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Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
Medium of studying
Fully Online
Duration
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Courses
Major
Public Relations | Media Studies | Communication Studies
Area of study
Information and Communication Technologies | Social Sciences
Education type
Fully Online
Course Language
English
About Program

Program Overview


Certificate of Graduate Study in Communication

Overview

The Certificate of Graduate Study in Communication at the University at Albany is a fully online program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of complex communication processes in organizations, between businesses, and between companies, consumers, and the general public.


Program of Study

To earn this certificate, students are required to take 12 credits comprised of three course options offered in their selected area of concentration, organizational or strategic communication. Then, they will take a fourth concentration course option, or one of the course options for the other concentration area.


Organizational Communication Course Options

  • Communication & Culture Across Organizational Contexts
  • Communicating Globally
  • Interaction in Institutional Contexts
  • Communication, Work, and Organizational Life
  • Leadership Communication
  • Corporate Communication

Strategic Communication Course Options

  • Understanding Data in Strategic Communication
  • New Media and Engagement
  • Risk and Crisis Communication in the Public Interest
  • Digital and Social Media in Strategic Communication

Admissions Requirements

Deadlines

  • Fall: Rolling
  • Spring: Rolling
  • Summer: Rolling

Required Application Materials

  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Resume
  • Personal Statement
  • Writing Sample

Personal Statement

The personal statement should inform the Admissions Committee about what the applicant hopes to gain from studying Communication at the graduate level. It should be informative about:


  • How the applicant expects graduate studies in Communication to be relevant to and supportive of their plans and goals after receiving their degree
  • What the applicant hopes to learn as a graduate student and how that will benefit them
  • What it is about the UAlbany program in particular that led the applicant to apply

Writing Sample

The writing sample should demonstrate the applicant's ability to analyze and reason about the claims and thinking presented in others' texts, and to write arguments supporting their claims.


Student Learning Objectives

  • Organizational communication concentration: Apply knowledge of theory and research within the field of organizational communication to understanding and explaining communication phenomena experienced within practical contexts, and proposing courses of action designed to achieve relevant communication-related goals.
  • Strategic communication concentration: Apply knowledge of theory and research within the field of strategic communication to understanding, explaining, designing, and critiquing communication practices that aim to build and sustain engagement between audiences and message designers, with a particular focus on online platforms, in a variety of social contexts.

Program Outline


It allows you to specialize in either organizational communication or strategic communication, depending on your interests and career goals.

The program is entirely online, offering flexibility and convenience for working professionals.


Objectives:

  • Organizational Communication: Understand organizational communication theory and research to analyze and solve communication problems within business contexts.
  • Strategic Communication: Apply strategic communication theory and research to design and evaluate effective communication practices for engaging audiences in various social contexts.

Program Description:

This graduate certificate provides advanced knowledge and skills in communication, equipping you to excel in today's dynamic and digital environment. The program focuses on critical communication theories, research methods, and practical application through case studies and real-world projects.


Outline:


Organizational Communication:

  • Communication & Culture Across Organizational Contexts: Explores the impact of culture on organizational communication within diverse settings.
  • Communicating Globally: Focuses on effective communication strategies for a globalized business environment.
  • Interaction in Institutional Contexts: Examines communication dynamics within various institutional settings.
  • Communication, Work, and Organizational Life: Analyzes the role of communication in shaping work experiences and organizational culture.
  • Leadership Communication: Develops effective communication skills for leading and motivating others in organizational contexts.
  • New Media and Engagement: Explores the use of new media technologies for effective audience engagement.
  • Risk and Crisis Communication in the Public Interest: Develops strategies for managing communication during crises and mitigating risks.

Careers:

This program prepares graduates for a variety of careers in communication, including:

  • Organizational Communication: Communication Manager, Internal Communications Specialist, Change Management Consultant, Human Resources Manager, Training and Development Specialist.
  • You can apply all credits earned in this program towards a Master's degree in Communication at UAlbany.
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About University
PhD
Masters
Bachelors
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Overview:

University at Albany, also known as the University at Albany - State University of New York, is a public research university located in Albany, New York. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and has a long history, having been established in 1844. The university is known for its diverse academic programs, strong research focus, and commitment to public engagement.


Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

    Academic Advising:

    Provides guidance and support to students in choosing courses, planning their academic careers, and navigating university resources.

    Libraries:

    Offers access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other research materials.

    Career Services:

    Assists students in exploring career options, developing job search skills, and connecting with potential employers.

    Student Life:

    Provides opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events.

    Residential Life:

    Offers on-campus housing options for students, fostering a sense of community and providing support services.

    Dining:

    Provides a variety of dining options on campus, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.

    Athletics:

    Offers a variety of intercollegiate sports programs for students to participate in or cheer for.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at University at Albany can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events. The campus is located in a city setting, providing easy access to cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and dining options.


Key Reasons to Study There:

    Diverse Academic Programs:

    The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, allowing students to pursue their interests and career goals.

    Strong Research Focus:

    The university is a leading research institution, providing students with opportunities to engage in research projects and collaborate with faculty experts.

    Commitment to Public Engagement:

    The university is deeply committed to serving the community and addressing societal challenges through research, outreach, and public service initiatives.

    Faculty Access:

    The university has a low student-faculty ratio, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to interact with and learn from their professors.

Academic Programs:

The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

    Undergraduate Programs:

    Over 50 undergraduate majors across various disciplines, including the arts, sciences, humanities, social sciences, business, education, and engineering.

    Graduate Programs:

    A wide range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, in fields such as business, education, public health, criminal justice, and the sciences.

    Online Learning:

    Offers a variety of online courses and programs for students who prefer flexible learning options.

Other:

The university has a strong alumni network, with over 195,000 alumni who support the university and its students. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, focusing on areas such as nanotechnology, public health, and environmental science.

Total programs
265
Average ranking globally
#425
Average ranking in the country
#129
Location
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