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

2020-2021

Degree

Certificate

Total Credits

18

Locations

Online

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Program Requirements

Common Core

This course is designed to enhance the communication skills of professionals. Students will learn theory and techniques of presentation for academic conferences, professional meetings, business and industry presentations, interviews, and group meetings. The use of technology in professional communication will be highlighted.

Prerequisites: none

Rhetorical theory applied to technical documents, including an examination of how workplace cultures shape writing assumptions and approaches.

Prerequisites: none

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

Restricted Electives

Communication Studies - Choose 3 Credit(s).

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

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Prerequisites: none

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

Prerequisites: none

Mass Media - Choose 3 Credit(s).

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

Prerequisites: none

Special interest courses devoted to specific topics within mass media theory and practice. Topics vary, and course may be retaken for credit under different topic headings.

Prerequisites: none

Technical Communication - Choose 3 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

* Note: CMST 510 and CMST 515 are permission-based courses. Students need to contact the Graduate Studies Coordinator of the Department of Communication Studies to check whether the courses will meet the requirements of the certificate program.

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

Elective Course in Major * 3 credits

Elective Course in Major * 3 credits

Spring - 9 Credits

This course is designed to enhance the communication skills of professionals. Students will learn theory and techniques of presentation for academic conferences, professional meetings, business and industry presentations, interviews, and group meetings. The use of technology in professional communication will be highlighted.

Prerequisites: none

Rhetorical theory applied to technical documents, including an examination of how workplace cultures shape writing assumptions and approaches.

Prerequisites: none

Elective Course in Major * 3 credits