Graduate Certificate in Communications Online

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Overview

Advance Your Critical Thinking Skills With a Certificate in Communications

The Graduate Certificate of Completion in Communications at Grand Canyon University supports career advancement for students who are passionate about the communication and education fields. This online graduate certificate program in communications prepares you to teach undergraduate courses on campus or online at two-year or four-year institutions. You will deepen your knowledge in communications and advance your educational training, while developing leadership and critical thinking skills. 

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Why GCU

Benefits of GCU's Graduate Certificate in Communications

For undergraduate students, developing communication skills is essential for all types of career paths as employers seek soft skills in their candidates. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers Job Outlook Survey, employers highly value the ability to verbally and non-verbally communicate and create and edit written documents.1 As a future college instructor, you will play a strong role in shaping future professionals who are equipped with these sought-after skills, along with the foundation for storytelling and writing compelling, persuasive copy

By completing this graduate certificate in communications online, you will be able to fulfill graduate course requirements necessary for teaching at the postsecondary level. This program provides a pathway for students with a teaching background who are seeking the 18 credits required for teaching positions at a community college, university or other undergraduate institution. 

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Complete Your Certificate Online

GCU offers this 20-credit program 100% online to meet the needs of the adult learner. The convenience and flexibility of distance learning enables working professionals to self-pace their learning at times and locations that work best for them. Through an innovative digital learning platform, you will collaborate with peers, interact with instructors and access a wide range of student support resources. 

Coursework

Graduate Certificate in Communications Course Topics

This certificate’s curriculum balances communication content, such as intercultural and relational content, with modern pedagogy subject matter to support the professional development of current educators. Teachers who pursue continuing education will not only have the opportunity for career growth, but they’ll experience personal growth as a lifelong learner.

This online graduate certificate program in communications mirrors GCU’s Master of Arts in Communication with an Emphasis in Education, which is structured around the focus areas of pedagogy, theory and practice. Through an emphasis on practical application, you will be prepared to teach a diverse and eclectic range of communication courses.

You will explore the following:

Relationships in the workplace

Focus on theories of interpersonal communication and relational communication theories to address workplace relationship issues.

Organizations, culture and society

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

Strategic communication

Prepare to craft contextually sensitive, effective and ethical organizational messages for diverse audiences based on concepts and theories of strategic communication.

Training, learning and pedagogy

Learn principles of pedagogy and student learning within the context of communication studies by applying education frameworks and praxis-based training.

Media literacy

Evaluate theories, methodologies and effects of media consumption, such as the role and influence of television, radio, social media, blogs and websites, etc., while also participating in applied projects and group projects.

Careers

Career Opportunities With a Graduate Certificate in Communications 

Coupled with a relevant bachelor's or master's degree, this certificate teaches you core competencies that are helpful in pursuing possible positions such as a college instructor, professor or adjunct faculty member. Potential workplace settings include public and private colleges and universities, along with technical/vocational schools

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

Public relations manager

Fundraising manager

Reporter/journalist

Editor

Writer

FAQ

Certificate in Communications Program FAQs

If you are interested in learning more about online graduate certificate programs in communications, please review our answers to frequently asked questions below.

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Start Your Journey Today

Apply for enrollment in GCU’s graduate certificate in communications today. Complete the form on this page to get started.

Apply Now

1 National Communication Association (2016, March). Why Study Communication? Retrieved January 2023.

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