Strategic Communication Certificate

Required Courses (13 credit hours)

• CO 552 - Strategic Communication & Leadership (3)
• CO 591 - Communication Theory & Research Methods (3)
• CO 632 - Strategic Communications & Social Media (3)
• MG 685 - Professional Portfolio (0.5-1)
• OD 650 - Strategic Communication (3)

Admission Requirements

Please see the Admissions page of this catalog. Upon admission into the program, the student would need to submit a current resume and a written statement of goals and objectives that clearly describes why the applicant wants to pursue this degree and how it could assist them now (or in the future) in achieving their professional or career goals.

Applicants for degree-seeking admission who do not meet minimum requirements for regular admission may be considered for regular admission with a student status as good standing or probation. All students who complete the application will be considered for an admission decision, including admission, denial of admission, or admission in a non-degree seeking category. Students admitted on probation may have probationary conditions set at the point of admission. All degree-seeking applicants should apply for regular admission.

If admitted, the admission decision will also contain the accepted student status. As determined by the school, an applicant whose coursework does not reflect a foundation in communication may be required to complete prerequisite coursework during the first semester of attendance.

Professional Conduct

Students in the program are expected to conduct themselves as professionals-in-training both inside and outside the virtual classroom. We encourage and expect students to treat others (including classmates and instructors) with sensitivity and dignity. Impairment, incompetence, ethical misconduct, and/or problematic behavior may be identified and addressed in a variety of ways and by a variety of persons, including but not limited to students, faculty, supervisors, clients, and/or members of the community. If student behaviors or attitudes are egregious, he or she may be dismissed immediately. If student behaviors or attitudes are less dire, they will be addressed in a confidential meeting with the student’s faculty advisor and/or Dean of the College of Professional Schools who will make a plan for remediation in an articulated time frame. At the end of the stated period, during which time the students would be placed on probation, he or she could return to Student in Good Standing status, continue on probation, or be dismissed depending upon the ability to successfully complete the corrective action. Students may appeal this process at any time.

Outcomes

• Effective Diverse Communication- Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively from diverse perspectives using oral, written, visual, and technological skills.
• Historical and Theoretical Perspective- Demonstrate an understanding of the theory and history of media and communication research.
• Real-World Communication- Create innovative, real-world communication projects that persuade, inform, or entertain.
• Ethical Decision-making- Demonstrate an ability to examine ethical decision-making from diverse perspectives.

Assessment

The Communication Department will assess the outcomes for the graduate communication degree program through a combination of written and performance examinations and assignments in addition to self, peer, instructor, and communication faculty evaluations and reviews. These outcomes will be outlined in detail in individual course syllabi. The school internally sets benchmarks for assessment.