Program Overview

Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication

The Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication is designed to provide students with the basic knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to thrive in an increasingly connected and digital communication environment. This 15-credit-hour graduate degree builds on the Manship School's nationally recognized expertise in media and public affairs, allowing for specializations such as health and science communication, politics and issue advocacy, or sports communication.

Strategic Communication Certificate Curriculum

The Strategic Communication Certificate is designed to be completed in three semesters as a part-time student. The curriculum develops skills and knowledge in the writing, research, ethics, and professional application of strategic communication using traditional and new media.

• Core courses:
  • MC 7019, Media Systems: Policy and Technology (Emerging Media): Studying emerging media effects on culture, economics, politics, and the presentation of news.
  • MC 7042, Foundations of Strategic Communication: Overview of strategic communication, concentrating on theory, research, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
  • MC 7043, Strategic Communication Campaigns: Conceptualization and practice of strategic communication in various settings, implementing campaigns to align and advance organizational and stakeholder goals.
• Electives:
  • Students complete two electives to focus their training within the certificate, choosing from courses such as:
    • MC 7018 Legal Problems of the Mass Media
    • MC 7032 Health & Science Communication
    • MC 7033 Race & Gender in Political Communication
    • MC 7040 Crisis Communication
    • MC 7041 Political Communication Writing
    • MC 7044 Visual Communication
    • MC 7999 Special Topics in Mass Communication

Admission Requirements

• Minimum cumulative 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
• Submission of:
  • All transcripts from prior universities/colleges attended.
  • A statement of purpose.
  • A resume.
  • A writing sample.
  • Three recommendation letters.
  • A TOEFL score (for international applicants).
• A GRE score is technically required, but the Manship School may consider waiving it for Strategic Communication Certificate applicants.

Application Deadline

Applications are accepted year-round for either a fall or spring program start. For fall, applications are considered between January and July. For spring, applications are considered between July and November.