Strategic Communication Certificate

Enhance your ability to promote your organization's image, facilitate relationships between your company and stakeholders, and develop talent within your workplace. The skills you build through our curriculum will have immediate applications to workplace concerns such as image/brand management, organizational administration, and social media curation. This 12-hour (four course) certificate will help you improve your organization’s reputation in today’s saturated media landscape.

Communication and Media

What courses will I take?

This certificate consists of four courses for a total of 12 credit hours.

  • Sample Seminars in Strategic Communication (6 hrs.)
  • Seminars in Communication Education (3 hrs.)
  • Sample Seminars in Visual and Digital Media (3 hrs.)

Explore samples of our seminar syllabi descriptions from recent semesters:

Sample Seminars in Strategic Communication (6 hrs.)

Crisis Communication

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the theories, principles, and strategies employed in managing communication during times of organizational crises. Students will examine various types of crises, including natural disasters, product recalls, reputation crises, and digital crises, analyzing their impact on organizations and stakeholders. Through case studies, simulations, and real-world examples, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of effective crisis communication strategies, crisis response planning, risk assessment, stakeholder engagement, and reputation management. The course will also cover crisis communication across diverse platforms, including traditional media, social media, and emerging digital technologies. By the end of this course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and effectively communicate through crises, protecting organizational reputation and building stakeholder trust.

Corporate Social Responsibility

This graduate-level course in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) explores the evolving role of businesses in society and the ethical and strategic implications of integrating social and environmental considerations into organizational practices. Students will examine the conceptual frameworks, theories, and practical approaches to CSR, critically analyzing the impact of businesses on stakeholders, communities, and the environment. Through case studies, discussions, and projects, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of CSR strategies, including sustainability initiatives, philanthropy, responsible governance, and stakeholder engagement. This course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess, design, and implement effective CSR strategies that align with organizational goals while contributing to sustainable development and social change.

Seminars in Communication Education (3 hrs.)

Teaching Speech in Higher Education

This course provides educators with the knowledge and skills to effectively teach and mentor students in the art of public speaking and oral communication in a higher education setting. Students will explore the theories, principles, and best practices in teaching speech, including instructional design, assessment strategies, and feedback techniques. Through experiential learning, practical exercises, and analysis of effective speech instruction, students will develop instructional approaches that foster critical thinking, confidence, and effective communication skills in their students. The course will also address the integration of technology and digital tools for enhancing speech instruction. By the end of the course, students will have gained the expertise to design and deliver engaging, student-centered speech instruction that empowers learners to communicate effectively in academic and professional contexts.

Andragogy and Instructional Ethics

This course explores the principles and practices of adult learning and the ethical considerations involved in facilitating effective and meaningful learning experiences. Students will delve into the theories and frameworks of andragogy, examining the unique characteristics and motivations of adult learners. Through critical analysis and reflection, students will explore instructional strategies, methods, and technologies that align with adult learning principles. The course will also delve into ethical considerations, such as fostering an inclusive and respectful learning environment, addressing power dynamics, ensuring learner autonomy, and maintaining academic integrity. By the end of the course, students will have gained a deep understanding of andragogy and instructional ethics, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and facilitate ethical, learner-centered learning experiences for adult learners.

Seminars in Visual and Digital Media (3 hrs.)

Social Media

This course dives into the information systems which network our lives through everyday domains: work, school, romance, commerce, conversation, and more. Students will define the physical means of information translation through internet-connected technologies. Students will examine the cause and effect of when digital interconnectedness enters new aspects of our lives and will explore how sustained use of digital tools influences who we are and how we communicate. Students will question who has the power in the relationship between self and machine. By the end of the course, students will develop projects about large social topics like work, race, or transportation, using storytelling on the individual level to further understand and empathize with broad abstract impacts.

Media, Labor, and Power

This course critically examines the complex relationship between media industries, labor practices, and the exercise of power in contemporary society. Students will explore the role of media in shaping public opinion, constructing narratives, and influencing social, cultural, and political dynamics. Through a multidisciplinary lens, students will analyze the labor conditions, production processes, and economic structures within media industries. The course will also delve into the ethical considerations of media production, labor exploitation, and the impact of media consolidation on representation and diversity. By the end of the course, students will have developed a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between media, labor, and power, enabling them to critically engage with the media landscape and advocate for media practices that prioritize ethical labor standards, inclusivity, and democratic media environments.