enhancing your knowledge and skill sets in this essential, versatile discipline. Some graduate certificate courses can even count toward graduate online strategic communications degree requirements in related subjects, such as a masters in strategic communications online or on campus, for example.
You can start researching accredited universities today to discover which communications graduate certificate programs best suit your personal interests and professional goals.
