Online Graduate Communication Certificate

Online

Online Graduate Communication Certificate

Online

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Degree Level

Master's

Class Setting

Online

Area of Study

Business

Program

Grad. Cert. in Communication

Current Education Level

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Citizenship Status

U.S. Citizen

Military Affiliation

No military affiliation

Country

United States

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Overview

Explore Core Principles That Shape Modern Communication

Communication is a cornerstone in every career field, and employers consistently rank it among the most valuable skills. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers Job Outlook Survey, the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and nonverbally, and to craft and edit written content is highly sought after.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

This communication certificate at Grand Canyon University can help you deepen your knowledge, strengthen your educational training and develop essential leadership and critical thinking skills.

Graduate Certificate of Completion in Communication

Offered By

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Class Settings

Online

Tuition Rate

Online: $610 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 20

Online: 8 weeks

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Transfer Credits

The University will accept one course of the total certificate requirements in transfer.

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Master's)

Undergraduate Degree*
2.8+ GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

GMAT: 500
GRE: 300 combined**

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).

Why GCU

Strengthen Communication Skills Through Faith-Based Education

Effective communication shapes how ideas are shared, relationships are built and understanding is achieved. GCU’s experienced faculty help students develop this essential skill through engaging, faith-integrated courses that emphasize storytelling, persuasive writing and practical application.

Flexible Online Learning

GCU offers this communications certificate online to meet the needs of adult learners. This flexible program allows working professionals to balance education with career and personal commitments. Students benefit from a digital learning platform, collaboration with peers, engagement with experienced instructors and access to various support resources.

Shorter Duration

The graduate certificate in communication offers an accelerated timeline, enabling you to quickly acquire specialized skills without disrupting their careers. It’s ideal for enhancing professional performance and credentials while maintaining a flexible schedule.

Transferability

Credits earned in GCU’s graduate certificate program can transfer directly to related master’s programs, such as the Master of Arts in Communication. Beginning with the certificate can help you establish a solid foundation while keeping options open for further study.

Coursework

Graduate Communications Certificate Online Coursework

This graduate-level program is designed for educators and professionals who want to deepen their understanding of communication theory and its practical applications. The curriculum emphasizes both interpersonal and organizational communication, while also addressing ethical and legal issues related to communication. During the program, you will be taught effective communication techniques for today’s complex professional environments.

Through advanced study, you can enhance your understanding of how messages are created, delivered and interpreted, which can prepare you to guide students as they develop into skilled communicators.

You will study the following:

Relationships in the Workplace

Explore theories of interpersonal communication and relational communication to address workplace relationship dynamics and conflict resolution.

Organizations, Culture and Society

Investigate theoretical approaches to organizational culture, how it is communicated to audiences and an organization’s role within society.

Strategic Communication

Prepare to craft contextually sensitive, practical and ethical organizational messages for diverse audiences using strategic communication principles.

Training, Learning and Pedagogy

Apply educational frameworks and praxis-based training to understand pedagogy and student learning within the context of communication studies.

Media Literacy

Evaluate theories and methodologies related to media consumption, including the influence of television, radio, social media, blogs and websites, while participating in applied and group projects.

Ethical and Legal Issues in Communication

Examine the ethical principles and legal considerations that shape communication practices in academic, organizational and media contexts.

Careers

Career Paths for Graduate Communication Certificate Holders

This online graduate certificate program can provide valuable skills applicable in various fields such as marketing, corporate training, organizational leadership and media‑related roles. These roles focus on message development, analysis and strategy, to help improve communication effectiveness in any profession.

Other related careers you may pursue with a graduate certificate in communications include:

Public relations specialist

Fundraising manager

Corporate communications manager

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore answers to our most frequently asked questions to learn more about the graduate communications certificate online program and our flexible, career-focused program.

What do you learn in communications courses?

What skills are needed to succeed in a graduate certificate in communications program?

Students in a graduate certificate in communications program should have well-developed skills in both verbal and nonverbal communication, along with strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities. Cultural awareness is also essential, as effectively communicating often requires understanding diverse perspectives. These core competencies can not only benefit you during the program but are also useful across most professional careers.

What can you do with a communications certificate?

What is the difference between a graduate communication certificate and a master’s degree?

A graduate certificate in communications is a specialized program that can enhance skills in areas such as interpersonal communication and organizational communication. The program is geared toward professionals with degrees who seek to strengthen their expertise without pursuing a master’s degree. The certificate can enhance your current qualifications and serve as a credential to position yourself for potential career advancement or a steppingstone toward a master’s degree.

In contrast, a master’s degree in communication offers a comprehensive study and includes advanced theories, research methods and a capstone or thesis.

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

Major20 credits

Degree Requirements20 credits

Core Courses

COM-500

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course focuses on theories of interpersonal communication and their application in a variety of professional contexts. The course builds upon a foundation of relational communication theories to address problems that arise in workplace relationships, including leadership communication, managing emotions at work, working in groups, and becoming social influencers. The course builds skills in direct and indirect messaging, listening, managing perceptions and workplace identity, negotiating conflict, and more.

COM-505

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course covers theoretical approaches to organizational culture; the processes by which organizations, create, manage, and modify organizational culture; and the ways in which organizational culture is communicated to both internal and external audiences. The course also investigates organizations’ larger relationships with society through examining corporate social responsibility, public policy, and ethics and by considering how organizations manage these spheres of influence and weigh business decisions in the larger context of the collective community in which organizations operate.

COM-510

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course focuses on the concepts and theories of strategic communication and their relevance for constructing effective and ethical organizational messages for diverse audiences. The course prepares communicators to make organizational messages meaningful to stakeholders within organizations as well as stakeholders outside organizations. Through an emphasis on real-world applications, students learn how to ethically and effectively persuade through carefully crafted, contextually sensitive messages. The course does so by examining principles and theories of argumentation, persuasion, and behavior change. Students practice skills associated with these concepts as they apply to future career contexts.

COM-515

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course emphasizes principles of pedagogy and student learning in the context of communication studies. Students are encouraged to apply education frameworks and praxis-based training to a communication classroom. Through an emphasis on real-world organizational development, traditional theories of student comprehension, and modern pedagogy, this course prepares students to teach a diverse and eclectic range of communication courses.

COM-520

4 Total Credits

Course Description

Students in this course learn the underlying theories, methodologies, and effects of media consumption. This course emphasizes the role and influence of television, radio, social media, internet blogs and websites, and other media outlets on a globalized, interconnected world. The course builds on these concepts by encouraging students to critically evaluate ever-present media messages through applied projects and group work.

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

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