Professional Communication (GC)

Summary

Well-rounded communication requires knowing how to interact strategically in face-to-face and online settings. This graduate certificate prepares students with the skills to communicate in a variety of professional contexts including corporate, nonprofit, and government. Through theory and practice, students will learn to craft and adapt strategic messages for professional settings.

Catalog Year

2024-2025

Degree

Certificate

Major Credits

18

Total Credits

18

Locations

Online

Career Cluster

Arts, Audio/Video, Technology, and Communications

Program Requirements

Common Core

This course introduces graduate study in the varied fields of mediated communication. It uses a theory-driven, case-study approach to introduce common theoretical approaches to media study and professional practice.

Prerequisites: none

Provides a foundation in public relations management within different types of organizations. Includes coverage and critical evaluation of organizational structures, management styles, strategy implementation, crisis communication, and other situations within public relations management.

Prerequisites: none

This course, to be taken in the first year of MS coursework, addresses technical communication as both an academic and professional field. The course surveys history, foundational scholarship, research questions, and research methods in the academic field of technical communication. Students will explore the relationships between the scholarship and the practice of technical communication.

Prerequisites: none

Restricted Electives

Communication Studies - Choose 6 Credit(s). * COMM 510, COMM 515, and COMM 640 require permission from the Graduate Coordinator in Communication & Media.

A focus on the theory and practice of developing advocacy campaigns. Topics include audience research, message creation, message distribution, network analysis, and campaign effectiveness.

Prerequisites: none

Special interest courses devoted to specific topics within relationship communication. Topics vary, and course may be retaken for credit under different topic headings.

Prerequisites: none

This course is designed to develop an understanding of speech communication in the organizational context. The course will aid each individual in working more effectively within any type of organization through exposure to major theories and works in the area of organizational communication.

Prerequisites: none

Special interest courses devoted to specific topics within the intersecting fields of rhetoric and culture. Topics vary, and course may be retaken for credit under different topic headings.

Prerequisites: none

A crisis communication strategy is critical for organizations. Students learn a thorough examination of crisis typologies, theoretical approaches, applications, crisis management, and communication strategies. The course addresses the crisis management process including mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Focus is on practical application of crisis communication theories using case studies.

Prerequisites: none

A critical analysis of contemporary social movement discourse and the means for advocacy by a movement. We examine communication theories, issues, trends, social movement processes, advocacy strategies, and how it all ties back into the field of contemporary communication studies.

Prerequisites: none

Grassroots campaigning is a proven strategy of civic discourse, engagement, and advocacy. Grassroots organizing works from the bottom up and is uniquely suited to engage historically marginalized constituencies and to amplify the voiced of traditionally excluded populations. This course emphasizes a practical, skills-based approach grassroots advocacy using communication strategies and tactics.

Prerequisites: none

This course will focus on preparing professional trainers and developers in communication teaching, training and development.

Prerequisites: none

This course provides both graduate students and faculty the opportunity to work together with a specific theme that is timely and relevant to the field. May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: none

Theory and practice of social media in professional settings. Includes strategies for content development, network analysis, and analytics.

Prerequisites: none

Technical Communication - Choose 3 - 4 Credit(s).

Students learn how to research and write technical information for multiple cultures, both locally and internationally.

Prerequisites: none

Analysis and training focused on concepts and practices of visual design as they relate to technical and professional communication.

Prerequisites: none

Theory and practice in the development and production of proposals, focusing on the researching, writing, and management of proposals by technical communicators.

Prerequisites: none

Degree Plan

The Degree Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual degree plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan.
* Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.

First Year

Fall - 9 Credits

This course introduces graduate study in the varied fields of mediated communication. It uses a theory-driven, case-study approach to introduce common theoretical approaches to media study and professional practice.

Prerequisites: none

This course, to be taken in the first year of MS coursework, addresses technical communication as both an academic and professional field. The course surveys history, foundational scholarship, research questions, and research methods in the academic field of technical communication. Students will explore the relationships between the scholarship and the practice of technical communication.

Prerequisites: none

Spring - 9 Credits

Provides a foundation in public relations management within different types of organizations. Includes coverage and critical evaluation of organizational structures, management styles, strategy implementation, crisis communication, and other situations within public relations management.

Prerequisites: none

Policies

Admission and completion of the Professional Communication graduate certificate are set by the policies of the College of Graduate Studies and Research.